Getting my first panther

marys

New Member
I'm working on getting my setup together for my first chameleon and would love input from anyone who loves to give advice. I want a panther and vascilate between color morphs because they're all so cool. My thought has been to get a fairly young juvenile, but there are some sub-adults available that are showing gorgeous color and seem awfully tempting. What are the pros and cons? Also still debating the relative merits of going with the mercury vapor bulbs which means one light for 2 functions. I gather they have better UVB, but possibly more heat than is ideal and the flexibility of separate bulbs may be advantageous. Again, any thoughts?
 
I have two thoughts.

1.) I would avoid the mercury vapor bulb and go with a zoomed 5.0
flourescent and a basking light.
Reasons being: this combo is proven, it's more than adequate, and you will be getting advice, sharing info with keepers that primarily use these with great success. The Mercury Vapor bulbs are not all that common in the hobby and can be (from what I've read) pretty intense. Additionally, chams tend to like to choose when they want to be under UVB and when they want to bask in the heat. The Mercury Vapor Bulb does not give them this option.

2.) Go with a younger cham. The rewards of raising it and watching all the changes as it grows before your eyes are indescribable.
Besides, honestly, they don't live that long*...I, personally, want every minute I can get with mine and would not trade the experience of watching him grow up.

-Brad

*compared to other pets like a tortoise, parrot, cat, dog, etc.
 
i use a mercury vapour bulb and to be honest i think i will be changing over,sure it does the job of both the uvb bulb and the basking lamp, but it costs twice as much to run and will soon become a nuisance when you innevitably want more chameleons, £50 a bulb and i have had two go pop in less than a month before lol. best of luck with whatever you purchase though.
 
My thought has been to get a fairly young juvenile, but there are some sub-adults available that are showing gorgeous color and seem awfully tempting.

I agree with what Chad said as well, but for your very first chameleon I would consider one that is say 5 months or older safer, easier, more established.... Also, as you said they are already starting to show color so you'll have a better chance of getting the animal that looks the way you want. Cons of buying an older one: the price!
 
I've never used a mercury vapor lamp, but like Brad, I would argue the merits of providing UVB and basking seperately, allowing the cham to regulate its heat exposure seperate from its UVB exposure.

I'm also a big sucker for baby chams. They present a challenge , but the reward of raising them is worth the effort.
 
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