Should I switch UVB Bulb

[melovation]

Hey I have an exo terra repti glo 5.0 13w uvb bulb. Its the type of bulb that is swirled and screws into the dome lamp. I'm thinking of getting the Reptisun 5.0 bulb because I heard its really good.

 

[Rush2112]

I'm a fan of the long linear bulbs myself. I feel you get more coverage.

 

[ForrestJungle]

Also i have heard that the swirled ones actually are a lot more intense and can hurt chameleons eyes. I got rid of mine as soon as a read that article.

 

[camimom]

For the record.

These bulbs used to, and I do mean used to, cause eye problems in chams.

This was years ago.

The issue has been corrected.

While tubes do provide better coverage, spirals are just fine.

 

[ReptiGeek]

I used a coil UVB bulb for months and it caused absolutely no apparent eye damage to my chameleon. I switched over to linear tubes only because i upgraded the size of my terrarium and wanted a wider coverage.

 

[melovation]

Yea I also heard about them possibly causing eye problems but if that was years ago and its been fixed then i guess I have nothing to worry about but I'm going to purchase a linear bulb tomorrow just so I can get more coverage from it and be on the safe side.. Do you guys know how far I should keep the closest spot that he will use while under the light

 

[ReptiGeek]

Roughly the same distance as your basking bulb. So 6-8 inches down? Keeping that in mind, chameleons hang upside down on their top screen a lot and that means they are WAY closer then 6-8". I've never actually really questioned how close they can be since it isn't overpowering heat.

 

[bradley]

The linear bulbs are better due to them covering a larger area. This allows the chameleon to choose where they want to be instead of being restricted to one small spot.

Remember to get a reflector for any uv bulb to maxamise the output.

 

[melovation]

Roughly the same distance as your basking bulb. So 6-8 inches down? Keeping that in mind, chameleons hang upside down on their top screen a lot and that means they are WAY closer then 6-8". I've never actually really questioned how close they can be since it isn't overpowering heat.

oh alright thanks

 

[melovation]

Roughly the same distance as your basking bulb. So 6-8 inches down? Keeping that in mind, chameleons hang upside down on their top screen a lot and that means they are WAY closer then 6-8". I've never actually really questioned how close they can be since it isn't overpowering heat.

oh alright thanks