Chameleon UVB

[Forlon fate]

Hi guys, I'm doing a lot of research into keeping a chameleon and need some advice on UVB before I start my setup. I have an Exo terra large x tall 90 45 90 cm with a compact hood ( 4 light fittings for compact bulbs) I've heard about the problems with compact UVB bulbs as I had the same issue with my beardie. I've also heard that exo terra might have sorted the problem, do any of you know if this is true? What would you recommend for my UVB?

 

[Tay And A]

A lot of people reccomend and use reptisun 5.0 bulbs. The come in the strip light form which is better than compact form.

 

[camimom]

The eye problem with the compact bulbs is fixed.

I use one on my veiled hatchlings, and have no problems whatsoever.

However, if you have a bigger cage, the tube style is better, as it provides more uvb coverage.

 

[ChuWuti]

I think people will need to know what cham species you're considering. 90 x 45 x 90 cm seems pretty small for anything except a juvenile to me, and I think it's too small for some cham species' juveniles.

I do know that UVB 5.0 is generally the best to use, but as for type, that really depends on your set-up. Here's a link to the lighting guide:

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/lighting/

You'll also want to check out the care sheet for whatever species you're considering. If you look at the top of your screen, there's a tab for "Resources." Click on that, and look on the left side--you'll find "Caresheets." Then you can get to the right care sheet for whatever you're wanting to get.

Others will lots more experience will get here soon, I'm sure!

Good luck!

 

[ChuWuti]

Ah, the experienced folks were posting simultaneously with me! Good!

 

[Forlon fate]

Thanks for the replies, so in your opinion what would be the best chameleon to get for this size terrarium? I've been reading a lot about it and people seem to be under the impression that I could keep a panther or veiled adult in here. As for the UVB, if I did decide to trust the compacts, arrangement of bulbs would you suggest? I've got four fixtures. I could possibly use a strip UVB and place it inside my hood? Using the built in reflectors?

 

[bradley]

An adult panther or veiled needs a minimum of 4 feet high, 2 feet deep and wide so you exo terra is too small. I would only suggest a group of pygmies in there. Most chameleons do better in screen cages as they allow better airflow. I wouldn't use compact bulbs at all. they don't give out lots of uv and are nowhere near the wild coverage the chameleons will get.

The best you can get are the newest Arcadia T5 bulbs but if you can't get a linear tube style reptisun.

 

[ChuWuti]

For us US folks, 90 cm is about 35.5" and 45 cm is 17.7". Basically an 18 wide that's 3 feet tall.

Again, it would be OK for a juvenile veiled; it would be the minimum size for an adult female veiled. But the adult would be happier in something bigger. Cage info for Panthers and Veileds is the same:

Panther or Veiled cage info:
screen cage (length x width x height):

juveniles/sub-adults
: 16x16x30" (40x40x76cm)
adult female minimum: 18x18x36" (45x45x90cm)
adult male minimum: 24x24x48" (60x60x120cm)

You probably want to aim for a veiled cham or panther cham because they are better for those of us who are novices at chameleon keeping--that includes me! Other species are more challenging in husbandry needs.

Also from the care sheets:

Panthers get 15-20” (40-52cm)
Veileds get 18”-24” (45-70cm)

So we're talking pretty good-sized lizards. Height is especially important because they are arboreal and need to climb. So, while your enclosure meets the minimum height for an adult female, minimum does not mean optimum; they'll do better in a taller enclosure.

On the other hand, if you start with a juvenile, you'll have some time to save for the next size up . . . and then you can get another juvie for this one, and then save again for another taller enclosure, and then . . .

oooops, I'm already sounding like a cham fanatic!

Good luck with your project--and smart you for planning ahead and doing your research BEFORE getting your cham!!

 

[Forlon fate]

Thank you for all your help. I have just been reading about Montane chameleons, and understand they are smaller and prefer cooler temps. Is this true? Would this be a good alternative?