Lighting!

[zepedrowdp]

Hello guys.
I have a small question regarding UV lights.
Do you think a compact ReptiGlo 10.0 (26W) will suffice to illuminate decently a 5'x16''x16'' enclosure for a Veiled Cham?

If it doesn't will 2 lamps of those be a good solution? (I'm trying to do a DIY illumination and I don't have tubular fixtures that's why I'm asking if compacts will do)


Thanks for the attention!!

 

[camimom]

you can use a compact uvb bulb. but you only need one.
two uvb bulbs at 10.0 will burn your chams eyes.

i only use one 10.0 and thats because i keep it farther away from my cham.

 

[zepedrowdp]

Is it advised a lower potency light? Or maybe using a 5.0?

What distance do you keep your cham from the bulb?

 

[camimom]

Is it advised a lower potency light? Or maybe using a 5.0?

What distance do you keep your cham from the bulb?

most use 5.0
i use a 10.0 because i free range my cham, and therefore have to keep the light farther away from him.

for the ones i use 5.0's for, i keep them about 3 incehs away from the top of the cage.

for my 10.0 bulb, with my free ranged cham, its about 6 inches away from his basking spot. but he also is rarely directly underneath the bulb.

 

[zepedrowdp]

I've read that the compact and coiled UVB lamps bring some problems to the reptiles.

Have anyone had any problem so far with one of this?

 

[camimom]

I've read that the compact and coiled UVB lamps bring some problems to the reptiles.

Have anyone had any problem so far with one of this?

A long time ago, the coils caused eye problems.

now, the problem has been fixed.
I have only used coils, and so far, my 3 chams arent having any issues.

 

[Venutus1]

you can use a compact uvb bulb. but you only need one.
two uvb bulbs at 10.0 will burn your chams eyes.

i only use one 10.0 and thats because i keep it farther away from my cham.

Good advice !


I would just go with the 5.0 to be on the safe side.

Yes, you could use a 10.0 , but I only would recommend that IF you have a Solarmeter.

Then you would know exactly how much UVB is hitting your Cham and easily adjust the distance of the bulb accordingly to get the right amount.

Otherwise, a simple mistake in the distance and you could over-do it on the UV radiation and severely hurt your pet.


As we all know, Solarmeters are kind of an expensive piece of equipment..... but they are definitely something worth saving for.

For now, I would play if safe with your Cham (especially if they are in an enclosure vs. free range) and go with the 5.0.

Cheers!

Todd

 

[EvilLost]

Hello guys.
I have a small question regarding UV lights.
Do you think a compact ReptiGlo 10.0 (26W) will suffice to illuminate decently a 5'x16''x16'' enclosure for a Veiled Cham?

If it doesn't will 2 lamps of those be a good solution? (I'm trying to do a DIY illumination and I don't have tubular fixtures that's why I'm asking if compacts will do)


Thanks for the attention!!

Am I misreading those dimensions? 5 feet LONG, 16 inches wide, 16 inches tall?

These are odd dimensions (DIY?)....I'm going to assume you mean 5' TALL and not long (that is, it is standing on end). 16" is the absolute minimum you would want the sides to be as well (ideally 24")


but since most of us have 2'x2'x4' setups I would still go with the 5.0 (Venutus1's advice regarding the 10.0 is solid)

 

[zepedrowdp]

Yes, I meant 5 feet tall! hehe
I don't have neither the enclosure nor the chameleon yet! I'm just getting informed about all the details before getting one so I can treat him correctly

 

[camimom]

Good advice !


I would just go with the 5.0 to be on the safe side.

Yes, you could use a 10.0 , but I only would recommend that IF you have a Solarmeter.

Then you would know exactly how much UVB is hitting your Cham and easily adjust the distance of the bulb accordingly to get the right amount.

Otherwise, a simple mistake in the distance and you could over-do it on the UV radiation and severely hurt your pet.


As we all know, Solarmeters are kind of an expensive piece of equipment..... but they are definitely something worth saving for.

For now, I would play if safe with your Cham (especially if they are in an enclosure vs. free range) and go with the 5.0.

Cheers!

Todd

Thanks!
so since you liked my advice.. does that mean i can get a discount on some fixtures soon? haha!


to the OP- that is a great sounding enclosure.
its always better to ask..
but with an enclosure like that, id actually use a tube style light, to get more covarage in a cage that size.

 

[zepedrowdp]

to the OP- that is a great sounding enclosure.
its always better to ask..
but with an enclosure like that, id actually use a tube style light, to get more covarage in a cage that size.

Yeah, that was what I was going to ask next to Camimom

So Camimom, can you successfully illuminate your enclosures with just one compact UV lamp?

Should I get a smaller enclosure maybe? Or adding two compact bulbs like exo-terra website suggests: http://exo-terra.com/images/shared/products/compact_top.jpg


If none of this options work I'll use a tubular but I'd rather get compacts.

 

[camimom]

Yeah, that was what I was going to ask next to Camimom

So Camimom, can you successfully illuminate your enclosures with just one compact UV lamp?

Should I get a smaller enclosure maybe? Or adding two compact bulbs like exo-terra website suggests: http://exo-terra.com/images/shared/products/compact_top.jpg


If none of this options work I'll use a tubular but I'd rather get compacts.

well I free range and keep my guys near a window, so i have alot of light.

i like the bigger enclosures, the bigger the better IMO.

but if you want you can do a 5.0 dual lights, or do a single 5.0 on each side.

 

[Venutus1]

Yes, I meant 5 feet tall! hehe
I don't have neither the enclosure nor the chameleon yet! I'm just getting informed about all the details before getting one so I can treat him correctly

"I'm just getting informed about all the details before getting one so I can treat him correctly"

you are very wise.