Like other geckos, chameleons really need UVB to improve their health and help them develop their fullest potential. UVB will help chameleons absorb vitamin D and convert it into calcium, making bones stronger.
Without UVB, chameleons will have many bone and skin problems, which are extremely dangerous. If the chameleon’s owner was not aware of this, it would be pitiful for them.
Providing the best UVB bulb for chameleons is one of the factors that help your pet live a happy and long life.
The selection of UVB lighting for chameleons needs to be based on many factors and it can be a difficult job for many people. So we’ve limited that to you with this list of best UVB light bulbs for chameleons.
Top 10 Best UVB Bulb For Chameleons Review 2021
#1 Evergreen Pet Supplies UVA UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb
This UVB bulb from Evergreen Pet Supplies is a popular product that one will probably come across at least once when searching for a suitable product for chameleons. Because of its quality, long life, and reasonable price, this UVB bulb is a lot of people choose.
This bulb is also considered the best UVB bulb for veiled chameleon or panther chameleon. It provides UVB and UVB every day for your pet. This bulb also radiates a sufficient amount of heat to heat the chameleons.
In particular, this bulb is self-ballasted and integrated with many different enclosures. That will make it easy to set up chameleons’ habitat.
Besides, this bulb also does not contain UVC that is harmful to chameleons. It also has a considerable lifespan compared to many other UVB bulbs in its class.
However, this light bulb does not seem to emit enough heat for your chameleons to lie down all day to sunbathe.
#2 EXO-TERRA Solar-Glo Mercury Vapor
If you are looking for a UVB mercury light bulb then this product from Exo Terra will be the ideal choice for you. It is a large capacity UVB bulb that comes with a great amount of energy.
Exo Terra is a well-known and reputed manufacturer, so you can count on the quality of this product. You can choose from 125 watts or 160 watts to match the chameleon’s enclosure.
This bulb is self-ballasted so it can also be integrated with most enclosures. Just make sure to place the bulb at the right distance so that you don’t burn your pet. This bulb can emit a fairly strong amount of heat to make a basking bulb for your pet.
It is a full-spectrum light, providing health-promoting UVB and UVA rays of chameleons. No UVC rays were found.
However, the life of this bulb did not last long. Probably because the amount of heat it radiates affects its lifespan.
#3 REPTI ZOO Reptile UVA UVB Heat Lamp Full Spectrum
REPTI ZOO is also a manufacturer you can trust with quality products. This UVB bulb is a full spectrum bulb that not only provides UVB, UVA but also warm heat for your chameleons.
This bulb simulates the warm sunlight that we are sure your chameleons will happily spend the day lying under the basking area. You can choose from 100 watts, 125 watts, and 160 watts of power to suit chameleons enclosures.
The bulb is also self-ballasted to keep it safe and block harmful UVC rays.
However, some customers reflect that this bulb is not as long as the advertised manufacturer.
#4 Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb
When it comes to the best UVB bulb for geckos in general or for chameleons in particular, this mercury vapor bulb from Mega-Ray Pet Care should be the top choice.
This mercury bulb really stands out from its class because it emits more UVB rays. It is a comprehensive spectrum bulb that offers beneficial UVA and UVB, aiding in improving the health of chameleons.
The power of this bulb is up to 160 watts, can provide the amount of UVB and heat needed by your pet. And you can use this bulb for any enclosure.
This mercury bulb has a surprising lifespan compared to other mercury bulbs. It can last for more than 18 months and for a reasonable cost it will be the budget choice for you.
#5 LUCKY HERP Reptile UVB Compact Fluorescent Lamp
This UVB bulb will give you as well as your chameleons an amazing stability. It can last for a considerable time and you won’t have to replace UVB bulbs for chameleons for a while.
This bulb has a very compact size. It fits many different enclosures and also makes setting up easier.
Although compact, it can provide the necessary amount of UVB and UVA for your chameleons. It will help your pet avoid bone problems.
With 10% UVB rays and 30% UVA rays, this bulb helps chameleons absorb vitamin D more efficiently. It also does not produce any harmful UVC rays.
#6 AIICIOO Mercury Vapor Bulb Reptile Bulbs
This is a high quality UVB bulb for chameleons that you can add to your shortlist. This bulb from AIICIOO will deliver what the chameleons need in a UVB bulb.
It is a mercury vapor bulb that works well with a UVB and UVA ratio that matches the chameleons. The UVB and UVA ratios that this bulb emits have been carefully calculated to match the genetic characteristics of geckos.
Not only provides support UVB for the bones of chameleons to become stronger, but also acts as a source of sunlight. It provides warm sunlight with just the right temperature for the chameleons to be happy.
If you use this bulb all day, it will definitely heat up. But don’t worry, this UVB bulb automatically switches off when it gets too hot and keeps your chameleons safe.
However, this bulb is quite thin and it is best to use it very gently to keep it from breaking.
#7 Exo Terra Repti-Glo 5.0 Compact Fluorescent Lamp
If you are looking for a UVB bulb for your chameleons small to medium size enclosure then this is the best choice.
It is a compact UVB bulb and it doesn’t take long for you to find a suitable spot for it in the chameleons cage.
This UVB bulb not only provides UVB rays for chameleons but also UVA rays. UVA will aid in more palatable chameleons as well as stimulate their reproductive behaviors.
This bulb simulates natural light and is especially suited for tropical set ups for chameleons habitats.
However, it does not radiate a significant amount of heat so that chameleons can sunbathe.
#8 Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent Lamp
This is also a lamp enclosure is ideal for small and medium sized. And it’s a product from Zoo Med, a well-known manufacturer, so you can have complete confidence in its ability to work.
This UVB bulb has a compact size, you can place it in many positions in the enclosure of chameleons. You can place it horizontally or vertically, as long as consistent with the setup environment.
It is also a UVB light bulbs consume less energy. The compact size is also the part that doesn’t allow it to use more than 13 watts of power.
This bulb can also integrate with many different enclosure.
However it does not emit heat, can not serve as a basking bulb. But this is also an advantage because when it does not emit heat, the bulb will be much more durable.
#9 MyComfyPets UVB Light and UVA 2-in-1 Reptile Bulb
If you are looking for a UVB bulb that is ideal for medium to large enclosures, look no further than this bulb.
This bulb from MyComfyPets is a popular and quality choice, you’ll see it in many places during your search.
It is a 2-in-1 bulb that both provides bone-healthy UVB rays, while also providing UVA that stimulates appetite and reproductive behavior. It can also be considered as a basking bulb for chameleons when it emits warm temperature and natural light.
It’s also a premium light bulb, carefully built and meticulously built. This bulb does not easily melt with silicone material. It also features auto safety shut off, once the bulb temperature is too high, it will automatically turn off without your intervention.
However, you will need to add a separate fixture to use this bulb, and that fixture must match the bulb capacity.
#10 VIVOSUN Reptile Heat Lamp Bulb
VIVOSUN is indispensable when it comes to pet supplies. This bulb of theirs is not only a chameleons-fit product, but a bulb with an outstanding longevity.
This bulb provides the temperature, UVB and UVA health benefits of chameleons. This mercury vapor bulb emits an ideal temperature for heating the chameleons, your pet can lie on under this warm light to sunbathe.
Nor is there any harmful UVC rays found in the light emitted by this mercury bulb.
It has a surprising lifespan compared to other bulbs in its class. This bulb can work up to 15000 hours and will prevent you from having to replace it repeatedly.
However, many customers believe that the temperature this bulb emits is not strong enough for a mature chameleons.
How Long Is Enough for Chameleons to Use UVB Bulbs?
Using UVB bulbs to provide UVB, UVA rays for chameleons is essential, but you need to know the appropriate usage time to avoid causing adverse effects.
You probably already know, but we will mention it again for those who do not know this information. Chameleons do not need to provide UVB rays at night, so you do not need and should not use UVB bulbs at night.
If you forget to turn off the UVB lights at night, it shouldn’t cause any serious problems. However, if the bulb emits a lot of heat and the chameleons enclosure is not subject to extreme temperatures, your pet could burn.
Besides, you also don’t need to take risks and put pressure on your electricity bills by using UVB bulbs all night. It will also reduce the life of the bulb.
The ideal time to use UVB bulbs for chameleons is during the day. Day is the time when chameleons can absorb UVB most effectively and best.
The daily absorption of UVB for chameleons is not an overdose. However, you also need to pay attention to the temperature that UVB bulbs emit. The minimum time you need to use UVB bulbs for chameleons is 6 hours.
Too much UVB will not harm the chameleons but on the contrary, without enough UVB, your chameleons will have many health problems.
How Much Capacity UVB Bulb is Suitable for Chameleons?
Every UVB bulb has a different wattage and many people don’t know how to choose the right one. The capacity of a suitable UVB bulb will depend on a lot of factors.
There are 3 factors that you should consider to choose capacity: room temperature, the size and location of the enclosure. Most current UVB bulbs emit the temperature to heat your pet, so the temperature will have a lot to do with the right output.
If you are in an area with a tropical climate, choosing a large capacity UVB lamp is essential. When the room temperature is low, the enclosure temperature will be affected more or less, so a large capacity bulb will help provide enough heat for the chameleons.
But if the enclosure of the chameleons is positioned next to a sunny window, a low wattage light bulb is more suitable.
And there is also an adequate capacity difference between a large and a small enclosure. So you need to use a thermometer to check the right temperature, and then choose a corresponding capacity.
Final Verdict
UVB is essential for chameleons to have strong bones. You will not be able to provide vitamin D3 for chameleons through its daily diet, and calcium is an indispensable substance of the body. Maybe the best UVB bulb, everything will be solved.
Before buying any UVB bulb, you need to take a moment to research and choose the best one. There are a lot of factors that determine a best product and you should keep an eye on it.