heat range

[Melimacmomo]

Hi, I'm a new male panther chameleon owner. I have a reptisun 5.0 and a basking lamp and my high temp is only getting to 78 degrees. He goes under there a lot and cools off at the other end. Everything I read says they need 90 degrees. Should I get a hotter basking light? It came in a set up from lllreptile so I thought it would be what I needed.

 

[Melimacmomo]

I changed out bulbs from the one that came with the set up to a different reptile bulb I had and now I got a digital reading at 85 which is way better but still not 90.

 

[Viv]

You don't need a special basking bulb for chameleons. A basic white household bulb will provide the heat they need just fine. You may have to experiment with wattage and placement to get the right temps but a 40 or 60W household bulb is just fine and a hell of a lot cheaper than special 'basking bulbs'.

Your UVB bulb of course has to stay but they're such a low wattage they shouldn't affect the heat of the enclosure much at all.

 

[jamjam]

first of all how old is your panther?
babies up to 3 months should be about 80-82 with an increase of about 1degree every month until adult temps are reached and 85-90 should be just fine

 

[Melimacmomo]

I'm not sure of his age. I went to the National Reptile Expo and the booth I bought him from was super busy. I totally lapsed on asking that question. I believe from looking at different pictures he is between 3-4 months.

 

[AACblackout]

We need some info fill out the help request form someone on here will post it. Also post some pics for age help and something to compared him to in size.

 

[jamjam]

you may not need to fill out that form unless you may want some advice on your husbandry and care and the supplies you have. which mau not be such a bad idea. post pictures thats only way people can help determine an age. in the mean time i think about an 84 temp range should be good 90 may be a little hot