What lighting system to buy?

[Holyfishcakes]

In preperation for eventually getting panther chameleon, i have just purchased a "ReptiBreeze Screen cage Extra-large 61x61x122cm"

I understand that i will need a UVB 5.0 and a heat scource, but i'm not clear on what kit i actually will need (lamps, starters bulb size etc), can anyone recomend what is best to get for this size cage, any advice is appreciated.

Also can anyone recommend a thermostat to use or does this come with the lighting system? My set up will need to be quite automated.

PS - I'm based in the UK if this is relavant.

 

[AngieL]

Hi there! We have the same tank as you and we have the arcadia t5 12%uvb in an arcadia hood (purchased together) and a deep dome lamp fitting with a 60w household bulb for heat. The arcadia hood just sits on the top at the back and the dome is rested on a plank of wood above the basking spot. The dome needs to be lifted off the mesh so that it doesn't heat up and burn your chameleon.

I am also in the uk and purchased all my kit form a site called blue lizard reptiles. There is a number on the page and if you call them with any questions about the kit they will be happy to help.

Hope this helps! Angie

Edit: you need a dimming thermostat for the heat lamp, Habistat thermostats are really good.

 

[Holyfishcakes]

Excellent! Thanks very much for the info.. i'll look into it now!

 

[carol5208]

I am guessing that is the 24 X 24 X 48 inch? If so, you will need a dome fixture for your uva(basking bulb). I use two of them as one does not keep the cage too bright. I use a 25 watt for just light as it gives off not too much heat and I use a 75 watt for my chameleons to bask under. If you are getting a baby you will want your basking temp to hover around 90 or so so whatever wattage bulb can achieve that temp. I use a combo digital humidity and temp gauge I got at home depot(dont know if you have those over there) Get a Reptisun or Reptiglo 5.0 and the fixture should cover the width of depth of the cage or you can go larger and run it diaganally like I do. I think it covers more area that way. If you run it width wise you will need a 24 in(I do not know cm) and get an 18 inch bulb. If you get a 3o inch fixture than you get a 24 inch bulb you can go diagonally and it wont hang off the sides. you can buy a timer for the lights and have them go on when the sun comes up and goes down, generally around 12 hours or longer in the summer months when the days are longer(well atleast they are here anyways)I am attaching a pic of one of my cages to give you an idea. You can also use a tube grow light like a 6500K to help live plants grow and brighten up the cage instead of using the two domes. hope this helps and welcome to the forums and future chameleon ownership!

 

[Holyfishcakes]

Cool! thanks for the pic.. its given me a good idea of what can be done.

I have to admit i'm still confused about what size things come in. for example :

The t5 lighting hood found here comes in 3 sizes... but there are no measurements only wattage.... does the wattage corrolate to the size? which one would i need i i were to get one of these?

 

[AngieL]

Cool! thanks for the pic.. its given me a good idea of what can be done.

I have to admit i'm still confused about what size things come in. for example :

The t5 lighting hood found here comes in 3 sizes... but there are no measurements only wattage.... does the wattage corrolate to the size? which one would i need i i were to get one of these?

I had to call and ask and the answer I got was the 24w and that JUST fit salong the top and keeps the tank nice and bright!

 

[AngieL]

The arcadia is the black box at the back and the dome you can see at the side.

 

[Holyfishcakes]

Brilliant!.. thanks again!