Does anybody have any experience with the T-rex active uv heat bulb? Do you think it would be ok to use a 100 watt T-rex active uv heat bulb on a 18Lx18Wx36H screen cage for a veiled chameleon, or do you think it would be too hot.
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T-rex active uv heat bulb
veiledcham
Feb 21, 2004 01:06 AM
Replies (1)
epollak
Feb 21, 2004 10:42 AM
It depends on how far away the light is. These bulbs aren't as hot as a 100 watt halogen. Remember that these bulbs were designed for creatures like desert tortoises and put out too much UVB for a cham if left on 12 hours/days. (See the article by Ferguson, et al. in Zoo Biology 21:525–537, 2002.) They should be at least 12" from the basking spot and the rest of the cage should have LOTS of shade for the cham to escape the UVB. I cover the top of the cage with plexiglass to block the UVB, leaving only 6"x6" sq. area over the basking site where he gets his UVB. Also, if the bulb is 12" or more away from the basking site, it may not provide enough heat for a basking site.
And be aware that these bulbs tend to die very easily. Handle them gently.
Ed
