ReptisunT5HO 5.0 or 10.0?

[artgecko]

Hello all,

After reading the care sheets on this forum, I ordered most of the supplies for my veiled chameleon setup. I found a good deal on a lighting fixture on ebay (holds 2, T5HO 22" 24 watt bulbs) and purchased a reptisun T5HO 5.0 bulb from petco. I also ordered my cage from that site (an XL reptibreeze).

Since that time, I have been advised on other groups that for a veiled, a T5HO 5.0 bulb is insufficient and I will need a 10.0 reptisun or a 12% arcadia. Do you agree with this? I would hate to not use the bulb I've already purchased, and do plan on taking the cham. outside for some natural light. If the 5.0 bulb is not advised for long-term use, is there any way I could modify my supplementation to offset the difference, then replace it with a 10.0 bulb at the end of 6 months?

BTW, I am planning on getting a ~3-4 month old veiled and setting up his basking area ~ 10" below the heat bulb and UV bulb if that makes a difference.

Thank you for your time and help!

 

[nightanole]

A 5.0/6% will give usable uv down to about 30", so it is perfect for a 4-5ft tall cage because it leaves half the cage as a dead zone so the cham can regulate.

If you put in a 10.0/12% in a 4ft tall cage, even the bottom of the cage is getting over 15uwm2 (the same as the old 5.0 T8's at 12").

I would not recommend a 10.0/12% unless you have a meter or you are very experienced. I can simulate a noon cloudy day with my 12% at 18", now imagine that 12 hours a day with a bad setup that is not heavily planted...

 

[artgecko]

nightanole- Thank you for your advice. I would rather it be weaker and not harmful, than too much exposure which might cause harm. I appreciate your input. I do not have a meter at this point, so I would not be able to monitor the bulb's output.