Yes, thank you OldChamKeeper, I am always happy to help!
As Old Cham says--
Sadly, sometimes the WORST place to get info on caring for reptiles are the big chain pet stores. (or anything for that matter.)
Sure-
Once and a while you will bump into an employee at one of those stores that is a serious hobbyist and really knows their stuff...
but that is few an far between.
Animal knowledge it seems is actually pretty low on the list as a job requirement in some pet stores.
So be wary of advice and also be wary of advice from internet "experts" too.
What you need is "the real deal" advising you, and thankfully THIS FORUM does have allot of knowledgeable people who are willing to help.
Here is my e-mail address so you OR ANYONE can shoot me an e-mail (ans also
a picture of your set up is most helpful, even a few cell phone pics,
so I can see what you are working with.
As far as lighting goes, the newer HO t5 fixtures and Arcadia t5 bulbs I have found to be the best. Hence I started selling them and STOPPED selling other brands.
side note: the high out-put = term "HO"
and t5 just means the real slender skinny flo. tubes.
But if you have a smaller cage, the regular diameter "T8" bulbs will work fine... because the HO t5 bulbs can be too strong on a small cage.
Either PM me or shoot me an e-mail with pics (or just post here) I am happy to advise.
I always suggest e-mailing me IS BEST--
since some days I am packing and shipping orders from sun up to sun down...
and so don't get to check into all the forums I am on.
But, as many folks here know, I do check e-mail every hour or two.
em is:
[email protected]
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Todd
Your pet store informant sucks.
I worked in the pet industry for years, one thing that set our store apart was that we gave out solid info and never tried to just say what a customer wanted to hear. Many stores worry that the high cost of a set up (lighting being the biggy) will deter the sale. Hence them selling the animal first knowing you'll be back for the equipment later. Very dirty trick.
Here is a good measuring stick for you to remember when looking at ANY lizard for a pet........... is it nocturnal or diurnal? Nocturnal lizards do not need UVB bulbs.
Also concerning powder supplements... way too much bad info out there.
Personally I feed my animals straight calcium on their food items 5 days out of 7.
I use a multi-vitamin supplement on ONE food item every 14 days.
I use a Calcium with medium D3 supplement once every 14 days.
It is actually easy to overdose your pets over a 6+month period.
Proper lighting plus feeder insects that are fed fresh veggies and fruit is one of the most solid ways to care for your chameleons, add in some straight calcium and you are on the right path.
Few tips:
-If you really want to learn about reptile lighting, ask Todd from Lightyourreptiles.com He sells systems to Zoos.
-Remember the animal is cheap compared to the cage and equipment. Do your homework. There is a cage company here on these forums called Dragon Strand. That guy can help you get the right cage and how to set it up.
- Find a new pet store to patronize or instead find the right people here on these forums.
