Is a UVB light bulb sufficient?

pguillen

New Member
I have a Standard Fischer Chameleon who is still a juvenile. I currently have a UVB light for him, but I was wondering if a full spectrum lightbulb is necessary, or if he can make do without one? Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.
 
What kind of UVB lamp are you using? linear? Who makes it? and what output level did you buy?

You should use a UVB and normal household lamp...or a flood lamp. The incandescent lamp will give heat and more spectrum of light for the cham. This will look better to them than a single UVB.... plus he'll need the lamp for warming himself.

House hold lamps and flood lights and spots lights give off UVA. Chameleons need this UV.
 
A heat bulb in addition to the UVB tube may not be necessary for very young chameleons if the ambient room temp is satisfactory. but in most cases, the UVB tube and a household tungsten incandescent are used. An additional full spectrum tube is not necessary, though it may help any live plants you're using.
 
I live in Canada and I use Repti-sun 5.0 long linear fluorescent tubes (UVB) on my fischer's along with a 40 watt regular incandescent household light bulb in a metal hood. Even though they are said to be montane, they still need to be able to warm up to the low to mid 80's for part of the day.
 
Even though they are said to be montane, they still need to be able to warm up to the low to mid 80's for part of the day.

I wanted to add this bit in... but didn't. Most chams need a place to warm. even if you aren't giving them a basking spot or area to get warm with a low wattage lamp. the light from a tungsten lamp is good for the cham.

As Sandra said though, some very young chams may not need the extra heat. But I think you should give them the light if you can do it without warming the area too much.
 
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