Do you have a
Solarmeter? I just got one and I am using it to help me decide which bulbs I like best for my setup. It's like oddly expensive, but it giving me huge piece of mind to know exactly the UVB index that is making it through at various levels and spots in the enclosure.
This podcast (Bill Strand's Chameleon Breeder) has been a great resource: and the guy (Todd) who runs a related reptile lighting website (Light Your Reptiles) is also willing to talk you through a bunch of things, if you want to call him or email which seems pretty cool (I have not called him yet though personally).
I'm using linear ExoTerra Repti-Glo T8 10.0 with a Zoo Med Linear Daylight 6500K for visual brightness and then a spot 50w basking bulb. I would have preferred T5's because they are more efficient and smaller, but the T8 is the hood I have. I am about to add a night time bulb to create a "sunset" and "sunrise" low light condition for about 30 mins in the morning and evening before lights on and off.
I'm curious what you end up getting, especially if you like it, let us know
Add: I guess I should mention, to me the only thing that matters most is how much UVB is getting in and where. The "Desert" ones tend to be rated higher on that scale than the Tropical lights. Most of the manufactures will have a helpful little chart that breaks down what percentage each bulb has and the distance away you'll need to keep your little buddy. My opinion (limited as it may be) is that any mainstream brand will likely work fine as long as you get the right calibration in your setup--which is the critical part. 10.0 could be too strong depending on where the perch is and if there isn't much shade etc. That's where the Solarmeter really is helping me out.
Zoo Med Chart Link is an example of one brand breakdown.
