I need help with UVB bulb readings?

[JRM71085]

I have a solar meter 6.2 and i need help with understanding the readings. Im getting a veiled chameleon and I will be using a reptisun 5.0. I need to know what the numbers should be for a strong bulb and what the numbers are when i should replace the bulb? Does anyone else use these meters to read off the UVB emitting from these bulbs? What numbers indicate a strong bulb and what is the lowest number it can reach before replacing? Please help!

 

[Venutus1]

I have a solar meter 6.2 and i need help with understanding the readings. Im getting a veiled chameleon and I will be using a reptisun 5.0. I need to know what the numbers should be for a strong bulb and what the numbers are when i should replace the bulb? Does anyone else use these meters to read off the UVB emitting from these bulbs? What numbers indicate a strong bulb and what is the lowest number it can reach before replacing? Please help!

Probably the best species specific UV information is right here:

http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/guide-panther-chameleon.jpg

They don't have veiled up.... but you can probably go by some other chams and then err on the low side.

Since UV gradients will vary all over the cage, (just like in Nature!) there is probably no one right answer.

You should always play it safe with UV and only use a top quality UV bulb. Poor quality ones can "leak" non-terrestrial UVb & UVC through the glass, rather than filter it out.

I would say.... if it were me... using just a flo. UV bulb...
I would shoot for 60- 80 uw/cm2 around the upper level basking site / area.

And in general.... 25-30 uw/cm2 down to 0 (no) uv in other parts of the cage.
In other words... have a completely shaded area too.

Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Todd

 

[Semiv6]

I needdd one of thos

 

[ibdragons]

what I do is whenever I buy a new uvb bulb I measure with the solar meter about 12" away I right that number down. then every month I check out I hear they . last from 6 -9 months.so I replace it every 6 months but if the meter shows its still strong keep it until the reading is way lower than when you first bought the bulb.IMO solar meters are for people that have allot of chameleons and allot of bulbs so you know when to replace them. in your case you can keep that bulb longer than usual because you compare the reading to when you first bought it. I hope I made sense.

 

[nightanole]

Them Yemens

http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/guide-yemen-chameleon.jpg


Still the chart looks correct, if you double the height of the cage. a t5 ho D3 will put out around 50 at 24", which means the top half of a 4ft cage would be a partial sun zone, and the bottom of the cage would be a full shade zone.

 

[laurie]

The only thing I have know people to forget when reading the UVB measurement is that you need to do the measurement from inside the cage where the chams will sit. The cage and any thing else close to the UVB could effect the reading. I never accept anything lower 25 or I replace my lights ASAP.

 

[Venutus1]

The only thing I have know people to forget when reading the UVB measurement is that you need to do the measurement from inside the cage where the chams will sit. The cage and any thing else close to the UVB could effect the reading. I never accept anything lower 25 or I replace my lights ASAP.

Hi Laurie!

That is why you are so successful with your animals...

Diligence and common sense!


"you need to do the measurement from inside the cage where the chams will sit."
Well said!



Cheers
Thank you!
Todd

 

[JRM71085]

Thanks guys for the help! ibdragons what are the strong numbers 12" away with a new bulb what numbers indicate to change?