Chameleons, like all reptiles, are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature.
Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them with the right temperature range in captivity.
Now the exact temperature requirements can vary depending on the species and age of the chameleon.
What Will I Learn?
Temperature Range Based on Chameleon Species
Here are temperature guidelines for some popular chameleon species:
Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus):
- Daytime Basking Spot: 85°F to 95°F (29°C to 35°C)
- Daytime Ambient Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C)
- Nighttime Temperature: 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C)
Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis):
- Daytime Basking Spot: 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C)
- Daytime Ambient Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C)
- Nighttime Temperature: 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C)
Jackson’s Chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii):
- Daytime Basking Spot: 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C)
- Daytime Ambient Temperature: 70°F to 78°F (21°C to 26°C)
- Nighttime Temperature: 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C)
Pygmy Chameleons (Rhampholeon spp., Brookesia spp.):
- Daytime Ambient Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
- Nighttime Temperature: 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C)
- Note: Pygmy chameleons don’t usually require a basking spot like their larger counterparts.
Night time Temperature Drop
You may notice that the nighttime temperature is less than the daytime temperature. Chameleons generally benefit from a drop in temperature at night as it replicates their natural environment and can be vital for their metabolism and rest.
Temperature Gradient
Make sure there’s a temperature gradient from the basking spot to the cooler parts of the cage, allowing the chameleon to thermoregulate. Temperature gradient means there’s a change in temperature from warm to cold. Therefore the chameleon can move from the warm basking area, to a cooler part of the cage if it wants to.
Heating Elements
You may use several types of heating elements to provide heat for chameleons.
Here’s a list:
Basking Bulbs
These are the most common heating elements for chameleons. They not only provide heat but also create a bright spot in the enclosure that encourages basking. The bulbs can be incandescent or halogen, and they emit both visible light and heat.
Zoo Med Combo Deep Dome Dual Lamp Fixture – Allows you to fit both a UVB and basking bulb.
Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent Lamp, 13 Watts – Provides the necessary UVB rays.
Exo Terra Daytime Heat Lamp – Serves as the basking light.
Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE)
These produce only heat and no light. They’re especially useful for maintaining nighttime temperatures or adding extra heat without increasing light. Ceramic emitters are long-lasting and emit a radiant heat that chameleons find appealing.
Benefits of Ceramic Heat Emitters for Chameleons
- No Light Production: CHEs emit only heat, not light. This allows you to provide warmth to your chameleon without disrupting its day/night cycle.
- Durability: CHEs typically have a longer lifespan than regular heat bulbs. They’re resistant to breakage from minor water splashes (which can shatter hot glass bulbs).
- Uniform Heat: CHEs provide a consistent radiant heat, ideal for creating a temperature gradient in the enclosure.
Considerations when using CHE for Chameleons
- Temperature Control: Like other heat sources, CHEs should be connected to a thermostat to regulate and maintain the desired temperature. Without a thermostat, CHEs can get extremely hot, risking burns or overheating the enclosure.
- Enclosure Size: For larger enclosures, you might need multiple CHEs to achieve the desired temperature gradient.
- Guard/Cage: Always use a guard or cage around the CHE. This prevents the chameleon (or any other reptile) from coming into direct contact with the hot ceramic surface.
- Placement: The CHE should be placed overhead, mimicking the natural direction of the sun and heat. This allows the chameleon to bask underneath it.
- Monitoring: Regularly check the temperature in different parts of the enclosure with reliable thermometers. Ensure there’s a warm basking area and a cooler area for the chameleon to thermoregulate.
Popular Brands of Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE)
Zoo Med ReptiCare® Ceramic Infrared Heat Emitter: These are available in various wattages (e.g., 60W, 100W, 150W) depending on the size of the enclosure and the amount of heat needed.
Fluker’s Ceramic Heat Emitter: Like Zoo Med, Fluker’s offers CHEs in different wattages to cater to different heating needs. Common wattages might include 60W, 100W, and 150W.
Exo Terra Ceramic Heater: This product is designed to provide a heat source without light, and it comes in various wattages such as 40W, 60W, 100W, and 150W.
When purchasing a CHE, also consider investing in a high-quality ceramic socket (since CHEs can get very hot), a thermostat to control the temperature, and a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, especially if you’re maintaining a tropical species of chameleon.
Remember, while CHEs provide heat, you’ll also need to ensure proper UVB lighting for chameleons, which is crucial for their bone health and overall well-being.
Infrared Heat Lamps
Emitting infrared radiation, these lamps produce heat but little visible light. They can be suitable for nighttime heating.
Infrared Heat Lamps For Sale…
Zoo Med Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamp. This bulb emits infrared heat without visible light, making it suitable for nighttime heating.
Exo Terra Night Heat Lamp. It gives off a reddish glow, providing a minimal amount of visible light while mainly emitting infrared heat.
Fluker’s Red Heat Bulbs. These are designed for nighttime heating without disturbing the reptile’s natural day/night cycle.
Mercury Vapor Bulbs (MVB)
These are a combination bulb that provides both UVB light and heat. They’re efficient but can be more expensive than other options.
Zoo Med PowerSun UV – This is a self-ballasted mercury vapor lamp that emits UVA, UVB, and heat, making it an all-in-one solution for many reptile habitats.
Exo Terra Solar-Glo Sun Simulating Bulb – This MVB offers the benefits of natural sunlight, helping to prevent metabolic bone disease. It provides the necessary UVB, UVA, and heat.
Mega-Ray Mercury Vapor Bulb – Known for producing a good amount of UVB, this brand has become popular among reptile keepers. It’s essential to ensure the right distance and setup for optimum UVB delivery.
When using a Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB) or any UVB-emitting bulb:
- Distance Matters: Ensure the bulb is positioned at the recommended distance from the basking spot. Too close can be harmful, and too far might not provide enough UVB.
- Replace Regularly: Even if the bulb is still producing visible light, the UVB output can diminish over time. It’s generally recommended to replace UVB bulbs every 6-12 months, but this can vary by brand and usage.
- Thermostat & Timer: Use a thermostat to regulate the heat and a timer to mimic a natural day/night cycle.
- Reflectors: Using a reflector can help direct the light and heat downwards into the enclosure, maximizing the bulb’s efficiency.
- Safety: Ensure the fixture used is rated for the wattage and type of bulb. MVBs can get very hot, so using the appropriate fixture is essential for safety.
Heat Elements to Avoid
- Heat Mats or Under Tank Heaters: While more commonly used for other reptiles like snakes or geckos, they’re generally not recommended for chameleons. Chameleons are arboreal and won’t often come in direct contact with the cage floor, making these heaters largely ineffective for them.
- Heat Tape: These are flexible heating elements that can be attached to the exterior of an enclosure. However, like heat mats, they’re more appropriate for terrestrial reptiles.
- Heat Rock: Heat rocks can cause burns as chameleons and other reptiles may not sense the excessive heat and can get burns.
- Allowing the Chameleon Direct Contact With the Heat Element: Avoid placing heat elements in positions that can come into direct contact with a chameleon. Chameleons, especially captive ones, might not recognize an excessively hot surface as dangerous before it causes harm. A chameleon can suffer from severe burns if it comes into direct contact with a heat lamp or other heat source.
Ways to Monitor the Temperature of Your Chameleon Enclosure
Monitoring the temperature in a chameleon enclosure is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of the reptile.
Chameleons require specific temperature ranges to thrive.
Here are several ways to monitor temperatures in a chameleon enclosure, accompanied by popular brands and example products:
1. Digital Thermometers
How they work: Digital thermometers typically have a probe that you can place in a specific part of the enclosure. They provide digital readings which are usually more accurate than traditional analog thermometers.
Brands/Products:
Zoo Med Digital Terrarium Thermometer
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
2. Infrared Temperature Guns
How they work: These handheld devices allow you to instantly check the temperature of any spot in the enclosure by simply pointing and shooting. They are especially useful for checking basking spots.
Brands/Products:
Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Temperature Gun
Fluke Infrared Thermometer
3. Thermometer-Hygrometer Combos
- How they work: These devices combine the functions of a thermometer (to measure temperature) and a hygrometer (to measure humidity), giving you a comprehensive understanding of the enclosure’s environment.
Brands/Products:
Zoo Med Digital Combo Thermometer Humidity Gauge
Exo Terra Thermometer-Hygrometer
4. Thermostat Controllers
- How they work: These devices not only monitor temperatures but also regulate your heat sources to maintain a consistent temperature within the desired range.
Brands/Products:
Jump Start MTPRTC Digital Controller Thermostat
Zilla Temperature Controller
TIPS:
- Placement: Make sure to monitor temperatures in different areas of the enclosure (hot end, cool end, basking spots, etc.) to ensure a proper temperature gradient.
- Consistency: Regularly check the temperatures and calibrate your devices if possible.
- Backup: It’s a good idea to have more than one type of temperature-monitoring device to ensure accuracy and as a backup in case one fails.
When setting up or adjusting your chameleon’s enclosure, always aim for the recommended temperature ranges specific to the species. Adjust heat sources accordingly, and always make sure there’s a gradient so your chameleon can thermoregulate.