Basic UVB Guide
Overview
UVB (ultra violet B part of the electromagnetic spectrum, UVB (280-320nm*)) is an essential part of the wellbeing of our Chameleons; this file aims to briefly explain why.
Chameleons are diurnal reptiles (active in the day) and as a NECESSITY require UVB, UVA and heat to function satisfactorily.
As keepers we need to replicate within a captive environment, as close to that of the wild as we possibly can, providing a photo gradient and thermo gradient within the enclosure to allow them to self-regulate between; using the two elements to utilise both of these factors.
Chameleons should be given the option to self-regulate between a full spectrum of the correct amount of light, UVB and heat.
The method
Providing a canopy effect is what myself and many other keepers try to create within the vivaria/enclosure (viv). This provides the much needed light and shade required from optimal heat, UVB and light in the upper sections to less UVB exposure, light and heat in the lower sections of your viv.
Your chameleon(s) should be able to achieve a much lower temperature and able to escape the above UVB; not providing this option to retreat can have adverse effects on the animals health!
Positioning
The linear tube should be positioned above the chameleons head whether internal or external, NEVER vertical running from the top to the bottom of the vivaria. After all, the sun is always in the sky above and never on the ground. Prolonged eye exposure to such tubes can cause eye irritations such as photo kerato conjunctivitis and make it difficult to provide a photo gradient.
UVB needs to be used alongside the correct optimal basking temperatures for your species, so positioning your basking area and your UVB where the animals can receive both is CRITICAL to a chameleons D3 cycle and process/usage of the supplements we provide.
If the correct UVB, light and heat for your species isn't created potential problems will arise.
Mesh or very large enclosures will require higher output choices.
The UVB should never be used above glass or plastic as this will render your tube/bulb useless.
Choices
• T8 linear tube
26mm diameter - Lower output at further distance and usable light compared to newer T5.
Still a usable option providing the parameters of the tube are taken into account with your enclosure. Please note that the reptile will need to be much closer to a T8 than a T5 to receive similar amounts of exposure.
• T5 linear tube
Slimmer tube 16mm , brighter and higher output than its predecessor ( T8 ). Output reaches and penetrates deeper, ideal for larger vivaria, sun worshippers or through mesh. T5 high output tubes emit the same percentage UVB as normal tubes but the distance that the UVB travels from the bulb is doubled (UVB is absorbed in air meaning the amount of UVB reaching your reptile decreases the further they are from the bulb). A reptile 40cm away from a 6% T5 UVB bulb would receive the same amount of UVB as a reptile just 20cm from a standard 6% UVB tube. T5 bulbs are also much brighter in their visual light output.
• Compact T5 (Arcadia option)
Same tech as the above linear but condensed to smaller unit/bulb . Comes in two size units
55w and 24w.
• MVB
Self-ballasted mercury vapour lamps that provide UVB/UVA/heat in a combination bulb, good amounts of UVB but in a more tight focused beam. Please note that MVB cannot be thermostated.
• Compact coil
The most inadequate choice of UVB provision for chameleons; this choice of UVB although energy efficient will produce very minimal amounts of exposure over a small area/width of the enclosure, the effects of which are greatly reduced further if used over mesh. The use of these bulbs is not recommended to be used either internal or external for your chameleon(s) when there are much better options available.
Reflectors
The use of a reflector either separately clipped to above your tube or integrated with your canopy will greatly increase the output, redirecting wasted light back down into your vivaria.
T8 and T5 reflectors are available from any good online reptile stockist and are inexpensive to buy.
Notes
l T8 tubes will not fit a T5 controller or canopy unit and vice Versa for T5 .
l Always double check you select the correct tube for your controller and also that the wattage
corresponds.
l Avoid buying bulbs from sites like EBay, always purchase from reputable online retailers or
stores.
l Second hand UVB sources should be avoided. ALWAYS replace with new if you opt to buy a
second hand setup. The unknown is NOT WORTH THE RISK!
l UVB sources degrade in output over duration of use. ALWAYS refer to manufacturers guide
lines or a UVB meter for replacement.
l Manufacturer of UVB also will play a huge part in the output your bulb emits, i.e. a zoo med
10.0 T8 will most certainly produce a higher usable source than a exo terra repti glo T8 at the
same distance. (This has been proven via testing).
Meters
The UVB meters are of two types:
"UVB Meter" which measures the total UVB across the entire wavelength range (280 - 320nm) in microwatts per square centimetre (µW/cm²)
"UV Index Meter" which gives a reading with greater sensitivity to the shorter UVB wavelengths, responsible for vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin.
Useful Links
http://www.jzar.org/jzar/article/view/150/89
http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Reptile-Health/Habitats-Care/Reptile-Lighting-Information/
http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/video-2/
https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/
http://bioactiveherps.co.uk/product-category/lighting/uvb-lamps/
Author: Martha Hodgson
Date: 22nd January 2017
Please note that the information contained and statements made in this document have been gathered purely from my personal experience and knowledge and I by no means consider myself to be a qualified expert.