Should I use this zoomed power sun uv bulb?

[HUBSonDUBS]

I have this zoomed power sun uv mercury vapor bulb and also a reptisun CFL 10.0 bulb. The mercury vapor bulb i dont know how old is and is about 7 inches from the top branch on my 6 foot cage. I was wondering if this is too much UVB and UVA for my 4 month panther and if I should just replace the mercury vapor bulb with the reptisun 10.0 cfl bulb.

 

[dodolah]

whoa...
if you wanna change the mvb, then don't get reptisun 10.0 compact!
you are going to make it worse for your cham.
get reptisun 5.0 Linear Tube, instead.

 

[Ryan Jarosek]

whoa...
if you wanna change the mvb, then don't get reptisun 10.0 compact!
you are going to make it worse for your cham.
get reptisun 5.0 Linear Tube, instead.

I agree, get a reptisun 5.0 Linear Tube

 

[Dean Pulcini]

You guys need a solar meter and make your adjustments accordingly.

 

[Brian]

You guys need a solar meter and make your adjustments accordingly.

If I where to get a solar meter. How much UVB should I have, for adult chams?

Brian

 

[dodolah]

If I where to get a solar meter. How much UVB should I have, for adult chams?

Brian

i'm assuming you have panther.
per Dr. Ferguson's recommendation 5-15uW/cm2 of UV-B for 12 hr/day.

 

[Dean Pulcini]

With a 6.2 solar meter ( which is made for reading bulbs ) the recommended level of exposer is 30 to 35 uW for sun loving chameleons according to the study done by UK uv index. But you must always provide shade so they can move in and out and regulate there exposure.

 

[Dave Weldon]

i'm assuming you have panther.
per Dr. Ferguson's recommendation 5-15uW/cm2 of UV-B for 12 hr/day.

Howdy Frans,

Dr. Ferguson's original findings of 5-15uW/cm2 are still safe levels to maintain. I'll add a summarizing quote from your blog site where you interviewed Dr. Ferguson and asked him one of my questions )):

Your Blog Site:
http://chamworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/chat-with-dr-gary-w-ferguson.html

Question:
...I'm sticking with your levels but I'm interested in anything you have to add to your previous conclusions!

Ferguson:
"...The readings from the Solartech 6.2 meter that give the 0.18 to 1.52 percent conversion are about 10-50 microwatts per cm2. If the maximum source is higher and the lizards have an opportunity to photo regulate be moving in and out of the High UVB zones that is fine."...

So I read that to mean that if your panther is getting within 6"-12" of a Reptisun 5.0 linear tube then enough (good quality) UVB will reach your chameleon to produce the necessary provitamin D conversion. Deriving a few numbers from the UK UVB website, those distances should produce 20uW to 50uW/cm2 and continue to be effective up to about a year.

For those who are looking for a Solartech Solarmeter 6.2 unit, here's where I bought mine years ago and I still think they have the best price:
http://www.beardeddragons.biz/solarmeter_6.2.htm $160 includes shipping!