Basking Spot Questions

[anwisnie]

I have been preparing/testing my cage for when I receive my chameleon in a short while. I have both a UV/B light and a basking light, but it seems there are a lot of different schools of thought as to how warm a basking spot should be. I currently have a Zoomed clamp lamp with a 75watt bulb in it. It is hanging about 4 inches from the top of my cage. My question for all of you is, just how hot should I aim for that basking spot to be? And is 4-5 inches from the top of the screen enough space for the chameleon to not hurt himself?

Thanks for any replies. Looking forward to your responses!

EDIT: This is for a veiled chameleon, by the way!

 

[MelissaB]

It depends on what type of chameleon you're getting. For example, a jackson would need a cooler basking temp than a veiled. It also depends on the age of the chameleon you get, too.
I would think a four inch gap would be good to keep your chameleon from getting burned, but the best way to know for sure would be to measure the temperature.
I pasted a link to the care sheets from this site. It'll help you figure out what you need.


Link to care sheets:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/

 

[anwisnie]

Thanks for the link! I am planning on getting a veiled chameleon.

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. Right now I keep the basking spot for the babies around 83 degrees. I use a double light fixture with a UVB bulb on one side and a regular florescent bulb on the other. As they get bigger and older their temps will need to increase. I keep my adult male Sage's basking spot around 88 to 89. As long as they are in the low 80's that's warm enough to aid in the digestion of their food. Females that are kept as pets are kept in the low 80's to help with their metabolism to keep them from eating so much. If they over eat they lay many large clutches of eggs and that shortens their life. It's very important to have a good digital temp. gun.

Now occasionally my guys get a tad warmer outside. They will sit around with their mouth open trying to regulate their temps.

 

[anwisnie]

Thanks for the info, that helps a lot!

 

[anwisnie]

I just got a temperature gun the other day. So handy!

 

[jannb]

Instead of buying a double light fixture just use a lower watt bulb to start with. I'd aim for at least the mid 80's to start with.

 

[anwisnie]

Okay, I don't have a double fixture. I will pick up a lower watt bulb to see if I can hit the temp range you suggested. Thanks!