Lighitng Question

[PenelopeLove]

Hi Everyone,

I've noticed that Ernie is a completely different boy when he is out of his cage than in it

I have a 24x24x48 reptibreeze with a basking light and 5.0 reptisun for him, but I'm wondering if he would be happier with more light?? not additional UVB or heat, just something suspended a bit higher over the cage for a bit extra 'natural light' feeling?

I have a really tall schefflera in there that provides heaps of shade if he wanted it.

Any thoughts? I've also heard that LEDs can help out plants if the produce 6500K or more.. would this be harmful to my cham??

Thanks

 

[VanessaS]

I would be a little curious what people have to say about this as well ; )

 

[dom1959]

i have read that some of the more experienced keepers feel the
enrichment that chams get from being out of the cage is beneficial.

i know my cham seems more active after my switch to arcadia lights from
lightyourreptiles.com

i am sure there will b some diff opinions on this.

 

[carol5208]

Many keepers use the 6500K grow lights for their plants with no ill effects to their chameleons. I do not know if there is any concrete proof though that it makes them more active or happy.

 

[cilenez]

when i was looking for lights for my planted fish tank. i went with a CFL daylight bulb that is 6500K, 800 lumens...

my aquatic plants are thriving...
i also have one over my indoor garden..

why not use this type of bulb for your uvb/uva needs..?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_302257-3-26966_4294801209__?productId=3202347&Ns=p_product_avg_rating|1

 

[PenelopeLove]

Thanks everyone I can't get grow lights here but I was thinking of an aquarium lamp that does nothing else but put out light at 6500k colour (for plant growth) so I'm glad that's been suggested...
I'm trying to take him out each day, even if its only 30mins, but it's hard with work
Again, thank you for all your help.. Keep em' comin!!

 

[Olimpia]

why not use this type of bulb for your uvb/uva needs..?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_302257-3-26966_4294801209__?productId=3202347&Ns=p_product_avg_rating|1

This bulb does not produce UVB enough (if at all) for it to be a good bulb to use with reptiles. I just don't want anyone to think they can get their UVB bulbs from Lowe's or Home Depot, because the only safe bulbs are reptile brand lights.

For ambient light those are fine. I use lineal fluorescent 5000k lights from Lowe's and I feel it brightens up the cage significantly and the plants do much better.

 

[Decadancin]

Since getting my Arcadia quad fixture, Zaphod has been out and about more, showing more colors (although he is at that age, I do believe this is a result of the lighting) and does seem "happier". He is always more colorful when we take him out and let him bask in natural sunlight. I do not currently use LED lighting except for accent "moonlighting" (here's my blog about lighting)https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/decadancin/754-winter-lighting-schedule.html but many are starting to use them in their enclosures. One 24" strip LED light should do the trick! (not sure if they are available in your area .

 

[deadhd5]

I added 6500k lights to all my enclosures. My plants are thriving (I have to prune my pothos every other week!) and my chams appreciate the brighter cage (anecdotal observation).

My nosy be Moe became obviously more active when I brightened up his cage with an additional light.. That being said, I live in Cincinnati and you live in Dubai, so there may be some seasonal affects that winter is having on Moe that the additional light helped to counteract.

It could just be that your cham likes his freedom... Some chams seem to like the security of cage life and others seems to desire freedom IMO

 

[deadhd5]

By the way, like Decadancin advised, the T5 HO Arcadia lights are a great way to add addtional brightness to your enclosure and increase UVB at the same time. I have dual bulb fixture for my cages (w/ 6% Arcadia UVB and a ZooMed 6500k) and I love it.

 

[PenelopeLove]

THANK YOU! Having others experience the same changes with lighting as what I am hoping for is great news
Ernie is also a nosy be and the closest I've seen him to blue is when he's outside but he's yet to do the full body nosy be blue.. It is winter here and for us it's quite cold here..
He is actually pretty active but his coloring shows me he's not so happy.. I'll try the extra lighting and hope it helps