UVB Bulbs %%%
- Thread starter Char333p
- Start date
Goose502
Chameleon Enthusiast
The Arcadia 6% is the equivalent of the reptisun 5%. As far as using a 10% or 12%, if you have a large enclosure with lots of foliage, I think it’s fine. Many breeder/keepers seem to go by that theory as well. Best advice is to use a solarmeter to know exactly what you are exposing your chameleon to, and it will also help you know exactly when to replace older bulbs.
Tucklander
Avid Member
I got a twelve “ t5ho reptisun bulb and lamp to replace the compact uvb reptisun that everyone said was insufficient, Can I run both as I now have the new hood and also the double lamp for heat and compact UVB? Is it too much to do so? My enclosure is 18x18x32 (which I quoted wrong the other day)...but all the others (sizes) were going to hang off one side. The bulb is above a branch , going through mesh top, about 7 inches from a perch that my guy loves to chill on.
Char333p
Avid Member
Right now have 24 inch linear uvb. 36 x18x18 but going to to to 24x24x48 when he bigger.
Goose502
Chameleon Enthusiast
I would get rid of the the compact bulb. They have a reputation for causing eye issues.
Wowbango
Established Member
From my understanding this is no longer the case. That being said, the CFL's don't do a good job of distributing the UVB rays, so I'd stay away from them anyways.
As far as the original question, My rule of thumb is 5.0 or 6%. If you have a QUAD lightfixture, some of the UVB CAN be lost in all the "reflecting" in a larger cage. I would not recommend a 10.0 or 6% with juveniles as it can be too strong for them. If you see them closing their eyes a lot or sticking to the bottom of the enclosure, it could be too much for them. Start with a 5.0/6% and go from there. Invest in a solarmeter and take measurements to see what works in your enclosure. I would absolutely not even mess with a 10.0 if your cage is not at least 48" tall.
