Desert or tropical!
- Thread starter gary90
- Start date
ReptiGeek
New Member
Definitely use tropical, 5.0 UVB.
Most UVB bulbs have a date of expiration on them. If your old bulb is a coil it is most likely done. It can still emit light no problem, but the UVB rays will be next to nothing and your cham won't get the sufficient rays to properly accommodate calcium, etc.
Hope this helped,
Cheers.
Most UVB bulbs have a date of expiration on them. If your old bulb is a coil it is most likely done. It can still emit light no problem, but the UVB rays will be next to nothing and your cham won't get the sufficient rays to properly accommodate calcium, etc.
Hope this helped,
Cheers.
torquasprings
New Member
Tropical, for sure. I use Reptisun 5.0. The desert model (10.0) is too much UVB radiation. The bulbs need replacement every 6 months for most chameleons like Veiled and panther Chams, but 8 months is OK if you own montane species like Kinyongia or Jackson's. The amount of previous usage of your current bulb would be of some help. If you only used it for 1 month and unplugged it, in theory you should have 5 more months left on it. I would still get a new one... it's just safer that way.
ReptiGeek
New Member
Like what torquasprings just said, if you didn't use it and it was kept in the box and hasn't expired it should still give off some UVB rays, but honestly think about the safer side of things. It all comes down to your chameleons health, that's the main priority. If you are unsure about anything, go with the safe bet. Yes, it's going to cost you, but would you rather your chameleon fall ill? It costs less to provide the proper equipment, rather then a hefty vet bill, or worse, a new cham.
If it was a 10, you could always add a piece of screen between it and the screen top to lessen the intensity, but the 5.0 is fine.
Olimpia
Biologist & Ecologist
I use 10.0 with all of mine, it certainly is not "too much" UVB radiation when you use a cage that is properly set-up, with areas of dense foliage to escape the light if they want to. Remember that Veileds don't come from rain forests, and even panthers are high sun-loving too.
Use whatever makes you comfortable, but there's nothing to suggest that a 10.0 will in any way harm a chameleon that is in a properly set-up cage with the plants and vines you're supposed to have anyway.
Use whatever makes you comfortable, but there's nothing to suggest that a 10.0 will in any way harm a chameleon that is in a properly set-up cage with the plants and vines you're supposed to have anyway.
I have allot of customers *carefully* using the Arcadia 12% T5's on free range, on large tall cages and with layers of screening and / or UV free zones created buy using glass.
(note: By using glass - you get a UV free zone but keep the light for plants
And also allot of the UV A can penetrate the glass... and that is good.see pics.
But all these folks have Solarmeters.
So there is no guessing and chance they will *fry* anything.
And good folliage for shade is important.
If you do not have a solarmeter and are just stuck with guessing--
I always HIGHLY recommend folks play it 100% safe and stick to 5 or 6% bulbs.
Cheers!
Todd
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