Proper lighting is one of the most important aspects of keeping a healthy panther chameleon. We now primarily use Arcadia lighting fixtures and bulbs because they provide reliable, high-quality output. We have also used Zoomed Reptisun for our our UVB bulbs, and when they were still available we would regularly use standard incandescent 65 watt flood bulbs for our heat bulbs.
UVB lighting is essential for allowing chameleons to produce vitamin D₃, which enables them to properly absorb and utilize calcium. Without adequate UVB exposure, chameleons are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease and other serious health problems. UVB is a type of ray of sunlight. Chameleons can suffer from a condition called MBD (metabolic bone disease), if they are not provided with sufficient UVB lighting.
The coil (screw in) style bulbs have shown to not be a good product to use with chameleons. When tested with a solar meter, they show extremely high UVB directly under the bulb, decreasing to almost zero just a few inches below the bulb. Linear type UVB bulbs and fixtures are needed for chameleons to be able to adequately access the UVB they need to be healthy. You want to utilize a fixture and bulb that spans the length of the top of your enclosure. For example, most people have 24x24x48 enclosures, so you’ll want to get the 22.56” Arcadia T5 UVB. We use the 6% Arcadia bulbs for our panther chameleons with great success. We have also used the Reptisun 5% bulbs as well.
In addition to UVB, providing the correct basking temperature is equally important. We recommend maintaining a basking branch temperature of approximately 88 degrees for adult panther chameleons. This allows them to properly thermoregulate, digest food efficiently, and maintain a healthy metabolism. Always measure the temperature directly at the basking branch with a reliable digital thermometer or infrared temperature gun to ensure accurate readings. We have used many varieties of fixtures for our basking bulbs, but my favorite is the Arcadia fixture with the 75 watt bulb. This allows us to dial in the temperature right on the basking branch. We place the basking branch about 6” below the top of the enclosure.
We are lucky enough to have an amazing local reptile supply store that keeps most of these products in stock. We are also working to be able to offer an online store with all of the products we use available for purchase on our website. Right now, almost all of these products are available for purchase from Chewy.