A Few Newbie Questions

[allyson.nicole]

Hi everyone!!! After 8 years of dreaming about having a chameleon, I finally have the time and means to get one!! I have done plenty of research over the years and have read through this forum a lot recently to jog my memory. Even though this forum has loads of helpful information, I do still have a few questions if anyone can help me out!!

1) I am planning on getting a panther chameleon. Most resources I have found say that the "minimum" size is 24x24x48 for a male. Would the chameleon still thrive in a larger home than that? I can't find much information about large chameleon builds and if a panther would be unhappy in a larger enclosure than the recommended size. I was thinking about building a 36x24x48 or 48x24x48 enclosure.

2) Can a regular t5ho fixture from home depot work for the UVB light bulbs? I would assume so, but I would rather be safe than sorry. They appear to be cheaper in cost than the fixtures made specifically for reptiles.

3) If the larger cage is acceptable for the chameleon, where would be the ~best~ placement for the basking spot? On one side, or towards the center of the cage?

4) Do you feel that automated misters are a good investment? I have seen lots of good things about MistKing, and even though I may not purchase it initially, I may get that for myself as a Christmas gift.

 

[timw1]

Welcome to the forum! A bigger size is great, the 24x24x48 is minimum for an adult panther. I think you can use an Home Depot fixture without issue. Check out lightyourreptiles.com. They have multi bulb fixtures and I believe they offer an incorporated timer. Basking spot will depend on the placement of your horizontal branches/vines. I see no benefit one side or the other. The Mistking is a great investment. You set it and forget it. When you are away the Mistking will still mist on the schedule you set. Try to buy the best things so you only have to buy once. Have fun and be creative!

 

[Wowbango]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on becoming (or soon anyways) a Chameleon Keeper! There is a ton of information available on the forums from a lot of knowledgeable people. No question will go unanswered!. Panthers do require that minimum size, but you can certainly go bigger. Just make sure that they are able to locate their food and it should be just fine. You CAN use a normal fixture from home depot, just make sure it has a reflector. As far as the basking spot, it makes no difference. Just make sure your chameleon can easily get to it and that any vines, plants underneath it are not too close where it could possibly burn itself, 8"-10" is good. You will quickly get tired of hand misting, I promise. I would say it's almost a requirement to get an automatic misting system. Mistkings are great and offer a lot of flexibility. Their seconds timer is a breeze to program.

 

[Tucklander]

Welcome and congrats on joining the hobby