Hi I'm new and just wanted to ask about uv lighting

[stranger23]

Hi im going to be rescuing a yemen chameleon and im currently building the viv i just need some advice on what lighting to use i know i need a basking light and a uv light but what type should i use? and how much uv does the chameleon need?

 

[draetish]

Hi im going to be rescuing a yemen chameleon and im currently building the viv i just need some advice on what lighting to use i know i need a basking light and a uv light but what type should i use? and how much uv does the chameleon need?

The best uvb light is a ReptiSun 5.0 linear bulb, no coils they have been known to cause eye problems. You can go online and buy them cheaper than Petco or Petsmart. Basking bulb can be a regular household bulb 40-60 watt. You'll want to get a digital temp/hygrometer too as you will need to monitor the temps.

 

[stranger23]

Thank you very much will look into it will just a normal house hold bulb be ok for live plants? or do i need to get something for the plants to stay alive the viv will be in the corner so out of the kids reach so will be a bit shaded hoping to get a flexarium at some point so the yemen can bask outside during the summer

 

[ghettomike]

To make your plants do really good you can use a 6500k flourescent tube along with your UV and basking bulbs.

 

[sandrachameleon]

The best uvb light is a ReptiSun 5.0 linear bulb, no coils they have been known to cause eye problems. You can go online and buy them cheaper than Petco or Petsmart. Basking bulb can be a regular household bulb 40-60 watt. You'll want to get a digital temp/hygrometer too as you will need to monitor the temps.

Agreed

If you want to go deeper in your understanding of lighting, check the links from this blog entry:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/68-lighting-links.html

Welcome to the forum

 

[alexcoppola]

The best uvb light is a ReptiSun 5.0 linear bulb, no coils they have been known to cause eye problems. You can go online and buy them cheaper than Petco or Petsmart. Basking bulb can be a regular household bulb 40-60 watt. You'll want to get a digital temp/hygrometer too as you will need to monitor the temps.

i am trying out difrent wattages and the 70 whatt in my basking spot reads about 95 dagrees and my 40 whatt reads 85 in the basking spot.... i dont know if i should go and buy a 50 whatt maby to try to get it in the 90's or should i just keep the 70 whatt in and rais the lamp a little...???

 

[sandrachameleon]

Is it a male or female? 85F is quite enough for a female.
But yes you could raise up the 70watt or get a 60/50watt, whichever your preference