what wattage basking light

[FAIL]

should i put in a 8.5'' clamp lamp that holds up to a 150 watt over a veilds screen cage that's 3x2x4? before i go to the pet shop with my gf? (that'll make it closest to 90-95 degress closest to the top of the cage?

 

[FAIL]

and what wattage should my gf have in the 20 gal bearded dragon basking spot?

 

[veiledchamguy]

should i put in a 8.5'' clamp lamp that holds up to a 150 watt over a veilds screen cage that's 3x2x4? before i go to the pet shop with my gf? (that'll make it closest to 90-95 degress closest to the top of the cage?

I feel that would be too hott unless its like lower 50's in your house apt...
try using a 80w or even a 75w they will suffice.

and what wattage should my gf have in the 20 gal bearded dragon basking spot?

I have kept alot of beardies... and this post about beardies belongs in the other reptiles section of the forum. I would put that 150w over the beardie they need high temps in the 100's..

 

[FAIL]

sorry, we are about to go to the pet shop because his basking light went out(the bearded dragon) and i dont have a 150, i meant the lamp holds up to 150...what wattage would be best for the chams huge cage, and you answered my bearded dragon question .

 

[jannb]

For the adult veiled's basking, all you need is a household bulb. I keep my adult male at 88 to 89. Try a 60 watt bulb first. If that gets to hot drop to 40 watt.

 

[FAIL]

really? like it would provide the heat needed in an enclosure that size? i've read they only need 1 heat light, the room temp is 70-77 this summer. winter it will go down to 55-65. but the household bulb would be fine? i can get a free 75 watt basking bulb...would they be to much?

 

[sandrachameleon]

warm the room ambient temp to 70F daytime and use the 60ish watt basking bulb. 75Watt is fine - just raise it up a bit as needed to ensure the temps are right.

You dont want the chameleon to have a small really hot spot, and a poor gradient throughout the rest of the cage.

 

[jannb]

You are not trying to keep the whole cage warm, just an area for them to bask in. At night they can drop down to 65 if adult. Do you have heat in your house in the winter?

 

[FAIL]

room is the basement...and we cant really change the temp down here.but his temps now are fine, hes not in the big cage yet, when he does, you're saying a 60 watt household bulb will make it 90-95 degrees in the right spot? and allow extra heat to rest of enclosure?

 

[FAIL]

update

these are my choices-75watt-100-watt basking bulb, 50 watt incadescent zilla, 60 watt household bulb. no good thermometer available at this point(his set up now is fine it's right temps, but for new set up before i put him in, which bulb/bulbs).

 

[jannb]

A good thermometer is a must with a chameleon. Most members here use a household. The size with depend on what wattage it takes to get your basking area around 88 to 89. I would start with a 60 and see what temp that will get it to. You are going to have to have a thermometer to monitor his temps.

 

[tatted1]

Im using a 100W basking bulb for now cause thats what I bought.Waiting on therm/hygr to get here in mail. Not sure of my exact temps yet but I can hold my hand under the bulb for a few minutes w/out it burning so it should be far enough away to prevent thermal burns.Cant wait to take temps though!

1.0 male veiled Kai

 

[jannb]

If your bulb feels to warm you can always move it up higher off the cage. Chams will get right under the bulb no matter how hot and I have seen numerous burned chams on here, some with severe burns.

 

[jannb]

A good thermometer is a must with a chameleon. Most members here use a household. The size with depend on what wattage it takes to get your basking area around 88 to 89. I would start with a 60 and see what temp that will get it to. You are going to have to have a thermometer to monitor his temps.

You can buy a cheap one at WalMart in the hardware section for about $7 or $8.00 and it's better than nothing. It looks like this:

 

[FAIL]

lol thanks jan, check out my thread with what i have so far on my enclosure im in the process of building . yeah i have a thermometer thats like a zoomed watch looking one. i changed the 100 watt basking bulb out for a 50 watt zilla incadescent. it seems to keep that thermometer around 90-95 DIRECTLY an inch under it, so ive got it about 4 inches above his basking spot now . thanks for all the help.