Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings and salutation friends,

In Light of my research, I have been talking with some very Bright people about their opinions on lighting meathods used in chameleon enclosures. I Plant to build about a half dozen adult chameleon enclosures by the end of January, having all the parts, peices and equipment ready, shortly after the winter holidays.

At the moment I am using large 48" tube florescents spanning accros the enclosure. The enclosure has 3 bulbs of this size. The first, an ExoTerra 2.0 UV bulb. The second, an ExoTerra 5.0. Lastly a UVA Plant Bulb. With this method I have not lost a plant and rarely have falling or wilting leaves caused by insifficent lighting. All 3 bulbs are mounted on the exterio of the enclosure. The cheameleons are all happy and healthy. However the size of this setup is not practical and the cost is high, thought it has worked amazingly to date.

I am currently working with an idea of either mouting compact (ZooMed 8 1/2" CFB) florescent lights inside the enclosure, or passing Long tube florescents through either side. Producing the brightest light, the most unfliterd UV Rays, a bit of warmth, and presumably happier and healthier chameleons yet. So I have a few questions that I was hoping this bright group of people could advise on.

1. Providing the bulb connection and the lighting fixture are sealed, what would happen to the florescent tubes when exposed to misting water and water drolepts build up. I have heard myths of the long florescent tubes exposed to open rain in warehouses and actually varourising the glass because of the gas content contained inside them. Safe to use? Any thoughts on the subject? Anyone have any problems or freak accidents.

2. As for the Compact Florescents, I remeber reading that these are actually a new type of glass, blocking less UV at thicker density. I know that there are non UV producing compacts for use outdoors. Are the reptile versions the same? Safe to use? Any thoughts on the subject?

3. Lastly, what are your favourite bulbs to use? Compact or Tube? 2.0, 5.0 or 10.0? Post the bulb you favour in the title of your reply, so it's easy to understand, much like a forum poll.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to show photos of your set ups in your reply, especially in they have neat chameleons in the photos, but especially, especially if they have lighting in them. Thanks for all your help.
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1.1 Bearded Dragon
1.2 Maroantsetra Panther Chameleon
0.0.2 Rhampholeon Brevicaudatus Chameleon
EXILED PHOTOGRAPHY DOT COM

I use the smaller output on the younsters due to their smaller size/mass. Plus w/baby Jacksons I want to minimize heat output. The only plants I've ever lost were due to them not being stout enough to support the weight of an adult Cham. My male Jacksons is brutal on plants! He snaps them over time but they keep growing from the base. So, I have lush greenery 6" from the bottom of the cage and a deforested wasteland higher up lol!

Fake plants now adorn the higher reaches. I augment w/outdoor exposure 3-4 times a week for about an hour or so as its the perfect time of the year here in Vegas.

Bill

Hey,

I blelieve that the easiest way is this. These are the necessary lighting:

1.) Use 48" reptisun 5.0 bulbs spanning across the entire tops of the cages. Keep these towards the back.

2.) Then in one of the front corners use some sort of heatbulb (ussually 60-75wt. for panthers)in an 8.5" dome.

Those are the two necessary lighting supplies needed. Not only are all of our plants "staying alive" but they are growing wild!!! LOL, the cages are becoming too dense, and I might have to trim them soon.... Every week, the pothos vines are dangling on the floor of the enclosures, and I have to string them up again!!! This has seemed to be the cheapest way, atleast for me, to give all the lighting necessities to the chams, and at a low price. I would not EVER get any of the bulbs wet. I have accidentally misted heatbulbs before and had them explode, luckily never hurting the cham. While this was probably from the heat which the tubes do not have, I would NEVER get any bulbs wet for fear of a fire or something similar. I am not sure if I answered your question, or only part of it, but let me know. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Ank-Inc.
Adam.

I still havent decided yet.

The 48"Ballasts are so cheap. But the bulbs arnt.

I guess Ill use a ballast with one reptile bulb and one plant bulb since they are so cheap and still produce UV.
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