Panther chameleon lighting

[ashcroft7]

Evening guys
I'm soon to be getting a panther chameleon, and would like just a few bits of help with regards to lighting...

UVB wise, am I correct in thinking I need a 10.0 UVB bulb, (the tube type)? I've been told that the zoomed t8 ones are the best? I've read and been told so many conflicting things it's difficult to decide what's best.
Also does the size of the bulb change the UVB outage? For example if I have a 24inch 10% bulb 18 wattage, will it pump out the same UVB as a 32inch 10% bulb 30wattage?

Heat wise, I've been told not to use the reptile type heat bulbs as they blow regularly, but instead to use a halogen bulb, does anyone else find this the best option? If so what wattage etc?

Really appreciate any help
Ross

 

[carol5208]

Hi Ross and welcome to the forums! You have come to right place to learn about chameleons and so glad you asking the questions BEFORE you purchase. Most of us the Reptisun 5.0 tube style bulbs. Other members do use the 10.0's. We have success with both. As far as the UVB output, that will not increase with the bulb size. If it is 5%, it will be 5% no matter how long of a bulb. Most of us use ordinary housebulbs for basking. Wattage depending on your ambient temps in your house and other variables.

 

[ashcroft7]

Hi carol and thanks Im a big snake keeper but have recently came into the world of Chams
Ok so there's no huge difference between a 10.0 and 5.0?
Ok that's fine, the average temp of my reptile room sits at about 16-18degrees, up to 20 when heating is on, what would you recommend wattage wise to heat a viv that's going to be 4x2x2??? I'm seeing 50-100watts is the most common? Just a bog standard house bulb? Doesn't need to be a halogen etc?

Thank you

 

[carol5208]

I had to convert Celsius to farenheit! You really just have to play around with the wattages. For a panther I bask them around 85-90 when they are young. I would start out with a 60 watt and go from there. Put your branch down about 8 inches below the light and measure the temp on the branch where he will perch. I just use white housebulbs but I know others use the halogens.