Hey guys, I have a reptisun 10.0 compact light for my chameleon. I am now reading it can make them blind. That's the last thing I want. I ordered an 18inch reptisun 5.0 with hood but am waiting for it to get here.. Is it okay to use the reptisun compact 10.0 until I get my new light when it comes in the mail? Or should I use no UVB light for now?
Lighting
- Thread starter nate317
- Start date
Lathis
Chameleon Enthusiast
It was before my time with chameleons, but more experienced members have reported that the compact fluorescent lights when first introduced did have some issues with eye irritation, maybe because of the intensity of the light. People have been saying that the modern CFLs have corrected this issue. (Please understand I am not speaking from any experience or knowledge, just repeating what I have seen here on the forum.)
I personally use a tube light. I like that it covers more area and provides my cham with UVB exposure regardless of where he is inside the cage. He does not have to sit right under the light. Plus it provides more ambient light inside the enclosure without adding heat.
I also think it depends on your chameleon. Young/baby chameleons are more sensitive to intense lights. An older/adult chameleon will probably be fine.
Either way, if you choose to turn off your UVB CFL until your tube arrives, your cham will be fine for a few days without UVB. I think you will like the tube better anyway - it really brightens up the enclosure.
I personally use a tube light. I like that it covers more area and provides my cham with UVB exposure regardless of where he is inside the cage. He does not have to sit right under the light. Plus it provides more ambient light inside the enclosure without adding heat.
I also think it depends on your chameleon. Young/baby chameleons are more sensitive to intense lights. An older/adult chameleon will probably be fine.
Either way, if you choose to turn off your UVB CFL until your tube arrives, your cham will be fine for a few days without UVB. I think you will like the tube better anyway - it really brightens up the enclosure.
nightanole
Chameleon Enthusiast
OK back like 6-8 years ago when cfls first came out, They made a TON of uv C. Well no one checks for uv C, and the uvb numbers looked good so off to the shelves they went, for like 6 months. Then they were all recalled.
Still i do not like 10.0 cfl just due to the major concentration since you now hae 15 watts coming from a 2" light source instead of spread out over a foot.
You should be fine though as long as the cham doesnt hang out constantly a foot from it with no leaves. Just put the 10.0 in the beardy tank when you are done
Still i do not like 10.0 cfl just due to the major concentration since you now hae 15 watts coming from a 2" light source instead of spread out over a foot.
You should be fine though as long as the cham doesnt hang out constantly a foot from it with no leaves. Just put the 10.0 in the beardy tank when you are done
Lathis
Chameleon Enthusiast
OK back like 6-8 years ago when cfls first came out, They made a TON of uv C. Well no one checks for uv C, and the uvb numbers looked good so off to the shelves they went, for like 6 months. Then they were all recalled.
Still i do not like 10.0 cfl just due to the major concentration since you now hae 15 watts coming from a 2" light source instead of spread out over a foot.
You should be fine though as long as the cham doesnt hang out constantly a foot from it with no leaves. Just put the 10.0 in the beardy tank when you are done
Thanks! You learn something new every day
