Is it good enough with my lighting?
- Thread starter speedmast
- Start date
reptilover
New Member
Most would recommend a reptiglo 5.0 for Its full spectrum has proved itself and an alternative heat either heat light or heat emiter.
reptilover
New Member
But if your bulb is putting out proper levels of both UVB and uva u should be a ok!
125watt seems high is ur enclouser large? Screen?if temps are good I see no problem.
Though I haven't seen that bulb before..
speedmast
New Member
My enclouser is 18'' x 18'' x 36''.Me too,doubted that if it was too high for my enclouser before.But reading the instruction of that bulb,it said the bulb fitted my enclouser.(125W for 18'' x 18'' x 36'' and 160W for 24'' x 24'' x 48'')So I think this bulb does not overheat.By the way,here's some information about the bulb,check it out.http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/solar_glo.php
I am not familiar with that bulb; can you link specs to it? It also outputs heat? Most users use a 5.0 UVB bulb and a basic incandescent for basking
You do not need a separate UVA and UVB bulb.
You need a UVB bulb and a separate heat/basking bulb (I suggest a simple cheap incandescent for basking)
You do not need a separate UVA and UVB bulb.
You need a UVB bulb and a separate heat/basking bulb (I suggest a simple cheap incandescent for basking)
reptilover
New Member
As long as u have ur temp readings in the proper range the bulb seems fine.. kinda cool even.. I may have to look into one
carol5208
Chameleon Enthusiast
?? I am confused by your post? First you say you do not need a seperate UVA and UVB and they you say you need a uvb and a seperate basking/heat bulb- isn't that your UVA then?
speedmast
New Member
speedmast
New Member
Yes,you should have one.It's even better than reptiglo 5.0/10.0 in every level.
speedmast
New Member
that dude's like he didn't know what he's talking about
No. UVA is a different part of the UV-spectrum (there is also UVB and UVC). A visual might help, see here: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ectrum.png/395px-Electromagnetic-Spectrum.png
You need a UVB bulb for proper uv exposure (UVB is the particular part of the spectrum they need, not just "any" UV....in other words if you put a UVC light on them, this doesn't do the job and may be harmful).
You also need a "basking" spot. Really, ANY heat bulb can generate a basking spot (or you can use a ceramic heat emitter which puts out no light, but still has heat). The idea of a basking spot is that the animal gets a particular hot spot in the cage so that they can go there after they eat to heat up their bodies in order to aid digestion (remember, they are cold blooded). Typically, most people use a standard household incandescent bulb (or the $-marked up equivalent pet store brand) since these bulbs generate both light (for day/night cycle and plants) and heat. Alternatively, using LEDs or other 'cool' types of bulbs will not work for a basking spot since they put out no heat and that is the ingredient that is really needed here.
The UVB light is to give the animal that specific wavelength of UVB light; in contrast, the basking bulb is just to give the animal a "hot spot" to sit in for digestion.
I do wish to make one clarification: there are some bulbs that are "both" UVB and heat producing so they can be used as a 2-in-1. The only issue with these is that UVB bulbs typically need to be changed out every 6 months even though they still give off light/heat....and since its a 6-month changeout anyway, the higher price paid per bulb typically won't really benefit you (aside from having only 1 bulb instead of 2 to deal with). I'd be interested to hear from anyone who does use a 2in1 setup tho.
@speedmast: I looked at the link you provided but there is no technical information here that I can find
. I am sure the bulb could be used, but too much/too little UVB can be harmful and since it cannot be seen the only way to know is with a solarmeter. I am unable to find any information on the UVB output of these bulbs except a little bit found here: http://www.thetegu.com/showthread.php?9486-new-ExoTerra-Solar-Glo-test-results-are-sub-par (few years old, but somewhat recent). From my knowledge the 5.0 puts out about 50mW, so these numbers are somewhat low if they are correct. Unfortunately the http://www.uvguide.co.uk/ results are down for the moment being updated so I can't confirm (I did a quick search but didn't find any other numbers).Given the price of these bulbs and the "2-for-1" replacement issue every 6 months, it just doesn't seem like the best economic decision; however, if the UVB output were to be sufficient (and I don't think that it is based on the rough data I found), then it should theoretically be okay....but unless you own a solarmeter, I would not try an experiment....maybe other users here have tried it and can chime in, but I have not heard of much mention of these bulbs.
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speedmast
New Member
No. UVA is a different part of the UV-spectrum (there is also UVB and UVC). A visual might help, see here: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ectrum.png/395px-Electromagnetic-Spectrum.png
You need a UVB bulb for proper uv exposure (UVB is the particular part of the spectrum they need, not just "any" UV....in other words if you put a UVC light on them, this doesn't do the job and may be harmful).
You also need a "basking" spot. Really, ANY heat bulb can generate a basking spot (or you can use a ceramic heat emitter which puts out no light, but still has heat). The idea of a basking spot is that the animal gets a particular hot spot in the cage so that they can go there after they eat to heat up their bodies in order to aid digestion (remember, they are cold blooded). Typically, most people use a standard household incandescent bulb (or the $-marked up equivalent pet store brand) since these bulbs generate both light (for day/night cycle and plants) and heat. Alternatively, using LEDs or other 'cool' types of bulbs will not work for a basking spot since they put out no heat and that is the ingredient that is really needed here.
The UVB light is to give the animal that specific wavelength of UVB light; in contrast, the basking bulb is just to give the animal a "hot spot" to sit in for digestion.
I do wish to make one clarification: there are some bulbs that are "both" UVB and heat producing so they can be used as a 2-in-1. The only issue with these is that UVB bulbs typically need to be changed out every 6 months even though they still give off light/heat....and since its a 6-month changeout anyway, the higher price paid per bulb typically won't really benefit you (aside from having only 1 bulb instead of 2 to deal with). I'd be interested to hear from anyone who does use a 2in1 setup tho.
@speedmast: I looked at the link you provided but there is no technical information here that I can find
Given the price of these bulbs and the "2-for-1" replacement issue every 6 months, it just doesn't seem like the best economic decision; however, if the UVB output were to be sufficient (and I don't think that it is based on the rough data I found), then it should theoretically be okay....but unless you own a solarmeter, I would not try an experiment....maybe other users here have tried it and can chime in, but I have not heard of much mention of these bulbs.
It's kinda complicated.Whatever,I truly appreciate for your research and advice.
carol5208
Chameleon Enthusiast
No. UVA is a different part of the UV-spectrum (there is also UVB and UVC). A visual might help, see here: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ectrum.png/395px-Electromagnetic-Spectrum.png
You need a UVB bulb for proper uv exposure (UVB is the particular part of the spectrum they need, not just "any" UV....in other words if you put a UVC light on them, this doesn't do the job and may be harmful).
You also need a "basking" spot. Really, ANY heat bulb can generate a basking spot (or you can use a ceramic heat emitter which puts out no light, but still has heat). The idea of a basking spot is that the animal gets a particular hot spot in the cage so that they can go there after they eat to heat up their bodies in order to aid digestion (remember, they are cold blooded). Typically, most people use a standard household incandescent bulb (or the $-marked up equivalent pet store brand) since these bulbs generate both light (for day/night cycle and plants) and heat. Alternatively, using LEDs or other 'cool' types of bulbs will not work for a basking spot since they put out no heat and that is the ingredient that is really needed here.
The UVB light is to give the animal that specific wavelength of UVB light; in contrast, the basking bulb is just to give the animal a "hot spot" to sit in for digestion.
I do wish to make one clarification: there are some bulbs that are "both" UVB and heat producing so they can be used as a 2-in-1. The only issue with these is that UVB bulbs typically need to be changed out every 6 months even though they still give off light/heat....and since its a 6-month changeout anyway, the higher price paid per bulb typically won't really benefit you (aside from having only 1 bulb instead of 2 to deal with). I'd be interested to hear from anyone who does use a 2in1 setup tho.
@speedmast: I looked at the link you provided but there is no technical information here that I can find
Given the price of these bulbs and the "2-for-1" replacement issue every 6 months, it just doesn't seem like the best economic decision; however, if the UVB output were to be sufficient (and I don't think that it is based on the rough data I found), then it should theoretically be okay....but unless you own a solarmeter, I would not try an experiment....maybe other users here have tried it and can chime in, but I have not heard of much mention of these bulbs.
I know they need UVB!!I appreciate your explanation though. I was under the assumption that it was much more natual to them to have a white light to bask under that would simulate the sun rather than a ceramic heater. I personally would not use a heater. I am sticking with my UVA white lights.
speedmast
New Member
UrbanChameleon
New Member
I think we are a little confused because I've never heard of anyone using that particular bulb. I didn't even know it existed until just now. I don't know much about halogen bulbs, because I've heard mixed reviews on them. My main concern with that is it might be too hot. I know it says to use it with your size cage, but they aren't always correct. One of the Exo Terra heat bulb boxes told me to get a 75 watt when in all reality I need a 25 watt bulb. But all of that aside, I wouldn't use it unless I had a solar meter. It says professionals use halogen, well all of the professionals also own a solar meter. They fail to mention that.
You should make sure you are extra careful with that bulb. I'm not saying to not use it, but make sure you have the tools to use it correctly. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
You should make sure you are extra careful with that bulb. I'm not saying to not use it, but make sure you have the tools to use it correctly. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Perhaps I wasn't clear...UVA is not visible light. It is part of the ultraviolet spectrum. UVA light is not "white" nor any other color because it is not visible at all. There are bulbs that generate BOTH "white" light AND UVA light....simlarly our UVB bulbs generate both UVB (invisible) and white light. What I am trying to say is that you can use a plain white bulb that does not have UVA.
I would agree you should stick to a white basking light. I was just giving the ceramic heat emitter as an example to show the purpose of the basking bulb. I am pretty sure your assumption that its more natural for them to bask in sunlight is correct; I was simply trying to distinguish the biological need for UVB light (to produce vit d) as opposed to the need for "other" light purely to create a day/night cycle (I am unaware of any other wavelengths of light being used for actual biological purposes, but please correct me if I'm wrong on this!) I hope that makes sense
@Speedmast: Halogen bulbs do generate "extra" heat. Do be careful as that bulb will be hot.
I believe most users use the following bulbs:
-5.0 Reptisun (usually tube light, but many use the coil versions)
-40 or 60W "daylight" (or as close to 6500K as you can find) Incandescent bulb in a heat dome (any basic incandescent in a heat dome should suffice for heat generation unless you live somewhere very cold; you can get a larger wattage bulb or a halogen bulb in the case of very cold environments)
speedmast
New Member
Okay,I'm going to buy the 5.0 Reptisun & 60W "daylight'' for my chameleon.
