Doug uses uvb in all of his enclosures as do I. If we didn’t feel that there was a benefit, I doubt if either of us would invest in providing uvb for the number of enclosures that we do.

Doug and I have had numerous discussions on uvb (one lengthy one just this week) and I think that we are both in agreement on several issues. The biggest one we both agree on is that we see the most dramatic changes with higher levels of uvb rather than the lower microwatts normally produced with the standard fluorescent fixtures found in the pet stores. The changes we have both witnessed are coloration, higher activity level and an improvement in appetite. I think that we are both in agreement that reproductive behavior may also be directly influenced by higher uvb levels but neither of us can say with certainty at this point. I am not saying that lower levels are not beneficial, I just think that it may be difficult to visually see the improvement whereas higher levels 100+ bring about more dramatic and apparent results.

I do believe (my opinion) that uromastyx can utilize some of the oral d3 supplements. However, I do not believe that oral supplements alone are anywhere near as beneficial as higher levels of uvb or a combination of lower levels of uvb and some d3 supplementation. I know people that have provided d3 supplements with no uvb lighting who ended up with calcium related disease. I also know people who followed the same route without problems. I think that there is a fine line when deciding not to provide uvb and going with just oral supplements. In my opinion this fine line requires a balancing act of diet with proper Ca:P ratios (and other nutritional considerations) with the proper amount of d3 supplement. I am also fairly convinced that different types of reptiles vary in their ability to use oral d3 so what may apply for one genus may not necessarily apply for another.