One or two thermostats

[zepedrowdp]

Hello!

I'm trying to make a list of stuff I need to hold a veiled chameleon and I have a question:

When using a Basking Spot bulb and a Ceramic Heat bulb, do you need two thermostats to control both lights separatly? Or do you just control the ceramic heater and leave the Basking Spot always on during day?


Thanks!

 

[NHenn]

I use a basking bulb as my only heat source. If your temperatures don't drop too low at night you shouldn't have any need for a ceramic heat bulb in addition to the basking bulb.

 

[zepedrowdp]

During winter the temperature can go very low around my house so it's better for me to have a ceramic heat bulb.

Thing is I don't know if I should buy just on thermostat for it and leave the basking spot on a timer or if I need two thermostats...

 

[MelissaB]

I don't think you'll need two thermostats, I'd keep the basking light on a timer. For the basking bulb, you can measure the temp at the point she would bask at, and find the bulb that gives you temp you need. It might vary a little depending on the season, depending on your weather and temps in the house. For example, you might use a 40 watt incandescent bulb in the summer and a 60 watt bulb in the winter. If you don't want to change the bulb, you could get a corded lamp dimmer switch. If your house isn't colder than 50 degrees, you won't need the heat emitter.

 

[Thegreatfonz]

Just get a thermostat with a probe and check the temps with the probe in each area.

 

[zepedrowdp]

I don't think you'll need two thermostats, I'd keep the basking light on a timer. For the basking bulb, you can measure the temp at the point she would bask at, and find the bulb that gives you temp you need. It might vary a little depending on the season, depending on your weather and temps in the house. For example, you might use a 40 watt incandescent bulb in the summer and a 60 watt bulb in the winter. If you don't want to change the bulb, you could get a corded lamp dimmer switch. If your house isn't colder than 50 degrees, you won't need the heat emitter.

So the temperature right below the basking spot bulb will not vary much, so it doesn't need a thermostat, am I right?


Also, should I put the probe right below the ceramic heat bulb to control the max temperature on the terrarium? Or should I put it on the cool area to ensure a safe spot if the cham wants to cool down?

 

[MelissaB]

It shouldn't vary much in the basking spot, but I do have a thermometer probe there so I can monitor the temp. It may vary slightly with the season, so I have a dimmer and change it if it needs it.
As far as the heat emitter I'd put the thermostat underneath it, where the chameleon would sit, so you can control the max.

 

[Carlton]

So the temperature right below the basking spot bulb will not vary much, so it doesn't need a thermostat, am I right?


Also, should I put the probe right below the ceramic heat bulb to control the max temperature on the terrarium? Or should I put it on the cool area to ensure a safe spot if the cham wants to cool down?

I don't think you really need a thermostat. Not all lamps can be controlled by a thermostat (which is sort of a dimmer)...including many fluorescents. Moving the basking or ceramic bulb closer or farther away from the cage works. Or, using a lower or higher watt emitter. If you really need to cool the cage down turning the light off with a timer works just as well.

You can check the temps in any part of your cage at any time very simply with a non-contact temp gun. These days they are inexpensive and hugely useful thing to have for any herp.

 

[fluxlizard]

I don't think you really need a thermostat.

+1 for that.

In nature the sun doesn't shine at 88.6 degrees all day every day.
Chams are great at thermoregulating. It is what they do- they move around to control body temperature, so you don't have to control this for them- only need to provide a basking area that is warm enough, but still safe and a true thermogradient rather than a "hot spot" and let the lizard do it's thing.

Also it may be cool where you live, but I keep my panthers down to 50 at night without problems- even new babies. Veileds I allow to go even cooler (several degrees cooler) and again no problems, even for babies. Most houses don't get even close to 50. You probably don't need night heat.

 

[Bonca]

Hi,

I prepared myself this "thermostat":
https://www.chameleonforums.com/home-made-terrarium-controller-130089/

Video
http://videobam.com/YdvkJ

Bonca