Lighting question??

[Pigginfriendly]

I am just about to get a young veiled and can't seem to find out what's the best for lighting. I have a compact top fitting that takes two of the repti glo compact bulbs. So at the pet store they said to get the repti glo 2.0 UVB and the repti glo 5.0 and get an additional dome for a 100w infrared heat bulb. I know I am new but this seems like a lot of lights to me and is going to cost a fortune in replacements and doesn't leave much room on top for ventilation. Anyone able to tell me what it is I actually need for him?? Thanks

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

Get one 5.0 fluorescent tube bulb. CFL's can damage a chameleons eyes. No lighting or heating is needed at night unless your temps get below like 65, and during the day you can use an average incandescent house bulb. 100 watt will be way too high. I use a 40 watt with great results.
Remember, ALL UVB bulbs need to be replaced every six months. On the package they say once yearly, but I don't buy it for a second.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Get one 5.0 fluorescent tube bulb. CFL's can damage a chameleons eyes.

Not true anymore. At one time there was a manufacturing problem with the ReptiSun CFL UVB bulbs so that they emitted unsafe levels of UVB and even UVC rays, which corresponded to health problems like eye problems and burns in reptiles. This manufacturing issue was identified and corrected by the manufacturer several years ago and thus we have not seen problems with it since then. The ReptiGlo CFL UVB bulbs were never associated with these harmful effects. The linear ReptiGlo or ReptiSun bulbs have never had any health problems associated with them either.

 

[thephotoprincess]

I use the repti glo 5.0 compact bulb in several set ups. The idea that it can damage a chameleons eyes is out-dated information. The repti glo was never a problem ... the 2.0 would not be enough. Using a household bulb for the basking light is fine.

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

Okay, cool. Thanks for letting me know! I said CAN cause eye damage because I wasn't sure. I was wrong!

 

[Hoj]

i would get a 5.0 uvb either the linear tube style ( generally perferd ) or the cfl. with that a dome light with a basic house bulb will do. start with a 60w and adjust according to your desired temp, about 85-90 for a young veiled. the younger the cooler.
oh and WELCOME!!! to the forum

 

[Pigginfriendly]

So if I use the repti glo 5.0, a standard incandescent 40w for basking and our temps right now go below 65 at night so would I also need the red heat lamp at night?? Sorry just want to make sure I have it right before I bring him home

 

[Hoj]

as long as the temos dont get below 60 i you will be fine. im in ontario and im leaving windows open at night right now just to get down to 65, so you should be fine.
40w may be a bit low, depending on the size of cage you have.
if you can fill this out it will help see if there is anyhting that may be an issue
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-ask-help-66/
as pet store often dont give new keepers the best info
also here is a blog for new keepers by member jannb
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html
hope this helps, where abouts in ontario are you??

 

[Pigginfriendly]

Ok, so a lot of that doesn't apply yet as I haven't brought the chameleon home but I am getting a young veiled, the store says he's a couple of months old. I have an Exoterra 18x18x24 tall, glass with mesh top. You're right they weren't the most helpful and I have been reading a lot too but seems to be conflicting. I want to get set up so I have it under control before bringing him home. I am in south east Ontario, near Belleville. Any help I am really grateful for as this is my first chameleon.

 

[ScalesTailsandClaws]

No red lamps! Big nono. Chameleons need total darkness to sleep. You'll need to get a CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter) if temps get below 60. They run about $30 each where I am but they last for a few years. They create lots of heat but no light. That thing will require a dimmer/rheostat/thermostat for sure.