UVB lighting

[Staticpulse]

I posted this question in my "introduction" thread, but feel it is more suited here.

" im using a full screen Exo Terra "Flexarium" (38 gal to start with) and was just wondering what flourescent lighting you reccomend and how much UVB i should provide the chameleon with (i.e. 10.0% or 5.0%) and is it worth buying a 2.0% for the full light spectrum deal lol."

And i have also thought of another question. Is it ok to have the UVB running down one side of the cage, or is it best situated near the top of the cage?

Thanks for any views on this.

Emma x

 

[Staticpulse]

Just to let you know, I plan on getting a Veiled Cham

Emma x

 

[ChromaChameleons]

I have measured the UVB levels through a flexarium suntac fabric, with a Solartech 6.2 UVB meter. That fabric attentuates the UVB transmitted by 1/2. Considering that loss of UVB light , I would recommend using the 10.0.

Also I would suggest mounting it across the top of the cage , NOT the side.

Chameleons need to have opportunity to avoid the UVB light as well as seek it out. You would eliminate this option if you illuminate the entire cage with a vertical mount.

 

[Tygerr]

5.0 should be fine for that cham and that enclosure. Reptisuns are my favourites.

In general 10.0 is too strong for chams in most enclosures except for really large ones.
And 2.0's are never really good enough for chams. A few people use them for raising babies, but in your case don't bother with them.

As for mounting it down the side of the cage, I have seen it done that way, but I prefer not to.
Firstly, you want to create gradients within your cage. A UV gradient is one of those. You want an area where the cham can choose to expose itself to a lot of UV, and you want areas where there is more shelter and the cham can choose to avoid UV.
By mounting it down the side of the cage there will be less shaded areas for the cham to escape the UV.
Secondly, I think that any sort of lighting down the side of the cage might irritate the cham: imagine having lights shined in your eyes all day...

 

[Staticpulse]

Thanks alot for your replies Chroma and Tygerr

I will take what you have said into consideration

That should save me a bit of money! lol!

Thanks again!

Emma x

 

[Eric Adrignola]

Here is another factor to consider when deciding: A reptisun 5.0 over a year old doesnt' put out the UVB radiation far enough to really be useful. A reptisun 10.0 that's a year old puts out more UVB than a 5.0 new out of the box.

I read a few studies showing the 10.0's still had a good amount of UVB, at a USEABLE distance from the bulb, at 2 years.

If someone finds this stufy, post it - I'd like to see it again!

 

[lbesok]

Here is another factor to consider when deciding: A reptisun 5.0 over a year old doesnt' put out the UVB radiation far enough to really be useful. A reptisun 10.0 that's a year old puts out more UVB than a 5.0 new out of the box.

I read a few studies showing the 10.0's still had a good amount of UVB, at a USEABLE distance from the bulb, at 2 years.

If someone finds this stufy, post it - I'd like to see it again!

Is this the site you were talking about?
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm

 

[Eric Adrignola]

No, that's not it. Someone took reading sof 5.0 and 1.0 bulbs at different points in their usage - the 5.0's were surprisingly strong after a year, but not really strong enough that you wouldn't want to replace the thing.

the 10.0 bulbs were still producing significant, useable UVB at distances of around 12" well after a year.

I'd love to test some of my old 10.0 bulbs. I don't throw them away - I use them on my older animals in big cage - just extra UV, not their main source.

If anyone has a UVB meter I can borrow, I'll take some readings from bulbs that have been in use for over 2 years. I'd love to find out how much UVB they're putting out.

I'd ship it right back!