UVB lighting question

[chameleon97]

do i need a tube light, or can i use a spiral bulb? are they the same except twisted? people say compact bulbs are bad, and im unsure now of which is which. im currently using a exoterra reptiglo 5.0 (something like that) for my cham. shes a juvinile if it matters.
what im using: www.petzoo.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=679

 

[BocaJan]

It is not recommended because of eye issues to chameleons. There is a good article on the whys below. As an aside, I used one for my male for about 1 year while he was growing. I am sure that it affected his eyesight because he does not shoot. He eats out of a cup and can only manage an upclose shoot, either out of my hand or his cup. I don't think there is anyone on this forum who would recommend using one.

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm

 

[chameleon97]

ill buy a UVB tube ASAP. shes been exposed for 3 months is this okay?

 

[ColorChanginClick]

I've read detrimental effects can be reversed depending on several factors such as length of time exposed and how close she was to it on average but unsure of any specifics but I'm sure a quick search could find your answers

 

[sandrachameleon]

yes, switch ASAP, and in the short term dont let the cham sit too close to the UVB CFL. If its only going to be a few days before you get the linear tube, you could even just turn off the CFL. But dont panic about having used the coil type for a few months. I used them for 6 months on a few adult chameleons without any noticeable ill effect, until I learned better. But do change the light soon as you can.

 

[ehadden1]

Thank for that info. Im gonna change mine too.

 

[chameleon97]

while im at the pet store for bugs, i'll get a tube. (running outta crix)

 

[summoner12]

Glad you asked about the CFL UVB lamps! Read up on the link BocaJan posted. There is a lot of useful info on that site.

What kind of enclosure do you have?

 

[chameleon97]

Glad you asked about the CFL UVB lamps! Read up on the link BocaJan posted. There is a lot of useful info on that site.

What kind of enclosure do you have?

i have an all screen, 18x18x32 aluminum cage.

 

[summoner12]

i have an all screen, 18x18x32 aluminum cage.

a Reptisun 5.0 TUBE lamp should work great resting on the cage for your needs.