How Often Do You Change a UV Light for Chameleons?

Chameleons need UV lighting to stay healthy.

Chameleons are a type of lizard popular in the exotic pet hobby because of their brilliant coloration. Like many reptiles, chameleons require ultraviolet lighting to maintain proper health, and these UV lights need to be replaced every six months.

Timeline

Unlike other lighting, you should not wait until a UV light burns out to replace it. While they do eventually burn out, after approximately six months of being on for 12 hours each day, they will no longer emit UV rays effectively. When your UV light is six months old, replace it.

Types

Chameleon enclosures should use full spectrum UV lighting, which means lighting that emits both UVB and UVA rays. Both types of UV rays are important for chameleon health, growth and bone development. If your light fixture came with a full-spectrum UV light bulb, ensure the replacement is also full-spectrum UV lighting.

Fun Fact

Chameleons benefit from natural sunlight as well as UV lighting, so if your light needs replacing you can bring the chameleon outside for 10 to 15 minutes per day until you can replace it. Keep in mind that this is not equal to having a UV light in its enclosure that is on for 12 hours daily, so replace the light as soon as possible.

References

• Martin's Reptiles: Veiled Chameleon Care

Resources

• The Chameleon Enthusiast: Chameleon Owner's Manual Lighting