I am confused, maybe I'm missing something ( I did not read whole thread). The pump needs to be below the reservoir to operate properly. You should not have the pump on top of the reservoir.
The bulb you are using directs uvb straight down. A linear bulb will spread out the uvb across the fixture. Some people in pet stores do not know what they are talking about and will sell you what they have. This site (chameleonforums) is specific for the care of Chameleons, and not a "reptile...
You have to get a linear bulb my friend. Pick up a fixture that supports a 24" bulb and buy an Arcadia 6%. The bulb you are using is worthless, and will cause problems with your guy in the future.
I hope you are well informed and have read the caresheets on this forum. Don't hesitate to ask questions, the only dumb question is the one not asked. Welcome aboard!
It was bsfl, hundreds of them, they were under the pot as well. I'm not sure they killed the plant, but i'm sure they were in the dirt/pot by the hundreds.
I feed my cham a lot of bsfl, I also feed the adult Soldier flies. When I replaced the plant I took the old plant/ pot outside and dumped it out. The dirt was loaded with bsfl, hundreds of them. There was evidence the bsfl ate the roots of the plant, which I'm sure killed it. Who said bsfl are...