Some tips:

-Rotate linear bulbs monthly.
-Write the start date on the bulb, or somewhere visible.
-Use "Instant Startup" fixtures/balasts.
-Wipe dust and water spots off your bulbs on a regular basis. Use a slightly moistend cloth.
-Bulbs are filled with gas, and heat effects it. Supposedly a heat lamp close to the UV bulbs will wear them out faster, so to lessen this, you can flip the bulb periodically also.
-For Mercury Vapor type Reptile UVB bulbs, if you are using a extension cord, make sure it is rated for the requirements. Also use the largest size domes possible. Do not use dimmers or thermostats with them. Let them cool before moving them- at all.

__________________
WILL HAYWARD

also do if your lights go off for any reason, its a good practice to give them at least a 5 minute cool down period before you fire them up again, this is especially true with h.i.d. lighting and you'll want to wait 15 minutes for those, its nice to have an extra smaller bulb close by so your cham doesn't have to sit in the dark

Hmmm,this is interesting, can you buy UV meters at like a hardware store?

honesty my guys rarely use there lights every morning i get up at 9 and they get there lights while i make feeding bowls and we all go out side they go in their outside cage for the dat with 4-6 times mist. they love going out side and nothing replaces natural light but luckily for me and my guys we live in so cal so we have nice weather 11 months out of the year but once winter comes im thinking for tuning my closet (which i dont use ) in to a sort of sun room idea just with bulds and vines and stuff.....

Is it absolutely necessary to have uv light exposion for your Jackson chameleon? I live in Hawaii where they grow wildly so I just keep them outside hanging in screen cages. I figure it's their natural habitat.

I read that if they aren't exposed that they will experience bone disorders. Is that a true statement?

every 6 months

Howdy,

Keeping them outside with hours of exposure to unfiltered (no glass/plastic) sunlight is the best source of UVB. You won't need an artifical source of UVB Without that exposure to UVB, disease and death are likley to follow.

__________________
See Ya,

Dave Weldon
Panther & Veileds

Book Collection:
"Reptile Medicine and Surgery" 2nd ed. By Mader
"Chameleons - Their Care and Breeding" By Linda J. Davison
"Chameleons - Nature's Hidden Jewels" 2nd Ed. By Petr Necas
"The Panther Chameleon: Color Variation, Natural History, Conservation and Captive Management" By Gary W. Ferguson...
"Thoughts for Food" 3rd Ed. Edited by Ardi Abate
"Understanding Reptile Parasites" By Roger J. Klingenberg D.V.M.