large enclosure uvb lighting question

[jarwintee]

hi guys, i currently have a veiled chameleon, male, inside a reptibreeze enclosure 24x24x48 with a reptisun 5.0 26 watt bulb and basking lamp on top of the screen via twin dome reflector.
i noticed that my cham usually stays middle to bottom of the cage, under a bunch of leaves, i was wondering if the uvb still reaches him? or do i have to add an additional uvb light near the middle of the cage (outside facing inwards)
i also plan on moving his cage outside during sunny days for around 3 hours, will that be okay? or will constantly moving the cage stress him out?
thanks!

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. Is you UVB light the tube style? How many inches is it? You could get a Reptisun 10.0 to put out more UVB. I'd recommend a 24 inch tube across the top of that cage. You should only need one basking light. What's the temps about 6 to 8 inches under the basking light? Assuming you have a veiled or Panther? I'm attaching my blog for new keepers below.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html
More chameleon info here: https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/

 

[jarwintee]

hi l! thanks for the response, its the bulb type 5.0 26 watt one, im.actually tempted to switch to the tube style however im scared that if he does go to his basking spot, the 10.0 might be too much? or is it still okay? will the 10.0 penetrate the foliage more?
its a veiled btw, and the temp on his basking spot is around 88-90F

 

[jannb]

hi l! thanks for the response, its the bulb type 5.0 26 watt one, im.actually tempted to switch to the tube style however im scared that if he does go to his basking spot, the 10.0 might be too much? or is it still okay? will the 10.0 penetrate the foliage more?
its a veiled btw, and the temp on his basking spot is around 88-90F

The 10 would be fine even if he goes right under it. How old is he? 90 is a bit too warm for a young veiled under 5 months old.

 

[jarwintee]

i think he's around that age, im not too sure though, is 85F a much better temp? cos i read that veiled preferd 85-95, so i figured id put it in the middle hehe

 

[pgr7]

This was a good question as I was wondering if I should do the arcadia 12% or 6% for my 24x24x36 enclosure with the plant grow bulb. Looks like I'll go with a 12%

 

[NvC Dex]

The lighting is one thing I have yet to plan for in my DIY habitat... Its a 48" tall x 31" wide x 13" deep. I figured I should go with a Reptisun 10.0 But, I have not done any research yet due to overtime. Jann is basically the go to person on here from what I always see.

 

[jarwintee]

really? cool! if he says 10.0 is fine, then im gonna upgrade asap hehe
is there a big difference in terms.of reach if its the bulb type or the t8 type? ( dont wanna waste the twin dome reflector by using just the basking bulb on it)

 

[SocialNumb]

hmm, you're only using 1 basking bulb right? Also what wattage is that? Maybe your Cham is hot and thats why he's staying low?

Just some thoughts.
Oh Jann, totally a she.

 

[jarwintee]

yup, using just 1 heat lamp, 60watts, the temp at his basking spot is around 88-90F, with the AC on, its around 83-85F, but he still lingers at the bottom under leaves (fake and real)

 

[pgr7]

The 10 would be fine even if he goes right under it. How old is he? 90 is a bit too warm for a young veiled under 5 months old.

Jannb,not to jack the thread,but would the same apply to 36" tall tank and an arcadia 12% t5 HO for a jacksons chameleon? Or would you recommend 6%

 

[jarwintee]

oh sorry about that jann!
yup im using one basking bulb, 60 watts, temps in the basking spot is 88-90F and 83-85F with the AC turned on, he still lingers at the bottom either way

im just scared that he is nit getting the UVB he needs, i usually mive his cage outside every afternoon when its sunny, but the past few days have been raining hard here, so its all up to the bulbs