A couple heat/lighting questions

[OrianaB]

I read on here once that having your UVB light on top of the screen mesh actually filters out the UVB, and that the bulb should really be inside of the cage. Is that true? Also, what can I do to keep my heat bulb elevated so that the dome lamp is not directly sitting on the screen top? I'm just worried that the screen will get too hot and that my cham might climb up there and burn himself.

 

[carol5208]

I would say 99% of us have our uvbs on top of the screens and all of our chameleons are doing fine. yes some does get filtered out but obviously not enough as most of our chameleons thrive with these set ups. The bulbs do need to be changed out about every 6 months as the uvb does diminish over time even though they are shining. You can clamp your dome on the side of the cage to raise it up if you are worried but setting on the top is what most of us do. Young chameleons will tend to crawl upside on the top screen and at first and it is scary when they go near the basking light. If you clamp it make sure the basking area is not too cool as it will lower the basking area temp.