Lighting logistics

[ridgebax1]

I have read everyone's comments about CFL vs linear UVB lights but my questiong seems to have been lost in the thread as I have not gotten an answer. I want to know about the placement of the lights on the cage. Currently I have a double mini deep dome, with a CFL and basking bulb over one corner of the cage. The other 3 corners have a one UVB over the left center of the cage and in the remaining areas have full spectrum lights. So in total there are six bulbs providing the light. If I use a linear fixture with a UVB bulb and a full spectrum bulb how do I position the basking light? Will Omar get sufficient UVB exposure when for the most part he sits under his basking light? Right now he gets both UVB and heat in his basking spot, with another UVB spot with no heat on the other side of the cage. So how does this work? Getting both heat and UVB when the UVB is only under the linear fixture?

 

[junglefries]

He definitely needs a spot where he can hide from the uvb if needed. he may just move from spot to spot regulating his heat and uvb intake as needed. Your wording of the situation kinda confuses me (not much sleep lately). I would just run the one uvb and one daylight side by side. then use just a single fixture for your heat bulb. keep in mind you didn't state: 1) cage height. 2) live plants?. i hope this gets you started.

 

[ridgebax1]

They cage is 24 X 24 X 48 and has live plants: ficus, hibiscus, gardenia, pothos, philodendrons. I also have an automated mist system (Monsoon), I hope to upgrade plus a dripper. I need to get new bulbs and currently have fixtures that use CFL's which I understand are safe now, but it seems most keepers prefer the long tubes. I still don't completely understand the differences since the eye issues are no longer a problem. If the CFLs are safe what is the impetus to switch to the tube lights?
So setting them up as you describe, he would then get heat independant of UVB? He would be under the basking light for heat and no UVB or under the UVB spot with no heat? I was considering the Tropic Blaze HO T5 24 inch quad fixture, should I get the 6% or 12% Arcadia? My thinking is that I should get this light as I have so many live plants in the enclosure. It also has 2 6.5K daylight bulbs and a Plant pro bulb. It is a little more than I wanted to spend (but I can pick up a couple extra shifts to cover it).

 

[CarlC]

Your best bet would be to get a UV meter and measure at different points. I think that's about the only way you'll know what you have.

I use tubes because I have multiple cages next to each other. I'd rather spend $20 on a 48" tube that lights all my cages.

Carl

 

[Decadancin]

I prefer the tube type so there can be more "usable" space in the enclosure. I think with the amount of live plants that you have your cham should have plenty of places to get some shade if needed. Think of it this way...
If a chameleon is out in the wild, it is always exposed to sunlight and chooses how much exposure it gets by moving around the environment. I try to offer the same in my enclosures.
Here's a look at my lighting set-up as an example. (I know, its a bit overkill, but it gives you an example )
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/decadancin/754-winter-lighting-schedule.html

 

[ridgebax1]

Thanks for the information. What kind of timers do you use?

 

[Decadancin]

Just basic programmable type that can be set for 7 Days with multiple times each day. I think they are about $12 or so. I saw some that can automatically change the time for you for Daylight Savings that is about $20. Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes and most other home improvement stores have them. I use the Mist King timer for my misting schedule (available on the site http://www.mistking.com/) and it is great!