Are you worried about your chameleon’s health and looking for something that provides calcium or minerals to improve its health? Don’t worry; you are at the right site. Reptiles are the most challenging species because they require proper care, diet, and enclosures to live a healthy life and similarly, the chameleon is the most challenging specie in terms of care. We appreciate the efforts of the chameleon’s owners.
We all know that the market is full of poor quality lights that can be dangerous to chameleons’ health and most owners face difficulties finding perfect products. So, we have arranged the list of best UVB light for chameleon based on their performance, ability to produce vitamin D3, and users’ experience with these products.
Chronic MDB is a common disease in those chameleons that are kept in enclosure or captivity and far away from the sunlight. Everyone can’t provide them with a sufficient amount of the sun in captivity, so the UVB bulbs are an alternative to the sunlight. UVB produces vitamin D3, and without D3, they can’t absorb calcium that is important for muscle function, nerve function, and a healthy immune system.
Different types of bulbs
There are many types of bulbs in the market but the most common bulbs are listed below. Every bulb has its benefits and drawbacks.
Linear Fluorescent Bulb
They consist of long tube bulbs and mainly, these bulbs are used on enclosures and terrariums in a hood type fixture. You can place this bulb in a vertical direction in the cage for better results. This type is not recommended in large cages because they can’t glow the complete cage. Use them in small and medium cages only. Fluorescent bulbs are the cheapest bulbs.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
These small size bulbs are well-known for their long-lasting and less power consumption. These are designed in a spiral shape, so it’s suggested to use them in a small area. The prominent thing about these bulbs is that they come with UVA and UVB lights. The con of this bulb is that it can’t produce heat because of less power consumption. Like linear bulbs, these are also cheap.
Mercury Vapor Bulb
These bulbs have become popular in the last few years because Mercury Vapor bulbs are “all in one.” They can produce UVA, UVB, and heat, which makes them ideal for chameleons. You will need a wire clamp lamp because they are available at high watts, above 100 watts. Due to their features, these bulbs are substantially more expensive than the bulbs described above.
Metal Halide Bulb
If we talk about the bulb that is specially designed for reptiles, it’s the metal halide bulb. This bulb emits a powerful UVB light, far more so than Mercury Vapor lamps. They consume significantly less electricity as compared to mercury bulbs. It is a good heat source for chameleons. Its manufacturers claim that it is more durable than others and can last for up to 24 months. Currently, these bulbs are expensive ones.
What lights do chameleons need?
In captivity, chameleons need heat and UVB light to absorb some energy in order to maintain their health. Why they need these lights is explained below.
UVB Light
UVB lights are required for chameleons to produce vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. They may suffer a variety of health concerns if they do not do so. Especially metabolic bone disease, which causes terrible discomfort in chameleons.
Heat Light
As chameleons cannot control their body temperature, they need sunlight to maintain the temperature. But in the cage, a heat lamp is an ideal solution to provide them with a sufficient amount of heat.
What to look for Best UVB Light for Chameleon
Every reptile has its own set of requirements; therefore, finding the right cage for them is crucial. Because chameleons are arboreal, they require more vertical rather than horizontal space. They need a proper diet, a specific temperature and humidity level, and lighting. You need UVB bulbs with a particular light for their cage for lighting. The following are some essential factors to remember while selecting a UVB lamp.
Brand History
Sometimes knowing the history of a brand might help you finish a product. If a brand is well-known in the marketplace and has satisfied customers, it is likely to produce high-quality goods. Never put your faith in a new brand blindly; instead, read reviews to have a deeper understanding of them.
Type of Lights
The bulb you need for the chameleon is totally reliant on your needs. Some bulbs can’t produce heat and need another source, while others offer an extensive amount of heat.
Fixture
While choosing the UVB bulb, check the type of fixture and select the lighting suitable for your cage. Some have clamp-type fixtures, and a few have a spiral type, so check the cage for fixture design. Make sure that the fixture can easily fit the bulb.
Rating of the Bulb
Reptile bulbs are categorized according to the amount of UVB rays they emit. Every company has its rating system. The UV rating for chameleons should be in the middle. The companies provide guidelines to help you choose the correct bulb and the suitable distance between it and the basking place.
Bulb Wattage Size
The bulb wattage size depends on a few factors like enclosure setup location, cage room temperature, and the size of the cage. If the cage is large, then most probably, you will need a high-watt bulb. For a small cage, a low-watt bulb is perfect.
How to do the best lighting in a chameleon cage?
These are arboreal species, so they need vertical space in their cage for climbing. Chameleons feel happy and comfortable in the cage where the heat and humidity are maintained. This is not enough because sometimes they need proper lighting in their tank or cage. With proper lighting, they will absorb the calcium for a better healthy body immune system. Here are a few factors for ideal lighting in the cage:
- Choose a bulb that is capable of providing UVA and UVB lights. Most owners use broad-spectrum bulbs or pure white light bulbs, but they are unable to produce UVB light.
- Consider the bulb that can produce balanced heat in the cage, such as fluorescent bulbs can’t produce heat, but mercury bulbs produce.
- Fit the lighting at the cage’s top.
- The lighting system is enough for 10-12 hours per day.
- A long-lasting bulb is considerably superior to others, so choose a substance that will last at least 12 months.
Five Best UVB Lights for Chameleon
Zoo Med 5.0 Fluorescent Bulb
Desert and basking reptiles will enjoy the light of this bulb because it can produce UVA and UVB waves. If you’re buying it to use as a heat lamp, don’t bother with it because it can not emit heat waves. You have to purchase a separate heat lamp for the chameleon’s cage. We used it for the first time and we ordered it from Amazon, and there was no issue in shipment process. Bulb was completely secured and safe in the box. All other products, discussed below, are in our use for a long time.
You may think about how it will positively affect your chameleon? As it can emit both UVA and UVB, it produces 5% UVB waves that lower metabolic bone disease chances. Similarly, it emits the 30% UVA wavelengths to increase activity levels and reproduction behavior. Another benefit is that you don’t need a separate ballast if this bulb is in the cage. The downside of this bulb is that it’s not very durable. It will expire anytime after six months. Remember, it’s not suitable for large-size terrariums. Use it only for small and medium-size cages.
Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb
The newly designed bulb creates a positive impact in the pet supplies market. It emits more UVB rays than the other mercury bulbs. This globe provides UVA, UVB, and excellent heat that improves the chameleon appetite. The bulb is 160 watts, perfect for all types of large-sized cages.
After three years of use and proper research, we have found it a perfect bulb that uses advanced technology to improve the little creature’s health. Reptiles face the calcium deficiency issue, and this bulb from Mega-Ray company can solve this issue if appropriately used. It is worth noting that the bulb is not limited to only chameleons; you can use it for all reptiles. Moreover, the company is famous for its customer support and offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Evergreen Mercury Vapor Bulb
For the last few years, the Evergreen mercury bulb is considered the best UVB light for chameleon. This is all due to its affordable price and quality result, which has impressed many users. For chameleon health, it provides UVA and UVB lights, and you will be amazed to know that it also emits the heat for basking in the daytime. The company boasts that they have conducted a 3-step test for this bulb. According to our experience, this 100 watts bulb is suitable for chameleons.
It’s recommended to use this bulb with a high-quality socket (U.S. standard size) and a deep dome-designed fixture for better results and durability. Furthermore, you can use this with all enclosures and setups. Unfortunately, the company has not mentioned the percentage of UVA and UVB waves.
Zilla UVB Fluorescent Bulb
Zilla UVB fluorescent tubes are quite mind-blowing to use, not least because it doesn’t matter where you fix them in a cage. It releases the UVB rays to keep the reptile healthy. The full spectrum lighting beautifies the natural colors of a chameleon and its surroundings. Instead of the bulb, the tube glows in a large area.
People complaining about its sudden burning out can try my trick for a long-lasting of the tube. Please turn it on for thirty seconds and then turn it off for sixty seconds, then on it again and use it for a long run. This is because the sudden charge up often damages its element due to unexpected heating.
You can use this tube vertically or horizontally but, I will recommend vertical position because light will cover the complete area.
Lucky HERP Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Welcome to the latest and best fluorescent lamp. The compact lamp is ideal for sub-tropical and tropical reptiles but has excellent results in chameleon cages. The prominent point I like the most is that it provides a stable UVB output. It’s super best for those chameleons that need to produce minerals or vitamin D3. You can consider this because its special glass tube is made by machine. Use the spider killer for more protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it necessary for chameleons to have light at night?
They don’t need light at night because they will get sufficient heat during the daytime.
Q2. Can we place two UVB lights in a medium-size cage?
In small and medium cages, one UVB light is sufficient. Using two lights can be detrimental to the chameleon’s health because they can obtain enough heat and vitamins from one light, but two will overburden them. Thus it’s not suggested.
Q3. What is the average life of the bulbs?
The life span of UVB bulbs is dependent on many factors such as build quality, the material used in them, and daily usage. According to our experience, the average life period of a bulb is about six to eight months.
Final Remarks
Chameleons are fascinating reptiles that require special attention and maintenance. Choosing the proper bulb might provide you peace of mind for months, so take your time while looking for the best UVB light for chameleon. If the cage is small, avoid the high-wattage bulb. Finally, I’ll add that all informational materials with full explanations have been delivered; now, it’s up to you how you benefit from it.
