zebs new enclosure.. some questions regarding lighting

[mjhough]

so Ive built a new cage for zeb came out pretty good. its 4ft tall 40" wide 20" deep. my main question is concerning the uvb lighting i currently have the 18 inch 5.0 reptisun. should i bump up to the longer tube? or is it enough if its close to the basking area? also should i put another basking light two on each end the enclosure stays 72-78 with basking temps at 85+ its just so wide i don't know if i should put another one up for heat come the winter months maybe like a 40 watt im currently using a 75 watt. hes feeds from a sunny d bottle so please no comments on how hes able to feed

 

[carol5208]

ok, great size enclosure you have there! With the cage being so big, it would not hurt to switch to a longer bulb. I have the 24 X 24 X 48 and I run a 30 inch fixture with a 24 inch bulb and I lay it diagonally on the top of the cage. Most people use the 24 inch bulb and set it on the back end of the cage. This is just the way I have mine set up. You can have two basking areas, sure. Or you can have one bulb that is more for basking with a higher wattage and one that is lower just to brighten up the cage. I would definitely add some more foilage and taller plants, alont with some branches and walkways. How close is your basking area to the light?. It is hard to tell from the pic and you have to be careful of them getting burned. As far as the winter months, you will just have to wait and see how the cage temps change when your house gets colder. Are your bulbs inside?

 

[mjhough]

ok, great size enclosure you have there! With the cage being so big, it would not hurt to switch to a longer bulb. I have the 24 X 24 X 48 and I run a 30 inch fixture with a 24 inch bulb and I lay it diagonally on the top of the cage. Most people use the 24 inch bulb and set it on the back end of the cage. This is just the way I have mine set up. You can have two basking areas, sure. Or you can have one bulb that is more for basking with a higher wattage and one that is lower just to brighten up the cage. I would definitely add some more foilage and taller plants, alont with some branches and walkways. How close is your basking area to the light?. It is hard to tell from the pic and you have to be careful of them getting burned. As far as the winter months, you will just have to wait and see how the cage temps change when your house gets colder. Are your bulbs inside?

Thank you he's seems to be enjoying it much more. Ill go out and get the longer tube then. Think I'll go with the lower wats idea it's pretty dark with the pet screen im using. The basking light is actually on top of this cage I plan on moving it asap just need to set something up for it. For now it'll be fine because he has no way to the top of the cage I used sheet metal angle for the frame he so he can't reach now all bulbs are out of the cage. I also have a tube light for plants.. stupid me cut back a hibiscus to fit his previous cage im looking for a taller ficus tree. I just got a lady Margaret passion vine for dirt cheap but still trying to see if its safe. Im planning on adding a climbing net and some more branches. Thank you for the advice!

 

[carol5208]

oh no problem. Wish I could help you but do not know if that plant is cham safe. Sorry!!! Not sure about a climbing net either as their nails tend to get caught in stuff like that and they can get broken off or ripped out. They can do that just from climbing on the screen. I am not sure what you mean by climbing net, but if you think it is something that will be a hazard to your chameleons nails, then don't use it. I like the bigger tube cause it brightens up the cage. It really isn't necessary. Just what I like!!!!

 

[mjhough]

oh no problem. Wish I could help you but do not know if that plant is cham safe. Sorry!!! Not sure about a climbing net either as their nails tend to get caught in stuff like that and they can get broken off or ripped out. They can do that just from climbing on the screen. I am not sure what you mean by climbing net, but if you think it is something that will be a hazard to your chameleons nails, then don't use it. I like the bigger tube cause it brightens up the cage. It really isn't necessary. Just what I like!!!!

No worries! I got the net idea on here someone posted something about it. they used a new sold for birds and said it was good but you make a good point ill need to do some more searching. Ill see how it looks when I add the second light first then!

 

[carol5208]

ok sounds good. Post some more pics when you make the changes. Have fun!!

 

[mjhough]

ok sounds good. Post some more pics when you make the changes. Have fun!!

Will do! Take care!

 

[mjhough]

ok sounds good. Post some more pics when you make the changes. Have fun!!

how does this look so far? i found a true passion flower vine from what I've read it should take off hopefully it'll fill the top up. im still looking for some plastic vines for the time being. the light inside the cage is a led plant light put out little to no heat. Ive moved my basking light off the top screen as well. also looking for a taller tree do you have any recommendations other than umbrella and weeping fig?

some pictures of Zeb before and during his shower today he got a little mad when i took him out. i really like his black markings. also one at bed time. should i be worried about his size? i think hes skinny but what do i know? hes eating 20-25 cricks a day also some dubias and butter/horn-worms throughout the week

 

[mjhough]

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