How to Light Veiled Chameleon Habitats

Veiled chameleons are tropical reptiles that require quite a bit of care. One of the things that is most important for veiled chameleons is the light in their habitat. Veiled chameleons need UVB light so that they can produce Vitamin D, which aids in their absorption of calcium. In addition, they need a light that provides heat as well as a light to use during the night that mimics moonlight.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Heat lamps (one regular and one dark colored)
• UVA/UVB lamp for reptiles

1. Know that the lighting must provide the heat needed in the habitat in addition to UVB rays for your chameleon's health. During the day, the temperature should be between 80 and 95 degrees, with a cooler spot in a corner of the habitat should your chameleon feel that it is getting too hot. Your heat lamp should be on one side of the habitat and a few inches above the chameleon, so that he can bask under it when he wants to but still be able to get away from it if needed.
2. Have one or two UVA/UVB lights that run the length of the habitat and provide plenty of exposure turned on during the day. Use this light in addition to your heat lamp during the day, because UVA/UVB lights don't produce heat. These lights should be on for 10 to 12 hours during the day. If your veiled chameleon doesn't have access to UVB lights, she will suffer a slow and painful death due to her inability to absorb calcium without UVB rays.
3. Turn off the bright heat lamp and the UVB lamp at the end of the day, and turn on the nighttime light. This light can be black, blue or red in color, and must provide heat as well. Temperature during the night should be between 70 and 85 degrees F.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your lighting system on a timer so that the lighting will replicate a natural day, with the same amount of daylight and moonlight each day.
• You can purchase all of the lighting equipment that you need at a pet store. Remember that you should purchase a UVB light that says it is for reptiles on the packaging.
• Don't put the lamps so close to the chameleon so that he could sustain a burn.