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Chameleon Lighting

veiledcham Mar 11, 2004 04:08 PM

I just bought a baby veiled chameleon 2 weeks ago and they gave me a ESU desert 7.0 uvb bulb. Are those bulbs good? Or should I get a different bulb.

Replies (5)

jacksonsrule Mar 11, 2004 04:49 PM

Good for heat, but I would add a Reptisun 5.0 along with it.

epollak Mar 11, 2004 06:03 PM

Unless I'm mistaken, the bulb you mention is fluorescent and is OK for UVB (but the Reptisun 5.0 is better) but does nothing for heat. Do NOT get a heat lamp for this guy. They are way too hot. Get a regular incandescent or halogen bulb and don't let the temps get above 75-80F at the basking spot. And readc the baby care article in the husbandry section of www.adcham.com
Ed

cv768 Mar 11, 2004 10:26 PM

If I'm not mistaken...as they get older veileds can tolerate and prefer high temps in the basking spot upwards in the 95 degree area. As babies I would agree to keep the temps lower though maybe 85 in a basking spot. I would also say that since those uv bulbs deteriorate fast go with the higher output...7.0, 8.0...5.0 is fine too but I would think you'd be replacing it more often.
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Chris Vanderwees
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epollak Mar 12, 2004 08:49 AM

Hi, CHris. He said it was a baby so you really need to err on the side of caution and keep the temps lower. But you are, of course, correct, that as adult he'll need higher. I also suggested lower because I didn't kow if he had the baby i8n mesh or glass. If he's making the mistake of trying yo keep it in glass, even 85 could be too hot for a baby. If mesh, a max basking temp of 85 might be OK (although I still think it's a little high). But if it's in glass, 85 is too dangerous/ Just IMHO.
Ed

jacksonsrule Mar 12, 2004 09:12 AM

Ed, you were right. I misread the original post when I recommended the RS 5.0. I don't know how the ESU bulbs are, but I agree that a RS might be better.

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