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Five lined skink

22 11:50:36

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I live in myrtle beach sc  and have recently acquired a a five lined blue tailed skink.....it's about 4 1/2 inches long .......my question is I know it needs UVB but does it need UVA as well? I can't seem to find a straight answer online....my UVA says it provides heat and light.....it's in a ten gallon has a hot side with a heat pad and a cool side for it's water and right now just has a UVB light dead center....I put a faux rock/ hide out on hot side .......cause some "experts say UVB only but if that's the case how do they bask on top of rock if heat pad is under aquarium ......thanks for your time and any help you can give on this, I really appreciate it!

ANSWER: Hello Rip,

Send a picture if you have a chance, I love those little skinks, they are so pretty.
Yes, it will need UVA.  The regular basking lights or household lights emit UVA as it is the natural lighting spectrum.  They do need some heating.  
I would provide a basking spot or a range from 95-105 that way he can bask where he wants to but be sure to maintain a cooler end around 78-82 or so.  
What type of thermometer do you use to measure the temperatures?  The heating pad is fine, just adjust the wattage of basking light according so he doesn't overheat.  Or you can turn the heating pad off during the day while the basking light is being used & then turn the heating pad on at night for him.

Thanks.  Let me know how he is doing.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

hydro
hydro  

zilla therm/habitat
zilla therm/habitat  
QUESTION: the thermometer is from zilla it shows temp and relative humidity i just moved him in this environment....attached are pics of thermometer, habitat and hydro, thats its name lol......i dusted his worm with supplement powder and he ate it so thats good.....will having both lights on in such a small space cause it to get too hot? Thanks for the quick response you gave i appreciate you taking the time.....

Answer
Hello Rip,

Sorry for the delay.
The pictures are great!  Thanks for posting them.  
I think he is beautiful.  
What are the temperatures getting to?  
As long as there is a good gradient of the cooler end around 78-82 then he should be able to thermoregulate himself.  
That is great he ate a dusted worm.  Has he had anymore today?
You can also leave a small dish of calcium in his tank in case he wants more calcium.  

Let me know how he is doing.  He is so cute!

Tracie