More difficult to control temps of screen cage?

[Shelby27]

Hello everyone,
I will be purchasing my first veiled chameleon from lllreptile (Yay!)
I've been doing extensive research on these little guys and I believe I am ready to make my purchases I just have one small question before doing so...

(first some info)
I currently have a bearded dragon in a 40gal breeder, at about 10 inches away from the 100w powersun bulb (on her basking spot) the temps are typically 98-105 degrees when my house is anywhere from 66-70 degrees inside. I'm from NY state and as you can imagine it is cold in the winter, but even at 66 degrees in my house her tank remains at around 100 degrees.Today for example it is 66 degrees in my house and her basking spot is 103 degrees.

However, I was wondering if it would be more difficult to control the temps for a screen cage? I was originally going to purchase a 100w powersun for my new chameleon's setup but now I am wondering if a 160w would be better considering it is a fully screened 24X24X48 inch enclosure. Thoughts??? Thank you!

 

[deerharvester]

Well with chams you want them to be able to thermo regulate. Which means for example an adult panther I keep my basking temp at 87 to 90. But the bottom of his cage (ambient temp) it is around 70. They use thermo regulation to properly digest their food.

Scott

 

[KatiLemons]

I also want to throw in the fact that chameleons also need a temperature drop of about 10 degees give or take at night as well.

 

[bradley]

I would go for a separate uv and heat source. Allows you to easily change bulb wattage to adjust temps if needed.