Light is an important aspect of keeping your pet reptile or amphibian healthy and any plants in the tank alive. In nature, reptiles and amphibians have evolved to take advantage of sunlight in many different ways, primarily as a source of heat and UVB radiation, both of which aid metabolic processes. In captivity, lighting is primarily used with three different goals in mind: to provide heat, to provide UVB radiation, or as lighting for live plants. Any vivarium plants will need lighting to stay healthy and alive.