So i have one of those 34 inch reptizoo 39w t5 uvb bulbs with a reflector. I've read a lot about lighting and most sources say this is ideal, but sometimes I catch my guy pawing at the top of the cage right beneath the bulb and that makes me very concerned about if he is going to burn or isn't getting enough UVB. it's a veiled chameleon, not sure how old but prob 8-18 months. is this something i should be concerned about and if so how can I fix it? ill attach a pic if I can catch him doing it again soon, I can also provide a pic of his setup if that's needed. thanks in advance!
chameleon tries to climb into his uvb light
- Thread starter Eamon
- Start date
Motherlode Chameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
You should have some more space between the light and the chameleon basking branches. Chameleons to close to enclosure basking lights is not a healthy habit. I would go 6 inches or more from light to basking spot (Tube Lights). Probably more for heat bulbs.
Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich
Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich
ehdee6
Chameleon Enthusiast
More pictures are always good.... How long have you had your set up? The bulbs for the Zoomed need to be changed every 6 months as the UVB wares off. The light will still shine the same; so, unless you have a solor meter to check the UVB levels, it's good practice to replace the bulbs every 6 months. You can also replace the Zoomed bulb with an Arcadia 6% t5 bulb, and those ones last for 12 months.
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
Hi. I suggest changing the ReptiZoo uvb bulb for either Arcadia 6% or ReptiSun 5.0. Out of curiousity and always looking to save a few $$, I bought a ReptiZoo uvb light and tested it with a solarmeter. The results were awful. I have Arcadia bulbs that have been in use for well over a year with better uvb output than the brand new ReptiZoo.
Used Arcadia reading a perfect 3.0 uvb level at 9”. *can’t recall how old/how long it was in use.
New ReptiZoo a dismal 1.8 level at 8”. (After allowing warm up time too).
The ReptiZoo read in ideal range at a mere 3”, which is much too close and poor gradient.
Used Arcadia reading a perfect 3.0 uvb level at 9”. *can’t recall how old/how long it was in use.
New ReptiZoo a dismal 1.8 level at 8”. (After allowing warm up time too).
The ReptiZoo read in ideal range at a mere 3”, which is much too close and poor gradient.
What @MissSkittles said... Reptizoo UVB bulbs just do not compare to reptisun or arcadia bulbs. Note looks like you used wood to build the cage. Hopefully you sealed the wood as it will produce VOC's that can be harmful to their lungs. Pine can be especially hard on them.
If you didnt than sealing it now will be harder as you have to let them gas off for at least a week or two without the cham anywhere near it.
If you didnt than sealing it now will be harder as you have to let them gas off for at least a week or two without the cham anywhere near it.
I've only had him for a little over a month, but from reading what other people said I'm definitely going to switch over to the arcadia bulb.
I had no idea they were so bad. I'm going to buy a arcadia asap! just for clarity 3 is the ideal range? looks like I'm going to have to get a solar meter, i just went on amazon and i see a bunch of them, is there a certain type i should get. also will the bulbs fit in the reptizoo reflector or will i have to get both new?
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omg i had no idea wood could do that, thankfully i was already planning on redoing his setup and removing the wood. could those VOC's cause him to have his mouth open? about 2 weeks ago i caught him just chilling with his mouth open, so i went around and cleaned up all standing water that i didn't realize was there. i feel like a shit owner for not reading about if wood like that could be harmfull i really hope he will be ok.
got it, my heat lamp is rasied above the cage top and im going to get a new bulb so ill raise that one too. thanks for the advice.
MissSkittles
Chameleon Enthusiast
Yes, 3.0 is the ideal UV index at basking level. Both ReptiSun and Arcadia bulbs are reliable to have that UVI at a distance of 8-9” down from the bulb when used in a T5 fixture with a reflector (and thru screening). I didn’t find any issue with the ReptiZoo fixture and am using it for one of my leopard geckos. Their uvb bulbs just aren’t trustworthy.
The solarmeter that I’ve seen used most often in this hobby is the solarmeter 6.5. They can be pricey…usually around $250 USD. Here’s one a bit cheaper on sale. https://www.chewy.com/solarmeter-mo...0ACgVJKYL9t1ZmZ8GiAJ-l62EZemzlvgaAh-TEALw_wcB While it would be ideal for every keeper of reptiles which need UVB to have a solarmeter, the high cost often makes it prohibitive for many. I have several chameleons and a couple of bearded dragons so justified the expense. Oh…there are these cards out there that are to detect uvb, and that is all that they do. They can not determine the strength of the uvb, so for our needs, are worthless.
Thank you! I just ordered a arcadia bulb, but I think I might wait on the solar meter because there is no way I can afford one for 230$ and I also don't trust that the cheaper ones on amazon actually work
