Using fluoresent bulbs

M

Michaelc8585

New Member
What's up everyone, I have a new cage and I'm using fluorescent light bulb fixture with 4 4ft long bulbs 1 plant/aquirium bulb, one blue 6500k 2300 lumens and 2 red 3500k 2300 lumens. Is this ok? I know it's good for the plants but will it mess up my chameleons eyes or anything? Also what's so special about the repti 5.0or 1.0? Does it just have less output or mixed spectrum?
 
Keep the one bulb (for the plants - wont hurt the chameleon) and replace the other with a ReptiSun (or ReptiGlo if you cant find ReptiSun) 5.0
The difference is in the non-visible UVB light. Like Julirs said, your cham needs that UVB
 
UVB and UVA are a MUST and so far you really are not fulfilling that need for your cham. Chameleons can see in the UVB spectrum and has a major effect on how they percieve their environment, the UVA is for the bodies ability to metabolize D3 and Calcium to prevent MBD and psychological health as well. Look at my thread ATTENTION FORUM MEMBERS for lighting ideas:cool: Good Luck and welcome to the boards!
 
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They are right up against a window that gets a pretty good sun... Are the bulbs I have in any way BAD for them? There's eyes and such. Thanks for the welcome I'll be here alot, and thanks for the help
 
No the extra bulb will not hurt their eyes
Is the window usually closed? If so, in terms of UVB that's worth nothing to your chameleon. But the UVB tube and replace it every 6 or 7 months.
 
Not sure if this is the right thread but its about lighting and bulbs, so Ill go with it..

I moved Leos cage into the sunroom, which of course by name, gets the most sun. Since doing this last week, Ive noticed the basking temp is about 10 degrees higher in the basking area now (92). I use (2) 40 watt household bulbs, but that was when he was in the dark corner of my room. Now that its warming up and getting more natural light, should I remove one? Its a tri fixture, 2 bulbs, and the linear UVB. But then again, when its hot and we kick the air down, this will lower the temperature....Hmm...Thanks!
 
If this natural light is through a window it is doing nothing for your chameleon except maybe warming it up a bit w/ infrared radiation. But if your taking him outside often and letting him bask in the sun w/ out overheating and providing proper shade then its ok but i would still make sure you have the correct lighting. also what type of UVB and UVA lights do you have? And what is the abient temprature in the room/cage, and what is your humidity level and forgive me for not knowing what type of chamelon you have but it matters as far as lighting and heating and humidy etc.
 
add /remove heat bulbs or increase /decrease wattage of bulbs as needed to create the correct ambient and basking spot temperatures.

If you are unable to regulate the temp where the cage is now, you might consider relocated to a location over which you'll have more control
 
Hilikus311 said:
If this natural light is through a window it is doing nothing for your chameleon except maybe warming it up a bit w/ infrared radiation. But if your taking him outside often and letting him bask in the sun w/ out overheating and providing proper shade then its ok but i would still make sure you have the correct lighting. also what type of UVB and UVA lights do you have? And what is the abient temprature in the room/cage, and what is your humidity level and forgive me for not knowing what type of chamelon you have but it matters as far as lighting and heating and humidy etc.
Click to expand...

Ive already been interrogated.:) It was just a question on if it was NECESSARY to remove an extra bulb or if that temp was acceptable. Temps vary in this room since some days its 70's and others its 30s. Thanks.
 
Michaelc8585 said:
They are right up against a window that gets a pretty good sun... Are the bulbs I have in any way BAD for them? There's eyes and such. Thanks for the welcome I'll be here alot, and thanks for the help
Click to expand...

You said "them", you aren't housing two chameleons together are you? Even if they are different sexes it's a big no-no. Glad you found this site, it's a plethora of information. Everyone is dead on with the lighting. LLLreptile.com has the best price on repti-sun bulbs and on majority of other products.
 
blackbetty said:
Ive already been interrogated.:) It was just a question on if it was NECESSARY to remove an extra bulb or if that temp was acceptable. Temps vary in this room since some days its 70's and others its 30s. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Can the chameleon get away from the basking spot to a sufficiently cooler area? If so, then no it is probably necessary to remove the extra bulb.

I've heard some folks have bulbs on thermostats - you might want to consider this for the second heat bulb - such that it just kicks on when needed?
 
Hilikus311 said:
Chameleons can see in the UVB spectrum and has a major effect on how they percieve their environment, the UVA is for the bodies ability to metabolize D3 and Calcium to prevent MBD and psychological health as well.
Click to expand...


As far as I know, UVB is the one required for vitamin D3 synthesis inside chameleon's body.
UVA is for perceiving environment, overall psychological health, appetite, etc.
http://www.anapsid.org/liteheat.html
 
sandrachameleon said:
Can the chameleon get away from the basking spot to a sufficiently cooler area? If so, then no it is probably necessary to remove the extra bulb.

I've heard some folks have bulbs on thermostats - you might want to consider this for the second heat bulb - such that it just kicks on when needed?
Click to expand...

Is there such a thing? Like is there a temop guage that when reaching will kick that on like a thermostat? Ive never heard of that,makes sense.

Oh yea, his cage is 6 ft tall with plenty of vines and plants.. the lights are only on the back 1/4 of the cage/ He sits under them most the day then comes down to stare out the window when the sun is out.:) Thank you for the idea, not sure what to look for or where to start...
 
With that large enclosure, and with lots of plants and assuming the cooler part of the cage is indeed cooler - likely you dont need a thermostat - the chameleon can choose/regulate for itself
 
The basking ranges from 82-92 depending on the weather outside and the rest stays around 72-77 with the bottom of cage around 68-70. He is in front of a window but also a heating duct is nearby to add extra heat should it kick on. He has been thriving quite well. Thanks for the links and advice!:)
 
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