Advanced Cage Concepts: Safely Planting the Bottom

darthink

New Member
Hi Everyone,

I am preparing a new home for my veiled, Pascala. I know many of you might complain that I got an Exo Terra, but I has ventilation and I've already bought it, so I'm not here to talk about that, but planting the bottom. Thank you for your friendly responses! :)

I will be creating something that looks really nice, and I would like to do so through live plants. I am researching and trying to find the proper products to use. The following is an ordered list as to my concerns:


1. There should probably be several different layers of soil. I was thinking of layering the bottom with river rocks, for any excess drainage if it happens, then next layer will be the soil, which concerns me the most. I want something that's not toxic. I read in the forums that Miracle Grow Organic (I'd double check the package to be sure it has no fertilizers) is okay to use, mixed with a little sand. Then the top layer, where it will be something that will be safe, in case a cricket or something gets down there and she eats it, getting a little soil or something with it.

2. Pascala is a girl, so I know that in the future she'll need to lay her eggs, so I need something that will allow her to instinctively dig. I'd hate if she became egg bound or something bad.

3. I will be getting most of the supplies for this at Lowes or a store similar, so any suggested plants that anyone has gotten and really liked, or any success stories.

4. Plants and humidity equal mold. Any particular scenarios people have experienced with this or avoiding it? Also a factor to consider is that the 12 hours of light and warmth could absorb a lot of the humidity in the soil, making a more plausible, mold free atmosphere.


My goal is to combine a nice looking environment with a habitat that's extremely safe for my chameleon. I hope to complete my research for this before the weekend, then implement it then and get her in her new home as soon as possible.


Thank you everyone for all your help and I look forward to reading your replies!

Kenny
 
Hi! Your thread made me think of this recent thread by an established member. While it isn't the exact same thing you're describing, it might be a good starting point or at least provide some ideas.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/natural-forest-floor-terrarium-testing-build-84013/

As far as egg laying, you'd more than likely need a separate setup for that because of how deep it would need to be. Also, you want to be careful about preventing impaction.

I'd be really interested to see how your project turns out should you proceed!
 
Hi! Your thread made me think of this recent thread by an established member. While it isn't the exact same thing you're describing, it might be a good starting point or at least provide some ideas.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/natural-forest-floor-terrarium-testing-build-84013/

As far as egg laying, you'd more than likely need a separate setup for that because of how deep it would need to be. Also, you want to be careful about preventing impaction.

I'd be really interested to see how your project turns out should you proceed!

Thank you, Randi! I'll check that thread out, looks like a nice setup! I'll be sure to also post pics when I'm done!
 
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