UVB Lighting for hatchlings

[Unknown_Userx]

I have two enclosures 18x18x36 where I will be housing 2 separate hatchling chameleons about 1 month old until they are bigger. I am absolutely flooded with mixed opinions and answers regarding correct UVB lighting setup. I want everything to be perfect before I bring them home so looking for some truth regarding the various beliefs and guidance. I am no beginner keeper, but have never had this young of a reptile. I was planning on doing naturalistic dual domes (18") with CFL 26w reptisun 5.0 and eventually adding low wattage basking bulbs. I thought this would be a good approach as according to Bill at the Chameleon Academy the smaller CFLs do a good job in smaller enclosures with hatchlings (he recommended the 16x16x30 kit with a 13w CFL for hatchlings). However, everywhere else I hear that I need to run linear - even for young babies - or they will not do well. Is it recommended or needed to run a t5/t8 for babies this young? Is t5 too strong for babies even if it is raised above the enclosure? Thank you so much!

 

[kinyonga]

I always have used the reptisun long linear tube uvb lights on baby cages. I’ve never had any problems with them.

 

[MissSkittles]

I would go with the linear T5HO with either an Arcadia 6% or ReptiSun 5.0. Even though they are tiny babies, they will still be needing proper uvb. Because they will be screen climbing and walking along the top upside down, you will be needing to elevate all lights anyhow by at least a couple of inches. You’ll still want the basking branch to be about 8-9” below the lights. Do provide lots of branches and foliage so that they will be able to get some shade if they want or need. I haven’t had such a tiny baby before, but when I had little ones, I used my smaller 16x30” enclosure and used a bushy schefflera, which really left little room for many more branches or plants, but I did add more around it. It’s generally the basking light that the really little ones don’t need…they are just fine at daytime temps in the mid to higher 70’s. Anything over 80 and they are at higher risk for overheating and quickly dehydrating. Once they’re about 3-4 months old, you’ll want to add the basking light, but keep temps at/no higher than 80 until adult. What species will you be getting? Also, can you post the link or video where Bill Strand advised the cfl? I admit I haven’t been able to keep up to date lately, so am curious. Thanks!

 

[Unknown_Userx]

I always have used the reptisun long linear tube uvb lights on baby cages. I’ve never had any problems with them.

T8 or T5? How big of cages and was the light directly on top or elevated?

 

[Unknown_Userx]

Accidental double post*

 

[Unknown_Userx]

I would go with the linear T5HO with either an Arcadia 6% or ReptiSun 5.0. Even though they are tiny babies, they will still be needing proper uvb. Because they will be screen climbing and walking along the top upside down, you will be needing to elevate all lights anyhow by at least a couple of inches. You’ll still want the basking branch to be about 8-9” below the lights. Do provide lots of branches and foliage so that they will be able to get some shade if they want or need. I haven’t had such a tiny baby before, but when I had little ones, I used my smaller 16x30” enclosure and used a bushy schefflera, which really left little room for many more branches or plants, but I did add more around it. It’s generally the basking light that the really little ones don’t need…they are just fine at daytime temps in the mid to higher 70’s. Anything over 80 and they are at higher risk for overheating and quickly dehydrating. Once they’re about 3-4 months old, you’ll want to add the basking light, but keep temps at/no higher than 80 until adult. What species will you be getting? Also, can you post the link or video where Bill Strand advised the cfl? I admit I haven’t been able to keep up to date lately, so am curious. Thanks!

Here is the link - Under “shopping list”

Thanks for the recommendation! I’m leaning towards t5 honestly, just was worried I would blast the little guys. There are 2 different species that I am getting from a friend, a captive bred Jackson and unknown locale Panther. I will be doing the best I can to have temps/humidity levels at a good range for both species.

 

[MissSkittles]

Here is the link - Under “shopping list”

Thanks for the recommendation! I’m leaning towards t5 honestly, just was worried I would blast the little guys. There are 2 different species that I am getting from a friend, a captive bred Jackson and unknown locale Panther. I will be doing the best I can to have temps/humidity levels at a good range for both species.

Thanks for the link. If you aren’t buying the chameleon kit, definitely just get the T5 and correct strength bulb. Placing it at the correct distance and providing plenty of foliage to take shade beneath assures you won’t be blasting the little one. I try to provide different levels for basking, usually just by placing the basking branch or vine at an incline, with the highest part the optimal 8-9” from the light.
I keep panthers and Veileds and have had to compromise on the humidity levels, keeping them around 40-50%. For Jackson’s and similar montane species, I believe one of the more important parameters to meet is having a cool humid night, with temps well below at least 68. A temp drop like this is great for all species, but the montanes really need it.

 

[Unknown_Userx]

Thanks for the link. If you aren’t buying the chameleon kit, definitely just get the T5 and correct strength bulb. Placing it at the correct distance and providing plenty of foliage to take shade beneath assures you won’t be blasting the little one. I try to provide different levels for basking, usually just by placing the basking branch or vine at an incline, with the highest part the optimal 8-9” from the light.
I keep panthers and Veileds and have had to compromise on the humidity levels, keeping them around 40-50%. For Jackson’s and similar montane species, I believe one of the more important parameters to meet is having a cool humid night, with temps well below at least 68. A temp drop like this is great for all species, but the montanes really need it.

Sounds good, the reptisun t5 5.0 at a good raised distance seems to be the go to, just wanted to make sure it was ok for these little hatchlings! Yes I am going to aim for around 75 ambient and 65 night giving them a 10-12 degree temperature drop each night with the fogger keeping humidity levels up. Theres just so much confusion regarding hatchlings as some people say to never drop below 68 degrees (panthers), but others say they do great with lower temps. Maybe I need to speak with a reputable breeder! As an animal/reptile lover, I want the best for them.