Need recommendations for UVB light fixture

TAW229

New Member
Hi everyone! George, my veiled chameleon (who was very sick back in June), has quadrupled in size or more maybe! He's getting huge quickly. So, now that he's definitely healthy and growing well, I want to buy him a better UVB light fixture and bulb. He'll be moving from his 18x18x24 glass with screen top enclosure to his 18x18x36 screened enclosure soon. I use this one outside at the moment but he's outgrowing the smaller one fast. Probably outgrow the 36 inch tall one too but I have the 24x24x48 too so he'll be moving up in the world. :D

I was thinking of getting the tube type 10.0 UVB bulb, 18 inch. I've seen a few different makes and wondering which one would be best. I, also, am wondering which lighting fixture would be best. I've seen a ReptiSun, Slimline, Coralife, Zilla......Which one do you all recommend or is there another brand that is best? The reviews on each are mixed!

On the other hand, I already have the dome type light fixtures. One is for two different lights with separate switches. I currently only use one side with the heat/basking light. I could use the other side for UVB light. Woud the tube type UVB that work in the dome lights work? Are the long tubes better or the ones that fit in the dome light fixtures?

The bulb I currently use is the swirl type (looks like a normal florenscent light you would use in a regular house lamp but it's the 5.0 for reptiles) which sits right on top of his cage in another single dome light fixture. I know these are not the best. I did this because the double dome is about 6 inches above the cage and I didn't think the UVB light would reach down far enough if it hung that far up. So I have it in a single dome light fixture.

Either way, the lights will be on the outside of the mesh reptibreeze cage. They will both sit directly on the screen once I move George to the other cage. So, 18 inch long tube vs the smaller ones that fit in the dome shaped light fixtures? Which one is best? 5.0 or 10.0?

As you can see, I am confused :confused: and in need of help with this. Please let me know your thoughts on what you all think is best for George. Thanks!!
 
Glad to hear the George is doing better. I recommend the 24 inch Reptisun. I've always used the 5.0 but 10.0 would be fine. I use a double fixture with the UVB bulb on one side and a plant light on the other.
 
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Thanks for the information! Yes George is getting big and starting to change colors. I can't believe how fast he is growing! I'll try to post some pictures although he's shedding and a bit cranky. LOL I'll will be shopping for lights for him so thank you both for the information!
 
I am looking at getting the Reptisun LED UVB 5.0 Hood for my cage. Most reviews are pretty positive. I like the fact that it provides lighting for plant growth as well. Obviously you would need a separate heating/basking light, but for under $100 it seems pretty reasonable to me.
 
Thanks Crashbandit05. I already have a heating/basking light so that area is good. I will look into the Reptisun LED UVB 5.0 and Hood. Haven't seen that one. Thanks again!
 
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