How many watts for a heat bulb for a 38 gallon screened cage?

[drowningbybaptism]

I've just started using heat lamps, and I was wondering what a good wattage for a heat bulb would be if it was being used for a 38 gallon 16.5X16.5X30 in.
screened cage.

 

[Julirs]

Depends on your ambient temps and if you are setting the lamp directly on the top of the cage. For Veileds, I usually put a 60 watt bulb, but for my montanes it could be a 25-40.

 

[drowningbybaptism]

my room temp is 75-80 F , and I am setting the lamp on top of the screen. The cage is 30 inches tall.

 

[Lancecham]

What type of chameleon and how old is it?

 

[drowningbybaptism]

A juvenile Oustalet's chameleon.

 

[jake01]

I got 75w basking bulb for my cham (going to probably switch to lower wattage). Had to raise it a few inches above the cage to provide the adquate temps. Just use a probe thermometer to check (after verifying the safe temp range for your species).