Temperature issues and question

[ColeCham333]

Just wondering what I need to do to get my temps up. Almost every source says to go with a 60-75 watt heat/basking bulb, and I have a 75 watt one. They say anything above 75 can burn them. Most chameleon owners get desired temps from this, but not me. With the 75watt bulb, I can get the basking spot to 75-80, and everywhere else in the cage is room temp (65-72). So if I want the desired temps of 85-90 for basking, can I go any higher? The reptile guy at the pet store says I could use higher watts and he reccommended 150 watts, as it says on the box for the 150 watt bulb that it goes to 92 in the basking spot, and mid 80's everywhere else. His main basking branch is about 6 inches away from the top of the cage. I just don't want to burn him with higher wattages. However if I want the proper basking temps, do Ineed to get a higher wattage like 150??Here is the basking bulb I currently have:

 

[ColeCham333]

I have an XL Reptibreeze by the way

 

[Furciferocious]

How are you measuring the temperature?
If 75W isn't enough, then yes you should try a higher wattage. 150W is a pretty big jump, though. If you go to 150W, start with the fixture several inches higher off the cage than it is now and then lower in small increments until you get the right temps. Try holding your hand for 5 minutes where the cham's back or casque would be when basking. If you can handle the heat it probably isn't going to burn them.

 

[opheliaeatsbugs]

I bought an infrared thermometer heat gun at Home Depot. Not only has it been fun, but it also gives me a more accurate reading then the therm/hygrometer I bought at the pet store.

 

[broderp]

You need to be sure that the light fixture you are using is rated to handle the wattage of your bulbs. If not, your asking for trouble. Do not put a 150W bulb in a fixture rated for anything less than 150W. Preferably you want it to be rated higher than your bulb.

 

[ColeCham333]

You need to be sure that the light fixture you are using is rated to handle the wattage of your bulbs. If not, your asking for trouble. Do not put a 150W bulb in a fixture rated for anything less than 150W. Preferably you want it to be rated higher than your bulb.

Of course. But you don't feel a 100 watt would burn him?

 

[broderp]

Of course. But you don't feel a 100 watt would burn him?

If you think about the many ways there to adjust the temp, then you will see that you can always adjust the bulb as needed. If you room is 70 F, then a 100W bulb may need to be 6" above the cage to make the basking spot the right temp. If you room is 60 F, then the bulb may be about 2" above the enclosure.

It really depends on what your temps are and how much fluctuation you expect from day to day. I would not recommend such a large wattage bulb if you have a large temp swing daily. Seasonally, may be ok. (60 F in the winter warming to 70 F in the summer) I will also say that I believe using the smallest bulb that works is best. If you can get by with a 75W and just move it closer, that would be better.