lighting/heating set up

bbuddy

New Member
I am new to the world of chameleons. I have acquired a 24 x 24 x 48 screen enclosure. What is the best way to light and heat my enclosure for a panther chameleon. Are there specific products I should consider?
 
If your cage is indoors I recommend two lights. One to provide light and heat. A second to provide the appropriate UV rays that your chameleon will need to grow properly.

Providing heat can be accomplished with a simple and classic incandescent bulb - the type we use or previously used indoors.

Proving proper UV-B for a panther can be accomplished with various bulb types. Most people recommend the Reptisun 5.0 linear tube.

You can get more info by searching the forums.
 
Do you recommend a combination hood or seperate lights. Is incandescent better than halogen for heating?
 
Do you recommend a combination hood or seperate lights. Is incandescent better than halogen for heating?

I would go separate, but that's a preference not a rule.
Incandescent is probably cheaper and easier to handle, but it doesnt matter so long at the basking area temperature is right.
 
You will need a UVB tube style light. You can buy the fixture at WalMart and the blub from LLLReptile. The Reptisun 5.0 is the best. May sure to take the cover off the fixture before using. You will want nothing between the UVB blub and the cage. You will also need a basking light. You can get this fixture at WalMart or Home Depot. Use either a 40 W or 60 W bulb.....like you'd use in your home. You will want to keep the basking temps in the low to mid 90's. I don't know where you live but if it drops below 60 at night, you will need a heat light. I would recommend a ceramic light which LLLreptile.com also has.
Don't forget your 3 supplements for dusting your feeders (plain calcium, calcium with D3 and Multi Vitamins) which can also be purchased at lllreptile.com. This web site is listed below for you. Also very important....don't forget to gutload those feeders. Let us know if you have any more questions.
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/vitamins-medicines-and-cage-cleaners/
 
I believe it's important to keep the UVB lighting and the basking light in separate areas.
The reason is that the animal should have the opportunity to bask under either light without exposure to the other.
Chameleons will self regulate the amount of UVB exposure they require and should not be forced to be under that light if they just want to warm up.

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad
 
Is it OK to use two UVB flourescent bulbs? The fixture I have currently takes two 18" bulbs. Is too much UVB bad?
 
You can use a grow-light in one of the receptacles, and have added light for your plants! Two UVB bulbs is redundant.
 
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