UVB light for black fabric screen enclosure

[Cmoore]

Greetings. It's just about time to change my UVB light. I bought a 10 UVB as that was recommended to me because of the type of enclosure I have. (black pvc pipe, black fabric zippered screen). But I've also heard I should be using the 5.0 UVB. Since It's almost been 6 months, and I need to replace it, should I change to the 5 or stick with the 10? Spike spends 95% of his time hanging out in the top portion of his cage. Thanks! Cheryl

 

[nightanole]

10.0 unless its in the cage, the mat will filter out over half the rays. Really this forum needs a loaner uv meter. Then we wouldnt have this "10.0 will hurt my baby get a 5.0" right along with the threads "arcadia rocks" even though they put out 4x more uv than the 10.0 if you use a reflector.

Just make sure there is alot of leaves and the cham will regulate its own uv exposure just like it regulates its basking.

 

[bradley]

10.0 unless its in the cage, the mat will filter out over half the rays. Really this forum needs a loaner uv meter. Then we wouldnt have this "10.0 will hurt my baby get a 5.0" right along with the threads "arcadia rocks" even though they put out 4x more uv than the 10.0 if you use a reflector.

Just make sure there is alot of leaves and the cham will regulate its own uv exposure just like it regulates its basking.

Great advice! too many people are stuck in the way 50 and thats it. If allowed the chameleon will self regulate as they would in the wild. Even though the arcadia uv tubes put out 4x more they are still nowhere near as good as the sun so there is no worry of it being too strong.