Quick question on lighting

[hart8000]

I am in the process of making a new cage for three chameleons, seperated of course. Each cage will be approximatly 19" wide x 30" deep x 55" tall. I am wondering if an 18" repti-glo 5.0 buld would be sufficient in each cage or if I need to jump up to the 10.0. I read that these bulbs produce both UVA (30%) and UVB (5%). Is this true?

 

[lucky]

your probably better just using two 48" across the top. less fixtures and bulbs to buy. that should be plenty enough uv.

 

[Carlton]

I'm not sure about the ReptiGlo claims. My preferred lighting combination for larger cages is a regular halogen spotlight (inexpensive, sturdy and pretty long lasting bright light and general heat) with 2 linear tube ReptiSun 5.0s in a double hood fixture. The cham needs to get within 18" of the bulb to get the UV, so I place both lights right over the basking perch. The cham gets it's UV as it warms up. Cages that tall are great, but be aware you may need to add some regular fluorescent light lower down in the cage so your plants don't end up lanky and bare. A regular single tube fluorescent hung vertically will help keep them bushy and full.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I use ReptiGLO 5.0 18" tubes on some of my cages. The cages are 2 foot across and 2 foot deep and 4 foot high. This has proved sufficient UVB. I do supplement with D3 a couple times a month and I also do NOT have a dense screen between the tube and the chameleon.
ReptiSUN is the most recommended brand

 

[hart8000]

I use ReptiGLO 5.0 18" tubes on some of my cages. The cages are 2 foot across and 2 foot deep and 4 foot high. This has proved sufficient UVB. I do supplement with D3 a couple times a month and I also do NOT have a dense screen between the tube and the chameleon.
ReptiSUN is the most recommended brand

Thanks for all your help, I am for sure looking for the cheapest, yet best way to go.

 

[summoner12]

Carlton has the right idea. But 18" is a bit far for a 5.0 to project any usable UVB, even without screen. I would do a 48" dual fixture form Lowes and while you are there buy a 6500K 48" T8 tubes (they come in pairs) and then buy a Reptisun 5.0 or... 10.0 but mount the 10.0 a few inches above the screen.

The 6500K lamp will help plants grow and give a lot more light inside of the cage. UVB lamps have very low lux output, so the cage will be kinda dark with two UVB lamps.

And for heat I use 50w spot lamps sitting on top of the cage and have little issue.