Basking Bulbs?

[Swordfish9921]

I have been fooling around with different bulbs to use for basking...i really like the full spectrum of light that a clear halogen gives off....does anyone have any recommendations on the best brand? Im testing the zoomed halogen 75 wt now??

I am using a arcadia 6.0 t5 already would it be bad to use a powersun mvl as my basking bulb? I have seen articles for and against uvb in basking area?

Thanks

 

[Olimpia]

My basking bulbs are halogens from Lowe's or Home Depot. They're less money usually and just as good, since reptile brand basking bulbs (as long as they aren't UVB bulbs, just basking lights) aren't special or different. Putting a lizard on the box is a ploy to get you to pay 2-3 times more for your basking light

I would not use both, especially for a chameleon. The powersun seems to be really strong, not just in wattage for heat but the UVB output as well. When I worked at a pet store any time we had one of those over a chameleon (regardless of age) it did not do well. Immediately the eyes would be closed and they would decline in health. As soon as the basking bulb was a normal 60w incandescent and the UVB a linear fluorescent, everything was way better. I don't know what it was about that bulb but due to my recommendation we stopped selling that one to chameleons altogehter.

Besides, the Arcadia bulbs have an excellent UVB output. Your chameleon is getting all the UVB he needs from that bulb, so I wouldn't use anything additional.

You can have UVB in the basking area, which is why we like linear fluorescent tubes for UV because they can stretch across the cage and be near or away from the basking light at the same time.

Hope that helps!

 

[Carlton]

My basking bulbs are halogens from Lowe's or Home Depot. They're less money usually and just as good, since reptile brand basking bulbs (as long as they aren't UVB bulbs, just basking lights) aren't special or different. Putting a lizard on the box is a ploy to get you to pay 2-3 times more for your basking light

I do this too. A sturdy exterior porch halogen (they are usually spots or floods...which you use may depend more on how large your cage is and how much area you want the beam to reach) works great, lasts longer and costs less.