i have a 2x2x4 cage with a 60w day light bulb. i am getting a basking spot of 85 and 90 at top of screen below light. would it be beneficial to put a 40w bulb next to it to get the top of cage warmer or leave as is. seems like the whole cage is 68 - 70 except for bask area is this ok
gradient temps
- Thread starter tino442
- Start date
You can always make another basking spot and use 40 watt. It would Give it some more heat to the cage and give another option for less intense basking if the chameleon ever felt like it.
carol5208
Chameleon Enthusiast
I don't think you need another one in that size cage. One basking spot is good. The cage is only 24 inches wide. You want somewhere at the top where they can move away from the basking light and still be able to cool down without having to climb to the bottom or middle of the cage. Adding another basking bulb right next to it would be overkill in my opinion.
fluxlizard
Avid Member
I think it's fine to add another bulb. In a cage that size you can have 2 reflectors side by side and still have over half the top of the cage cool. Or you can kitty corner them. At any rate it will be cooler lower down in the cage.
If it is 70 6" away from your hotspot, you don't have enough heat for a proper thermal gradient and need to get more somehow. A healthy environment will not force the lizard to the 2 choices of hot spot or cold- it will have lots of choices in between...
If it is 70 6" away from your hotspot, you don't have enough heat for a proper thermal gradient and need to get more somehow. A healthy environment will not force the lizard to the 2 choices of hot spot or cold- it will have lots of choices in between...
fluxlizard
Avid Member
As long as your lizard can move close enough to meet the manufacturer's recommendations, it should be fine. Chameleons will move close to the UVB if they need it and if it is available.
Always keep wattages in consideration but I haven't seen a problem yet and prefer using 2 depending on situation.
