10.0 vs. 5.0

[tkilgour]

I have panther chameleons that are over a yr old and are in 24x24x48 inch aluminum screened enclosures and a several 18x18x36 inch enclosures also. My breeder suggested I go w/ a 10.0 uvb linear bulb vs. the 5.0 in this sized enclosure to enhance and bring out the chams colors. Is this a safe move? What do some other experts recommend as I have always used uvb 5.0. Thanks forum friends.

 

[jannb]

I would recommend 5.0. The 10 is over kill.

 

[Smokey]

i aint no expert but i like the 10. i use one 10.0 flor per 2 cages(2x2x4). havent had any problems yet.

 

[tkilgour]

Thanks Jannb. Someone else said the chams colors get washed out when you use 5.0 uvb. and the coloration is far better w/ 10.0 uvb. I just dont know. Most say 5.0 uvb. Also, I tried the exo terra 5.0uvb and I like the blue output the light gives compared to zoomeds reptisun 5.0. Just my opinion.

 

[Smokey]

Thanks Jannb. Someone else said the chams colors get washed out when you use 5.0 uvb. and the coloration is far better w/ 10.0 uvb. I just dont know. Most say 5.0 uvb. Also, I tried the exo terra 5.0uvb and I like the blue output the light gives compared to zoomeds reptisun 5.0. Just my opinion.

if i had smaller cages and alot less foilage i might go with 5.0 plus u would think that after a few months the uvb put out from it would be like a new 5.0(not sure though).
the blue light from it is alot different was suprised the first time i hook up a exo terra.

 

[tkilgour]

if i had smaller cages and alot less foilage i might go with 5.0 plus u would think that after a few months the uvb put out from it would be like a new 5.0(not sure though).
the blue light from it is alot different was suprised the first time i hook up a exo terra.

I like the blue light too. It makes it look more vibrant.

 

[Lovereps]

I had wondered...

The Reptisun 5.0 box states that 50% of the UVB is filtered-out by fine mesh. Of course, this begs the question: What exactly is considered a "fine" mesh? Would window screening be considered "fine mesh"?
My guess is that it would be.
For this reason, I've been wondering if 10 is actually the wiser choice.
I hope that others will post and let us know what they've used and their thoughts on this, as well.

 

[josh b]

i have been thinking the same thing, but to use a 10.0 inside the enclosure. The 10.0 penetrates up to 24in where as the 5.0 is only 12in, the readings are always less than the tube states which inturn is nothing compared to say the madigascan sun (if you have a madagascan cham of course). my question to this thread would be, what harm could it do?

 

[Vampire.queen]

I think 10.0 is just too much- my friends use these tubes for desert reptiles which are supposed to be in the sun all day long.
While most of the chameleons are in the trees and get into direct sunlight only when they want...

 

[tkilgour]

wow, I am confused. I agree w/ all the pros and cons and now I cant decide. I have always used the good ol uvb 5.0 and I really like exo terras 5.0 w/ the blue color. So maybe I shouldnt fix if its not broken

 

[Redeye]

The Exo bulb has less output than the Reptisun, thats why ppl recommend the reptisun

the 10.0 just penetrates deeper
Chams can self regulate their UV intake by moving around their home, assuming you setup a PROPER home for them

 

[Warrix642]

I always heard 10.0 for female thats producing eggs and a 5.0 for the males and young ones. It has worked for me.

 

[tkilgour]

Yes, I have heard that as well. It is a tough call! I figure w/ larger enclosures a 10.0 shouldnt be an issue. I do like the exo terra blue color the repti glo gives off, but it needs changes every 6 months. Kind of a draw back. However, I use both reptisun and exo terra.

 

[Warrix642]

Both the repti-sun and the repti-glo need changing every 6 months or so.

 

[kinyonga]

Warrix642 said..."I always heard 10.0 for female thats producing eggs"...
"The one scientific study we are aware of addresses egg hatchability in Panther Chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) and the authors suggest that a low level of UVB (a gradient between 15-33uW/cm² as measured with a Solarmeter 6.2) supplied for 12 hours a day is optimal. High levels are seen to be harmful."...
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/whatreptilesneed.htm

 

[skyedog]

After reading through many threads regarding the 10.0 and 5.0 debate I decided to use a 5.0 in my 24x24x48 cages with no problems at all as long as there was a vine/perch about 6-8 inches away from it. Thats what seemed to work best for me but I'm sure there's many other ways to do it. I do use a 10.0 in a 260 gallon reptarium, but then again from what I understand there's quite a difference between the fabric mesh and aluminum screen.

 

[tkilgour]

Great thanks forum friends. I guess I Will stick w/ the good ol reptisun 5.o uvb . however, what is the difference from exo terras uvb 5.o is markets the same capabilities as the reptisun, and it has a blueish glow. What makes it junkier than the reptisun?