Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can I use the "clear" (not painted or dipped) red light bulbs that home depot sells? What wattage is best? thx

lele

Lele-

I do not use night lights/night heat on any of my chameleons. If it is cold below 60F then you would need to use a heat source @ night. However chameleons can see all colors, and the red light would stress them out, because there would be no dark nights, just 24hr light every day. So if you need the extra heat at night use a ceramic basking bulb (does not put off light, just heat), and 60w or below should be fine. Hope this helps!

-----
John
Chameleon Paradise

Hi John,

I have a tarantula, Rose, and use a red light (c'mas tree bulb!) when I want to spy on her at night! They cannot detect red and I thought that was the case with cham's as well. I keep the house cool at night but I know the pygmies can deal with lower temps they don't go below 60-65. I use a UTH for Rose on top of her tank (I attached it to a piece of glass and then can move it around plus it diffuses the heat - works great for her as she is an arboreal - lives in rain forest tree canopy - rather than a desert burrower). Maybe I'll do something similar for the little guys. I'll make sure that when I spy on Rose I don't disturb the cham's, they are housed next to each other.

How cold does the cage get at night? If it is above 55 F you don't need any heat. Most chams do better with at least 10-15 degree drop in temp nights.

It stays above 60. I have pygmies and their day temp is mid-upper 70's and an 85degree basking spot. I'll just have to keep a closer eye when winter rolls around (I'm in NH in a very old, drafty house). Thanks!

lele