going with a MV bulb

[ColeCham333]

there was a guy on YouTube who got his chameleon from a reputable breeder, and he was told by the the breeder (chameleon company Florida) that he could use a 160 watt MV bulb and a 100 watt MV bulb. His temps are perfect, and his chameleon is as healthy as can be. With my 75 watt basking bulb, I struggle to keep temps throughout the cage above 75. For that reason, I will be getting at least one MV bulb. Thoughts? I will probably go with 125 watt. The highest branch in the cage is 7 inches from the top screen

 

[jamest0o0]

MVB have there place, but that said doesn't sound like you need/or should have one. Most people have chams as healthy as can be without MVBs. Why does your entire cage have to be above 75? Just worry about the basking, unless you're living in an igloo, you should be fine.

 

[ColeCham333]

MVB have there place, but that said doesn't sound like you need/or should have one. Most people have chams as healthy as can be without MVBs. Why does your entire cage have to be above 75? Just worry about the basking, unless you're living in an igloo, you should be fine.

My basking is barely 75!! Adult males need close to 90! Something must change. And if that guy uses MV bulbs ans gets good temps, why not just ensure he is getting all his UV?

 

[jamest0o0]

Sounds like you're going to do what you want, so why ask? Just because it works for one guy doesn't mean it will for a brand new owner? A lot of things work for ONE guy... you didn't say basking you said throughout the cage.... there are people here with TONS of experience, telling you otherwise, but youtube guy apparently knows it all so what's the point of posting. It is so easy to get a 60-70watt halogen/other within proper distance to reach 90. If you can't do that then you're not measuring right.

 

[ColeCham333]

Sounds like you're going to do what you want, so why ask? Just because it works for one guy doesn't mean it will for a brand new owner? A lot of things work for ONE guy... you didn't say basking you said throughout the cage.... there are people here with TONS of experience, telling you otherwise, but youtube guy apparently knows it all so what's the point of posting. It is so easy to get a 60-70watt halogen/other within proper distance to reach 90. If you can't do that then you're not measuring right.

Im not just doung whatever i want, im just trying to understand. And the MV doesnt just work for the one guy. He uses MV because thats what his breeder uses, and they have been breeding for a long time. Its the popular breeder chameleon company florida that uses MV bulbs. I believe they are even a sponsor of this website!!

 

[Extensionofgreen]

As I stated in the other thread, for reputable, properly adjusted for chameleons, and long lived bulbs with consistent performance, have a conservation with the experienced guys at reptileuv.com and lightyourreptiles.com. Many MV are too intense and most aren't suitable for use with a chameleon in your set-up. Will your chameleon die if you don't follow my advice and provide additional basking choices and don't rely on just the MV bulb, maybe not, but it doesn't bode well for long term success, if you are unwilling to follow up with the advice and information given and not ensure that you have an appropriate, not just convenient lighting set-up.
If you want to use MV you really need to follow up with those 2 suppliers. They have experience with using their products with chameleons and their products are held to higher standards for safety and longevity than more mass produced products. These people will take into account your set-up, temperature needs, and the species you are keeping and help you choose and appropriate wattage, recommend a proper fixture, time schedule, distance from the basking branch, and additional bulbs to pair the bulb with for additional lighting and basking, as is needed for plant healthy and the psychological well being of the animals.