stupid question...

[Jaidensmomma]

I have a 65 gallon apogee reptarium, would using a 7.0 uv bulb be ok? i've seen on here that there has been problems with the 5.0 and the uv not really getting to the cham.

 

[lele]

I am not sure of the dimension of a 65, but unless your cham is spending its time far away from the bulb this should not be a problem - it penetrates 12" I have Cy's dripper sitting on top of his strip light so he is under it as he drinks so I am sure he gets his rays (and it keeps his water warm)

Also, who makes the 7.0? Are you thinking of the Reptisun 10.0? I am sure that is not necessary. I use that in my beardie's tank but it is nearly 2' deep and he spends more time closer to the bottom.

Do keep in mind the length of your tube, though. The light dissipates at the ends much sooner than the middle so adjust size and location accordingly.

 

[Dave Weldon]

I have a 65 gallon apogee reptarium, would using a 7.0 uv bulb be ok? i've seen on here that there has been problems with the 5.0 and the uv not really getting to the cham.

Howdy Catlin,

The rating system numbers like 7.0 vs. 5.0 doesn't tell the whole story. In fact, this percentage rating system is probably more missleading than it is informatitive . Tubes manufactured by various companies not only produce different energy levels measured in uW/cm2 but are likely to have different spectral content too. This spectral content can range from light in the visible spectrum, the D3 producing spectrum, and out into the parts of the spectrum that are not naturally occuring in sunlight. While there are some manufacturers that do a pretty good job making tubes, some do not. Some are even deadly to chameleons and even desert dwelling reptiles.

Now, back to your question! With what is readily available at local stores and especially online, I recommend that you either stick with a Reptisun 5.0 linear tube or use the Reptisun 10.0 linear tube. While using a Reptarium, either make sure that your chameleon can get within 6" to 12" of the 5.0 tube's surface (no glass or plastic) or within 8" to 14" of a Reptisun 10.0 tube. These numbers are far from exact. I use a UVB meter to check for reasonable levels at the basking spot.

If I'm correct, ESU makes the Slimline Reptile 7.0 UVB tube and fixture. I used to find those fixtures and tubes for a pretty cheap price. The first thing I did was to remove the ESU tube and install a Reptisun 5.0 tube .

 

[Jaidensmomma]

yup, its a ESU fixture that comes with the 7.0! i wasn't sure about using it so got the reptisun 5.0 just in case! thanks for the help

 

[ChromaChameleons]

Be sure to remove the plastic lens and discard it. Those are robust fixtures, but the tubes often don't last 6 months according to my UVB meter. If you use the 7.0 bulb, I would suggest replacing it at 4 months or sooner if you have any reason to suspect it is failing . Then , definetly replace with a Reptisun....

 

[Jaidensmomma]

how far away from the cage should i mount the light fixture? the fixture didn't come with a guide and neither did the repti-sun bulb? when i bought the compact Reptisun i believe it came with a guide for optimal placement distance from the cage? any suggestions? i don't want to start any eye problems again!

 

[lele]

you can set it right on top of the screen. A noted, your cham should be within 6-12" of it, but they tend to stay within the top 12" of the cage anyway. He doesn't need to be in it all the time, he will wander in and out.

Chroma, you said ...but the tubes often don't last 6 months according to my UVB meter Interesting to hear that. I don't have a meter (waiting for the price to drop ) but have heard that they often last much longer

 

[Brad Ramsey]

you can set it right on top of the screen. A noted, your cham should be within 6-12" of it, but they tend to stay within the top 12" of the cage anyway. He doesn't need to be in it all the time, he will wander in and out.

Chroma, you said ...but the tubes often don't last 6 months according to my UVB meter Interesting to hear that. I don't have a meter (waiting for the price to drop ) but have heard that they often last much longer

I believe he was referring to the ESU bulb and not the ZooMed.

-Brad

 

[Jaidensmomma]

so i set the light right on top of the cage, like you guys said, and he won't open his eyes, again! if i turn the uv bulb off then he opens his eyes and starts looking around. any suggestions? i don't want him to get MBD but i don't want him to die from lack of eating cuz he won't open his eyes! I don't get it, is he abnormal?

 

[ChromaChameleons]

Sorry ,LELE, I wasn't clear...

Yes, Brad is correct , I was refering to the ESU desert sun 7.0 tubes.

My meter has validated reptisun tubes easily to 9 months, and some to a year and beyond....

 

[Jaidensmomma]

so can i mount the uv light on the wall? maybe 1-3 inches above the cage? i'm worried about the eye thing