Need help with my heat!

[aimeebb]

I have a panther chameleon, almost 2.5 years old, male. I’ve had for almost 2 years. I had a 40 watt incandescent light, I think it is called, and it was always in the 80s when I measured the branch right below the bulb. I use the thermometer laser gun. I replaced it at the most recent 6 month mark and it would not get to the 80s. Raising the branch up, then got to 100 degrees, lowering it down got even worse temperatures (too low) I have now been on a wild goose chase of moving the branch, trying Flukers or zoomed 75W, 60W, 50W, all way too hot! Just ordered a Flukers 40W! Am I now just in an endless loop of moving this branch?! Any recommendations welcomed.
I am very worried about him overall just because of his health. I have been in contact with his vet, but he’s dehydrated chronically (have fluid injections about weekly) with kidney stuff in his blood panel but recently not eating at all crickets, bsfl, flies and wax worms all offered. He’ll look interested but then not eat anything, so I really want to get his heat right atleast so one less thing to worry about

 

[MissSkittles]

Hi. The first thing to know is that the distance of your basking branch is determined by the type of uvb you have. If you have the recommended T5 with either a ReptiSun 5.0 or Arcadia 6%, then the basking branch needs to be 8-9” directly below it. Then you address the heat. Laser guns are fine for a quick check, but can’t measure the air where your chameleon would be. For that it’s best to use a thermometer with a wired probe in that area. For an adult male panther you want a basking temp of around 80-85. I want you to double check all of the bulbs that you have to make sure that none are LED. (I have such a hard time deciphering the light bulb boxes in the store that I now just buy special reptile basking bulbs to make life easier). Then starting with the lowest wattage, start putting them in place, waiting for about 10-15 minutes and see what the temps are. Take several measurements to ensure they are correct.

 

[Peppered]

Just to add on, you might consider a dimmable lamp done for your basking bulb. Flukers sells one that I use and it's been great for adjusting my basking temps with the seasons/outdoor temps changing. Dimmers work best with halogen and incandescent bulbs,