Newbie Lighting Question

[JaynDrea]

Okay, I know this has to have been asked before but I cant find it. Yes, I also used the search up top...

We got our Jacksons setup a few weeks ago. Last night, we were at the petstore and I thought I should get him a new bulb. We dont know how old the other one is and if it was still good. So, I picked up something and came home. Swapped it out this morning and now I am afraid that I didnt get the rigth one!

What was in there:
Not really sure. It is one of the spiral type bulbs. It says 23W 120V 60hz 335mA 6500K by HG.

What we replaced it with:
Repti Glo 5.0 UVB 13w.

Now, I think that the wattage is to low on the one I bought. I can swap it if needed but I just want to make sure I have the rigth UVA and UVB setup. For the dome, we have one cheap aluminum dome for the light. That is it for his cage. Anything else we need or should change?

We do have two live plants in there as well so we need to keep that in mind as well...

Thanks.

 

[camimom]

the uvb bulb you bought is just fine, its what we all use.
it wont hurt your plants, though you may find you need to get a plant growth light to help the plants. which wont harm your chameleon either.

 

[carol5208]

the reptiglo only provides UVB. Not UVA. You need another dome for basking(uva). Use a white housebulb for that. You can start out with a 60 watt and decrease or raise the wattage in accordance with what basking temp you are trying to achieve.

 

[JaynDrea]

Would the bulb we took out work for that? It seems like he liked it in his basking spot. Now, the new bulb dont have much output and he dont seem to like it as much.

 

[K9Luvn]

i use the Reptiglo or the Reptisun 5.0 UVB tube style bulb (not the spriral compact florescent type)

 

[JaynDrea]

The Repti Glo we bought was a spriral compact type.

 

[camimom]

The Repti Glo we bought was a spriral compact type.

its fine.
there USED to be a problem wtiht he compacts..
but not anymore....
I use them adn they are just fine.

 

[carol5208]

the bulb you were using, the 6500k is a grow light. I don't know how much heat they give off and the idea, is you want heat for basking to aid in digestion. just a white housebulb is all you need.

 

[JaynDrea]

Ah okay, So, the "other" bulb was good for the plants in there then?