That type of UVB (compact fluorescent)—whether coil or U-shaped—was designed & intended to be mounted in a horizontal orientation.
A vertical orientation such as in that dome greatly reduces both the amount of usable UVB and its range.
That said, even mounted correctly, they do not provide enough UVB unless they're directly over—and about 3" from—the lizard. Not really suitable for active arboreal chameleons.
A better choice (used by many/most keepers) is a linear T5 HO UVB; either Reptisun 5.0 or Arcadia 6% in a fixture with reflector that spans the entire width of the enclosure, such as:
These fixtures are sold under many brand names, most made by Shenzen Sunlight Lighting Co. (OEM)
The best bulbs for basking lights are (in order of preference):
Old-style household incandescent light bulb
Incandescent flood lamp (not spot)
Halogen flood lamp (not spot)
In addition, an LED plant light might be in order.
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In the first picture, it appears the chameleon's tail
may have a break/fracture, but I'm not seeing it in the other pictures, and I'm not seeing any discoloration typical of necrosis. It could also be Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), which is why we've asked about supplements & lighting.
Again, folks will be better able to help you if you'll
please copy/paste the following into a post in this thread, and fill in your answers/data in bold or a different color (for clarity). Thanks.
Pics of the whole lizard would be helpful too.
Chameleon Info:
- Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
- Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
- Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
- Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
- Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
- Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
- History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.
Cage Info:
- Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
- Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
- Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
- Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
- Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
- Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
- Location - Where are you geographically located?
Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.
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Please Note:
- The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
- Photos can be very helpful.
