I'm being told that I have to get the long uvb lights and that these are no good?

[elfbane]

That is the exact lighting kit I have

 

[Extensionofgreen]

I wouldn't say they are no good, I'd say that linear are better and in this set-up( the one above ), the animal is forced into exposure to UVB in order to bask. Ideally, a chameleon should be able to choose basking and UVB exposure independently. The flip side is that with that bulb type, being forced to bask under it is the best assurance they receive enough UVB, since the coils have such dismal coverage.

 

[Replife]

I don't know what kind of enclosure you have but one uvb bulb is not ideal if you don't want to get a tube light then I would suggest you get on Craigslist eBay or Amazon and find 2 more cheap dome light fixtures and 2 more compact uvb bulbs for more coverage

 

[elfbane]

I have two live spider plants in there I am currently working on a third insert for his cage like a canopy like thing to finish it as the tops a bit bare

 

[Replife]

Wat size is it? 18×18×36?

 

[elfbane]

16" 16" 30"
My cham is still only 4-5 months old I'll upgrade when he starts to get a Lil bigger

 

[Replife]

16" 16" 30"
My cham is still only 4-5 months old I'll upgrade when he starts to get a Lil bigger

Then if I was u I would just upgrade his light system when you upgrade his enclosure Petco just had 24×24×48 for sell online for $44 not sure if they still do but awesome deal

 

[elfbane]

He seems to be doing fine I know that he wouldn't be if I hadn't gotten him at the expo it looks like he had onset mbd as his casqe isn't straight but I don't know if its from that or if its just the way he was born?

 

[Replife]

I have two live spider plants in there I am currently working on a third insert for his cage like a canopy like thing to finish it as the tops a bit bare

So you could get a pothos plant (they are a cheap vine like plant) and put it in 2 smaller plastic pots and hang them in the back corners with floral wire my phone is not letting me upload pics or I would show you wat I'm talking about also keep an eye out for a schefflera arboricola plant it's a great plant for chameleons they get pretty large but will be great for when you upgrade

 

[Replife]

He seems to be doing fine I know that he wouldn't be if I hadn't gotten him at the expo it looks like he had onset mbd as his casqe isn't straight but I don't know if its from that or if its just the way he was born?

Hmm do supplement with calcium without D3 everyday and calcium with D3 twice a month and a multivitamin twice a month?

 

[elfbane]

Well I have been doing d3 every other feeding and multi vitamin with regular cal every feeding to help boost his health he seems to be doing a little better since we got him Oct 24 at a expo I noticed his casqe was odd and I knew I had to take him home

 

[Replife]

Well I have been doing d3 every other feeding and multi vitamin with regular cal every feeding to help boost his health he seems to be doing a little better since we got him Oct 24 at a expo I noticed his casqe was odd and I knew I had to take him home

I understand how this seems to be a good idea but I would put the breaks on that immediately 2 much d3 is probably worse than no d3 it can become very toxic but they do need a small d3 boost 2× a month unless they spend lots of time in the sun then none is necessary same with the multivitamin over supplementation is not good can make for a sick animal I would like to also say I'm not picking on you just want you to get the right information none of us know better until we learned better

 

[Matt Vanilla Gorilla]

I agree with waiting till you upgrade before buying new. I did not read all the comments because I did not want to get distracted and forget to mention the following so sorry if I am repeating what someone else suggested. Lol To help your little one optimize basking where it matters the most, it would be a great idea to add a basking spot/branch right under the UV light about 6 to 8 inches from the screen! Also, the basking light (in the picture of the hood it is blue) should not be used with your chameleon at night. If you do want to/need to add heat at night, I reccoment a infrared heat emitter bulb. Beautiful baby though! You have a good eye!

 

[Replife]

Only if your home gets colder than 45-50°F otherwise no heat needed

 

[rotadennis]

You want to spread the UVB through out your tank. The ones you have will focus the UVB light. If you're looking to save some money on the fixtures just go to home depot and by a T5 or T8 light fixture. I just bought two 2foot T5 light fixtures for 5 dollars each. All you need to do is just get a cheap power cord, cut the end off and splice the wiring into the cord. (the fixture comes with the connector clamps and houses the spliced section inside the fixture, just wrap it in electrical tape when you're all done. Than all you do is just buy the T5 or T8 UVB bulb. All together cost me 35 bucks.

 

[Andee]

More d3 isn't what is actually technically necessary for healing mbd. I think a good source of d3 is definitely necessary, but what is more needed is liquid calcium as it is more easily absorbed. If you feel d3 is needed for mbd, get a d3 and vitamin shot if you can.

 

[elfbane]

I agree with waiting till you upgrade before buying new. I did not read all the comments because I did not want to get distracted and forget to mention the following so sorry if I am repeating what someone else suggested. Lol To help your little one optimize basking where it matters the most, it would be a great idea to add a basking spot/branch right under the UV light about 6 to 8 inches from the screen! Also, the basking light (in the picture of the hood it is blue) should not be used with your chameleon at night. If you do want to/need to add heat at night, I reccoment a infrared heat emitter bulb. Beautiful baby though! You have a good eye!

he has vines that run right under the lights his basking point ranges from 75° to 83° he has a few basking vines so he can pick how warm he wants to get we also have a floor heater in that room

 

[Theveiled]

I used that light and cage. I got a new light when I upgraded also. Stark seems fine, but he was only in the cage for about a month I think its an ok light for the cage though

 

[Andee]

he has vines that run right under the lights his basking point ranges from 75° to 83° he has a few basking vines so he can pick how warm he wants to get we also have a floor heater in that room

The problem with chameleons if they choose to bask in a warmer area, if it becomes to warm they won't realize until it could possibly be a serious problem.

 

[elfbane]

Yes I caught him doing the gapeing and side to side thing and as his mucus looked normal I concluded he had gotten too hot and I lowered the highest basking point by about 2" and I also got some black Friday plants to work on his insert