Red vs White Light

[GlennFrog]

Right now I have an 18" Slimline UVB bulb along with a red heating bulb, currently in use because my white bulb burned out for whatever reason. The heat is in the low-mid 80s; does it matter if the bulb is red as long as the heat generated is appropriate? Or should I replace the white bulb ASAP?

 

[Mike Fisher]

Right now I have an 18" Slimline UVB bulb along with a red heating bulb, currently in use because my white bulb burned out for whatever reason. The heat is in the low-mid 80s; does it matter if the bulb is red as long as the heat generated is appropriate? Or should I replace the white bulb ASAP?

Replace the red with a white. They don't see red light and their instinct is to bask under light they can see. Plus you want more light in the enclosure, not less. Makes it harder to hunt their food.

 

[GlennFrog]

Replace the red with a white. They don't see red light and their instinct is to bask under light they can see. Plus you want more light in the enclosure, not less. Makes it harder to hunt their food.

Really? I was under the impression that they have the same color vision spectrum as humans. She hasn't had any trouble eating. All the same, though, I'll replace the bulb as soon as I get the chance, probably on Saturday. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Mike Fisher]

Really? I was under the impression that they have the same color vision spectrum as humans.

IIRC, they can see the higher UV spectrum that we can't, but they do sacrifice the lower end of the visible spectrum. That's why they sell the red bulbs for night heat.

 

[GlennFrog]

I'm not particularly arguing one side or the other, and from what I've read you are an experienced keeper, Mike, but one of the first things I read when I joined these boards is that you shouldn't use a red lamp at night because it will keep them awake. Is this not true? Again, thank you for any help.

 

[kinyonga]

You might find this article interesting...
http://www.chameleonnews.com/04AugBeveridge.html

 

[Mike Fisher]

but one of the first things I read when I joined these boards is that you shouldn't use a red lamp at night because it will keep them awake. Is this not true? Again, thank you for any help.

I've always said not to use them because they need to cool down at night. Whether or not they can see it, I don't know for certain and I can't recall the article where it may have been mentioned. But if the choice is to provide a light that is a totally unnatural spectrum, or one that puts out more visible light, I choose the latter. The main thing to remember here is that no matter how much light we can provide with current technology, it is still a meager amount compared to actual sunlight. More light=better.

For many years I used red bulbs as a heat source in my incubators because they put out heat but very little visible light.

 

[GlennFrog]

Okay. Thanks again guys. I'll look into getting a white bulb replacement ASAP.

 

[Carlton]

You might find this article interesting...
http://www.chameleonnews.com/04AugBeveridge.html

Now that's a blast from the past! Anyone here remember Andy's stories about his amazing female quad Sprocket?

 

[Carlton]

Okay. Thanks again guys. I'll look into getting a white bulb replacement ASAP.

Just remember that all you need is some sort of ordinary white household type bulb that can provide heat. I like using halogen porch lights...either flood or spot depending on how large an area you want to warm up. They are sturdy, last a long time, and you can actually find them lots of places.

 

[kinyonga]

I often think of Andy and his wife and Sprocket and wonder if they continued with chameleons after he stopped posting. There are lots of the old gang I wonder about. You are one who continued Carlton...and there are a few more of the "old gang" on here too.