no substrate whatsoever! for most keepers, we leave a bare bottom. it makes it easier for draining and also no bacteria build up. for lighting, use a linear T5HO UVB bulb. use a 5.0 because the 10.0 could be too much exposure. it should run the length of the top of your screen. for the heat bulb, it depends on your chameleon, but i use a 40watt incandescent house bulb to get the basking temp to around 80 degrees. basking temp high should be 80-85, so use whatever gets you in that range. use a white light preferably, red lights can hurt the chams eyes.
From the pic, he looks to have metabolic bone disease and if he was often sitting with his head up like that, he may have had a respiratory infection. Chameleons aren’t the easiest to take care of and if all of their specific needs aren’t met, they can very easily get sick and die. From your pics, I do see several things that need to be changed. I’d like if you go here https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/ and read every module. You’ll be able to see some of the many changes that you’ll need to make, such as larger enclosure, correct linear T5 light with 5.0 or 6% uvb bulb, no substrate, monitoring temps and humidity and keeping within proper ranges, best supplement regimen, etc. I’m very glad that you’re here and looking to improve the life of your chameleon. We enjoy helping others so ask whatever questions you have.
