How much UVB and Wattage do I really need?

[Reel]

Every website has different information on how much wattage and uvb a panther chameleon really needs. Some say 5.0 max, some say 10.0 for larger cages, some say 100 watt max, some say 150 watt for larger cages. I'm so confused on what to do. I plan on having a 29 x 29 x 48 cage and a 29 x29 x 72 cage. How much wattage and uvb do I want for these size cages? How can I find a website thats actually based on science and not only on personal experiences? How do you guys gather the right information with so many websites all saying something different? I also need to know how far to keep the basking vines from the bulb. And does my chameleon know not to get too close if its providing too much uvb at the top of the cage? I'd love your help! Thanks

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. This website has some good information.
http://www.reptileuv.com/

 

[NHenn]

There is so much information because there is never one answer for everything. There are a ton of factors that go into the correct lighting and what bulb is best for your setup.

If I had to guess I would recommend a 6% Arcadia bulb for UVB and I would assume a 75 watt basking bulb should be fine. I use and recommend a double fixture for my UVB bulb as having one in combination with a 6.5k daylight bulb is some of the best full spectrum lighting you can provide your chameleon with.

The only way to know for sure what your cage requires is to buy a Solar Meter 6.2 (About $200) and get a few digital therm with probes and check everything out and adjust as necessary. If you want to go off personal experience, a double fixture with 6% arcadia and 75 watt basking with a branch about 8-10" below should work fine.

 

[Decadancin]

The problem with these "answers" is that they are not absolute. If you are using a 10.0 or 12% tube UVB and the bulb is new, and the bulb is outside the enclosure (screen between the bulb and cham) and you are concerned about over-exposure, you may want to use a temporary extra screen for a month or two to minimize the intensity. You get varied levels from different fixtures (reflectors) so best bet is to have plenty of foliage for them to self regulate. They should do this with no issues unless they are very young. For the most accurate information on levels you will need a solar meter.

 

[jamjam]

I can see why your so conflicted but as many said theres so many factors to make a single answer. a 50w in my house may heat up more than a 50 in yours do to house temperature, air flow, fans AC. they all contribute. basking bulbs are a trail and error thing for everybody with no single answer as long as it provides the appropriate gradient you are looking for. UV lights are a bit easier to understand but if one goes outside alot more they dont need as strong of one inside. thickness of screen and everything also make a difference. your best bet to be accurate with that as mentioned is a 6.2 solarmeter which are not cheap.

on another note i think the 5.0 is mentioned alot more by people and places like reptile books usually because the housing is wrong. and a 5.0 may not provide an adequate amount. The arcadia bulbs are a great choice, I'm almost tinking with a 72" cage a 12% could be used but recommend a solarmeter just to be safe cause they put out a hefty amount. as well with that height of a cage maybe even a quad fixture althought my double T5HO is super bright

 

[jannb]

The most important thing with lighting as far as heat goes is a good digital temp gun. The wattage is not important, it's the correct temps and you really need a good way to check the temps. Also a UVB meter is excellent for checking the UV. That way you don't have to guess.

 

[fuzzhc]

The most important thing with lighting as far as heat goes is a good digital temp gun. The wattage is not important, it's the correct temps and you really need a good way to check the temps. Also a UVB meter is excellent for checking the UV. That way you don't have to guess.

I've always used a probe wrapped round the basking branch, would this be wrong to take the basking temp? I've got a gun aswell that I use for my bosc but to measure the basking temp for the chams would I point it at the basking branch or the cham it's self?

Edit: sorry for butting into the conversation lol

 

[jannb]

I've always used a probe wrapped round the basking branch, would this be wrong to take the basking temp? I've got a gun aswell that I use for my bosc but to measure the basking temp for the chams would I point it at the basking branch or the cham it's self?

Edit: sorry for butting into the conversation lol

Point it on your chameleon.

 

[fuzzhc]

Point it on your chameleon.

Thanks alot jannb