Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been setting up for the arrival of two (male/female) Ambilobes for a while now. But as they will be small when I get them I made a another pair of cages for their first months with us. The adult cages (already built) are each 24x24x48 tall standing about 7 1/2 feet tall at the top. I build a second pair of cages about 14x14x24 tall for them to grow up in. I will transfer them to the larger cages when they can hunt/roam more.

My question is this: I have (for the large cages) a pair of 160W Heat/UVA/UVB Floods. I really don't want to buy another set of lights for the small cages, can I place the 160's further away from the cage (gauging heat with thermometers) to allow me to use the same light fixtures for the smaller cage?

One other question, this one may be in the FAQ, if so I am sorry to ask. What is the best book/publication available for the science of Chameleon care/breeding. I have read just about every article on the web and a lot of it is a little contridictive.

Many Thanks for your help.

Do you plan on using any flourescent lighting such as Reptisun 5.0, or just the UVA/UVB floods? You may want to be careful when distancing the bulbs because I know with the Reptisun 5.0 bulbs, the chameleon needs to be within 12-15 inches of the bulb in order to be able to absorb the ultraviolet light. If these bulbs were just for heat, than it would probably be ok as long as you were using them in conjunction with another UVB source closer to the cage.
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Christopher Luecht
Chameleon Crazy
www.chameleoncrazy.com
Email: info@chameleoncrazy.com

Yeah, I see your point. What I was trying to do was avert the need to buy another Florescent bulb for UVB but if the distance will keep me from getting the chams UVB, I'll go with Florescent Reptisun 5.0 30W (hung over both cages) and a couple of 100W regular bulbs for heat/light. The regular bulbs have the temp at top at 86.5ish I think the 160s would cook them

I may try them for a day and test temps with the lights about 6-10 inches above the cage, this should give them decent UVB penetration.

Does this sound reasonable?

Thanks for you help again.

The 160 watt bulbs might be a little too hot for your chams so I'd be weary of those. Otherwise, your plan sounds good to me. Best of luck,
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Christopher Luecht
Chameleon Crazy
www.chameleoncrazy.com
Email: info@chameleoncrazy.com

I use regular light bulbs for heat also The 100 watt bulbs are too strong for the small cages. You should get what you need from 40 to 60 watt bulbs, especially with a 160 watt UVB flood also in use.