need help with uvb solarmeter 6.2 readings and other help please

[Kboz1991]

Ok I need help I been looking all over for what the uvb level should be with a solarmeter 6.2. I got my meter today and inside the cage I got a reading of 40 uw/cm2 at basking spot 15 at the mid level of cage and 3 to 5 in lower level of cage. The highest level I got is 64 in the cage. I am using reptisun 5,0 tube light. I have him in a exo terra 18"x18"x32" tall glass cage until I get his 24x24x48 screen cage in the mail. I have no idea how old he is hes about 6 to 7 inches long. I just want to make sure I'm not cooking him I'm new to the chameleon world. I got him from petsmart witch I found out was a bad idea. But I called and freaked out and they are paying vet bills and giving me my money back for the chameleon. I already had to go to the vet 3 times said he has mbd and eye infection I would just rather be safe than sorry.He doesn't have any bowed legs or anything yet so I am trying to stop it before it gets worst he only weighs 8 grams. I been having to give I'm baby food 2 to 3x a day and soaking in warm spring water a few times a day also. I have been giving eye drops 3 times a day every 6 hours one in morning mid day and end of day. I have only had him for about 3 weeks. Just wanted to know if anyone can help me with readings and any other input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[brownie64]

Try this site they have some information that might help.
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm

 

[jpowell86]

I personally like to offer areas of choice with UVB intensity just like I do with basking gradients. My larger number is usually between 60-80 microwatts. That is my highest perch area within the enclosure. Then I usually like the mid grade areas to be around 20-40 microwatts. You will need to not only play with distances between perch and bulb, but also the intensity of the UVB percentage itself. The material that it may have to pass through can have great effect on how much UVB actually penetrates the enclosure. So, since you got a reading of 40 microwatts at mid level, I would say you have plenty UVB penetration. Now studies show that a consistent level of upwards of 33 microwatts is sufficient for chameleons...especially tropical species. So these number are what I have found to be best for me throughout the years. So this information is based solely on my opinion of what I think my chameleons do best with. When you upgrade to the 24x24x48..you will need to also upgrade the UVB bulb.

 

[Kboz1991]

I'm hoping the cage gets here today so I can out him in there so he doesn't have to be switched around anymore and can get comfortable in his new cage and get the live plants I have in there. I have a 10.0 reptisun I was going to switch and see what one gives best readings. so uw/cm2 is microwatts? I'm just confused my vet told me to get his uvb to around 280-320nm but the solarmeter reads in uw/cm2 so I have no idea what the hell it should be. the place he sits under the uvb light mostly has a reading of 60 and right around 40 in basking spot so should I pop the 10.0 in and see what readings I get or is this sufficient? also is uw/cm2 = to nm or how do you convert uw/cm2 to nm if you can I just trying to figure this out so I can get him in the right uvb.

 

[jpowell86]

You would need a completely different instrument to measure ultraviolet light in nanometers. I must admit that conversion starts dealing with radiometric and photomic units. I've been out of college way too long to attempt that conversion. uw/cm2 is the amount of microwatts per square centimeter. Your readings are fine. Just remember, the solarmeter is important not so much for the overall measuring of UVB at the time of placement, but the degradation of the bulb over time. So, make sure you write down your readings at the time of placement, and whenever you see a dramatic fall in microwatts, replace the bulb regardless of whether you have had it 6 months or only 4. I think the bulb you have in now is sufficient. The upgrade of enclosure space may demand a different bulb.

 

[LaughingLizardLady]

I've got a solar meter 6.2 and we also use one at work to test reptile UVB bulbs. The display has 3 digits. So if the display reads 064 this is 6% or if it reads 121 that is 12%.
A reading of 020 is 20% and a reading of 225 would be 22% and so on. Hope this helps!

 

[Kboz1991]

Thank you all very much its greatly appreciated. All the knowledge I can soak up I'll take.