Need basking temp. help

[Pugwash]

Hello everyone, I am new here and had a quick question. I live in Massachusetts and as you may know it is getting cold. I have recently purchased my first panther chameleon. Everything is going well. But I am having a problem getting a stable temperature. His basking spot is either too cool or too hot. At its coolest it is high 70s at the basking site and low 60s at the bottom. Or it is high 80s pushing 90s at basking and high 70s at the bottom. He is in a 3' x 2' x 2' screen cage. The lights are a zoo med 60w and 100w. He is a youngin (do not know exact birth date) my houses ambient temp is high to low 60s. What's the best way to get him the optimal temp? Better heating equipment? Live plants? Thank you all!

 

[Pugwash]

Forgot to mention that with just the 100w on it is the cooler measurements. With both 60 and 100w it is the higher temps. I have been watching it like a hawk and not letting it get over 90°

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. What are you using to check the temps?

How old is your panther? I keep adult panthers basking spot in the mid 80's and babies even cooler. You should be able to control the temps by raising and lowering the basking light. A 100 watt bulbs sounds awfully high.

Below you will find my blog for new keepers. It's the way I keep my veileds and panthers and have had success over the years.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[Bnthoma]

I did some reaserch on that and I found out that basking temps should be between 75 and 80 Fahrenheit .

 

[Pugwash]

I'm not sure on the age bc the reptile shop had just gotten them for the first time and did not know..he's about 5" from head to beginning of tail. I did not mean 100w. I don't know why I said it but I meant 75w blue. With that bulb his basking site is high 70s. With the lamp about 6" from his highest branch. I'm just struggling with keeping the whole cage good for him..top is mid to high 70s bottom is low 60s. I am using a digital thermometer. Not sure of brand. It has a problem at the end for the temp readings.

 

[jannb]

His basking spot needs to be over 80 for him to digest his food. I'd recommend 83 or so with out knowing his age.