Chameleon temps

[ashcroft7]

Evening guys
Right so hopefully getting my panther chameleon (5 months old) Saturday
I've had the set up running the last dew days and my only query is the temp.
I've set up his basking spot 6 inches from the heat source - a 75watt normal house bulb, and I'm getting a temp reading of 25c-26c? Never above.
Is this to cool shall I try and raise the temps with a higher wattage bulb?
Also 6 inches is right yes?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Zephalia]

Just a couple questions, where are you taking the reading from? The branch height or a couple inches above it (as this is where your chams body will actually be when it's basking). A couple of inches closer to the light can mean a pretty big temperature change.

Also, do you have the enclosure set up close to any windows or fans that could be causing the temperature to drop? What's the normal temp. in your home?

A 75 watt bulb should be sufficient but it does depend on other factors.

 

[ashcroft7]

The reading is coming from about a inch from the vine I have running 6 inchs below the heat source. The enclosure is away from any windows or doors, and is placed in my reptile room which is naturally quite warm with all the other heat sources there. Normal temp varies from room to room but the reptile room goes from 18c-23c depending on time of day etc. The temp isn't dropping, just doesn't seem to go about 26c.

 

[Zephalia]

I would suggest moving it a little closer to the basking spot if that's the case. Or raise the vine by an inch or so and test the temps out then. Are you using a dome for the light?

 

[MelissaB]

What are you using to measure the temperatures? A digital thermometer and/or infrared heat gun are the best ways to check your temps. If you're using an analog thermometer it might not be accurate.