/agree

I've got an uncle who owns a pet store here, and I remember when he first opened it about 10 years ago, I overheard him say 'Yeah the hamster is only 10$, but I'll be making 300$ on all the accessories they'll buy for it.'

That's the common thinking of a seller, in my opinion.

I also don't use UVB lights, as I met a chameleon guru several years ago, whose fascinating collection of dozens of species of chameleons and rare lizards got me into reptiles, and he didn't use UVB and was one of the most revered chameleon breeders in North America at the time.

I have a female veiled chameleon who is seven years old now, going on eight, in perfect health, and has lived without a UVB bulb for 90% of her life. I did use one when she was a month old.

If anyone knows anything about veiled chemeleons here, the life expectancy of females is 3-5 years. The fact mine has lived for 7 without UVB tells me how much consumerism and propaganda is involved with the reptile hobby.

I also attribute her longevity to useing reverse osmosis water as opposed to tap water. I sell reverse osmosis water filtration systems, and know a heck of a lot about water quality, and there is NO tap water in the world that is good for you in any way. I know that the dart frog hobbyists are known for attributing much success to reverse osmosis water, and I'd like to think that is a major factor in my veiled chameleon's lifespan.

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