need input on my setup

[boxdgm]

* Cage Type - 260g reptarium

* Lighting - 2x exoterra reptiglo 13w 10.0 and 100w tight beam basking light. i have a metal mesh screen (that used to go in front of a fireplace) for support on top of the reptarium so the top doesnt sag or melt with the lights on top but i imagine it blocks more light/heat with 2 layers of mesh thats why i have 2 uvb lights, it was pretty dark with just 1

* Temperature - 87 in baskng, to 72 in the lowest part, cage temps are around 70 at night measured with a IR thermometer

* Humidity - stays between 30-40, goes up to 50-70 when misting, using a zoomed reptifogger to help with humidity but i think my regular room humidifier did a better job

* Plants - ficus benjihana (sp?) some silk plants on top

* Location - low traffic room (used to be my computer room but switched to a htpc so theres just an empty desk and his cage in there)

im just want to make sure im not missing anything important. Its not really that bright in there my phone camera just makes it look brighter

 

[chameleon97]

is that UVB light compact? get rid of it. get a reptisun tube. dont ever listen to the petstore.

(srry but ppl keep saying "oh, well the petstore told me..." or "it says UVB on it so its good for chameleons")

 

[PITBULL]

looks like a compact to me.....did you leave the light on for a few days before applying to the cage? and how much distance is the light from the basking areas? from what I have read on here, it seems you might be able to get away with the compacts if you allow the lights to run for the first 100+ hours plus distance from the cage. I know, I know, I'm sure I probably just opened up another lighting debate lol

 

[Vince]

Here is some good info on the compact light. http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

I too had bought the compact until i read that. Its so stupid, they even have a picture of a cham on it. (should be sued for false advertising).

I also, would try something different than doubling the screen. It probably blocks a lot of UV. Maybe try making a wood frame you can hang the lights from? i don't know just a idea.

 

[dodolah]

When you ditch the compact uvb and get the linear tube, make sure you put the uvb and uva side by side, instead of separating the uvb at one end and the uva at the other end.
There is a chance that you might get him "confuse."
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/chat-with-dr-gary-w-ferguson.html

Read Dr. Ferguson's comment on question #4.

 

[blackbetty]

This might sound silly, but what is UVA? Is that just the basking bulb?

 

[dodolah]

This might sound silly, but what is UVA? Is that just the basking bulb?

yes...... This is just my observation, i think chameleon tends to go closer to the light that emit heat. I think, if i am not mistaken, Mesnik experienced this problem where the UVB and UVA are separated from each other causing his chameleon to have trouble judging the uvb exposure.

 

[Rocky]

When you ditch the compact uvb and get the linear tube, make sure you put the uvb and uva side by side, instead of separating the uvb at one end and the uva at the other end.
There is a chance that you might get him "confuse."
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/chat-with-dr-gary-w-ferguson.html

Read Dr. Ferguson's comment on question #4.

I guess you do learn something everyday. I figured it didnt really make a difference where the placing of lights are. I have my UVB and heat lamp on separate sides of the cage. He spends a lot of time by both, but I will definitely move it over just in case

 

[boxdgm]

thanks for all the concern, yes i was sold the compacts from the pet store before i knew any better. i will have a 70$ credit from returning the reptifogger so ill check on that

 

[sandrachameleon]

in addition to the lighting change, You might consider adding a few more lateral branches or vines
You might considered lifting the live plant up, and removing the fake plants.