Heat/Lighting - need some help w/ my Panther

[dchristine]

Can someone tell me if there's a difference between the Zilla Slimline Tropical Fixture (Tropical 25 UVB, T8 Fluorescent Bulb) and the Reptisun 5.0? Everyone says that the Reptisun one is the best, but in comparing them side by side, I couldn't find a difference so I went with the Zilla because it was cheaper.

Question number 2 - in addition to my Panther Chameleon's (male by the way) heat source (which is always on), I also use a Powersun 100W Vapor UVB lamp (it actually provides UVA and UVB) 12 hours on, 12 hours off. I think it's a good idea that I incorporate this new light source (the Zilla doesn't emit heat) because I want to make sure he's getting enough UVB. Is this a good plan, and how many hours per day should I turn on this new Zilla UVB? Also, should I remove the plastic cover that's in front of this light? I've read that it might be blocking the UVB.

I would really appreciate anyone's help with this. I want my Chameleon to be happy and healthy. I've had him for about one year now and I'm not sure how old he is (I think he's 2.5-3.5 years old). Any other advice would be helpful. Here's a pic of his enclosure that my dad and boyfriend built for me. The pic doesn't do it justice - it's gorgeous in real life; made out of Black Walnut!

 

[Preekoo]

yes take the plastic cover off of the uvb fixture. No uvb passes through, very little if any at all.

 

[Preekoo]

And omg i love your cage All the vines and sticks looks like a chameleons paradise

 

[dchristine]

Thank you...

I took the plastic off... Thanks for your help.... And I'm glad to know that his cage looks like a fun place for him to be!

 

[Preekoo]

And this board doesn't necesarilly recommend uvb/uva bulbs, I'm not to keen on the subject. But a 5.0 coil/tube and a 60-75w house hold incadescent bulb should suffice for lighting.

 

[dchristine]

So should I get rid of the UVA/UVB and just keep the heat source and UVB fluorescent? How would I keep them temp up high enough if I did that? Also, is it possible to give him too much UVB?

 

[carol5208]

So should I get rid of the UVA/UVB and just keep the heat source and UVB fluorescent? How would I keep them temp up high enough if I did that? Also, is it possible to give him too much UVB?

yes I would get rid of it. Have the seperate basking bulb and the tube uvb light. When you remove the powersun see what you temp is under the basking light and in the whole cage cage itself not under the basking light. what you mean you leave your heat source on all the time? at night too? what are your night temps?

 

[dchristine]

Okay, I'll give it a shot. Do you recommend 12 hours a day of the uvb fluorescent? Thank you!

 

[carol5208]

what do you have in the bottom of the cage? substrate is not recommended

 

[dchristine]

I know it's not... But I don't know what else to use? Suggestions? In my defense, I clean it everyday of every little thing and I change it out constantly... But I would like to use something better for him, just don't know what.

 

[dchristine]

Oh, and yes. I leave the heat source on 24/7. Night temp is about 65-70 at the top.

 

[carol5208]

no do not leave the heat on at night. what kind of chameleon do you own? Your heat source is a light correct, not a heat emitter?

 

[dchristine]

no do not leave the heat on at night. what kind of chameleon do you own? Your heat source is a light correct, not a heat emitter?

No. It's heat only (no light) and is on 24/7. I have a UVA/UVB that is heat and light and its in for 12 hours per day. I just today bought an additional UVB fluorescent (that does not emit heat). What do u think?