Bioactive vivarium.

[Zevil]

Hi guys I have been lurking for quite a while here. I have done a lot of research and finally decided to get a panther male chameleon and decided on a 2x2x4feet enclosure but I need some advice.

Firstly, I live in a tropical climate with a temperature range of 27 to 32 Degrees Celsius and 60 to 90% humidity. I want a bioactive enclosure with a nice natural background. I believe that a glass enclosure with a vented top and vents at the bottom would be good for aesthetic appeal but I really don't mind a screen enclosure if I can put a natural background in it. But I don't like that screen enclosures kinda obstruct the view. Are there any glass/screen hybrid enclosures?

I have plans of creating a drainage layer, a chimney effect for airflow and auto mist system. Also, putting in some springtails and isopods onto the substrate.

So can I use a glass enclosure?

I should also mention that the temperature in my house is about 28 to 30 Degrees Celsius depending on the time of the day.

 

[JapSolum]

look at exoterras they have glass ones designed for good airflow. dont know about their drainage but most people that use em love them so I would assume there's something available.

 

[Zevil]

look at exoterras they have glass ones designed for good airflow. dont know about their drainage but most people that use em love them so I would assume there's something available.

I did look at their stuff but their glass ones are too small.

 

[jamest0o0]

Are you in the US? Dragonstrand has exactly what you're looking for.

 

[dshuld]

If you're not in the us, the reptibreeze xl deluxe has a clear panel for the front door and the rest of the panels screen if you can find one of those where you are.

 

[Zevil]

Are you in the US? Dragonstrand has exactly what you're looking for.

Unfortunately I am not in the US. Is it hard to get outside of the US? Looks pretty good but the entire left side is screen so how do I put in substrate?

If you're not in the us, the reptibreeze xl deluxe has a clear panel for the front door and the rest of the panels screen if you can find one of those where you are.

As said previously I am not in the US, I'm actually in South East Asia. Is it difficult to put in a natural looking background of some sort on the screen back? And I just check it out, the bottom tray seems a little too low to put in substrate and a drainage layer?

 

[dshuld]

Unfortunately I am not in the US. Is it hard to get outside of the US? Looks pretty good but the entire left side is screen so how do I put in substrate?



As said previously I am not in the US, I'm actually in South East Asia. Is it difficult to put in a natural looking background of some sort on the screen back? And I just check it out, the bottom tray seems a little too low to put in substrate and a drainage layer?

I wouldn't use their substrate tray. Build a wood box, water proof it, make your drainage port/s and mount the cage to the box. Wood box holds your plants and bioactive bugs.

 

[chameleonneeds]

As you said it's already quite hot and humid so in my opinion a screen cage might be better. Take a look at the dragonstand enclosures and get an idea of how to alter your screen cage to that. You could attach plexiglass to the sides and back.

 

[jamest0o0]

Here's some ideas for bio enclosures with screen sides. The DS has a wooden stand/substrate bin built to fit drainage and soil using pond liner. The screen reptibreezes have flower pots that fit the dimensions underneath.

 

[Zevil]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I am considering the Dragon Strand Large Clearside Enclosure and mount it on top of an elevated wooden planting box. The question is how deep should my substrate be, I imagine it has to be deep enough for the plants to grow in. And also the hydroton drainage layer has to be pretty deep right?

 

[jamest0o0]

Hydro ball layer is only about an inch or two max. My substrate in the dragonstrand is just under 2 feet, but that's not necessary. Just do whatever amount needed for the plants.

 

[Zevil]

Hydro ball layer is only about an inch or two max. My substrate in the dragonstrand is just under 2 feet, but that's not necessary. Just do whatever amount needed for the plants.

Is it okay to use a wooden planting box?

I don't think I will be misting too much because it's already humid here. Plus the live plants would use up some water. That means a drainage hole for extra water to be pump out isn't necessary right?

 

[Goose502]

Is it okay to use a wooden planting box?

I don't think I will be misting too much because it's already humid here. Plus the live plants would use up some water. That means a drainage hole for extra water to be pump out isn't necessary right?

You will need to mist a lot. High humidity alone won’t hydrate a chameleon. You need long misting sessions, this helps hydrate, and they will clean their eye turrets during the longer showers.

 

[Zevil]

You will need to mist a lot. High humidity alone won’t hydrate a chameleon. You need long misting sessions, this helps hydrate, and they will clean their eye turrets during the longer showers.

Twice a day, each lasting 5 minutes?

 

[Goose502]

I recommend 2-3 showers, two lasting 1-3 minutes. And a good long soak (5-10 minutes).

 

[Zevil]

Do I still need a basking light when it's already hot here. If I need it then what temperature should it be?

 

[JapSolum]

so you want your tank to have multiple levels of heat which is why a basking light is helpful. they are cold blooded and cant control their own body temps. so if they are feeling cold they can bask in the light usually around 85-90f. or if they are too hot they can move down and away from the light under the leaves and cool off (usually around 75 but having shade is the more important part). some people in warm places keep their chams outside, so I'm sure the difference in temps isnt going to be as wide there. but what really important is having a source of heat (heat lamp or natural sunlight) and a place in the shade they can cool off. so yes, basking bulb is necessary unless you have them outdoors. not to mention the heat gives them a reason to get out of the shade to get their uvb light.

 

[Angelwolf]

I did look at their stuff but their glass ones are too small.

Oh, they have big ones, with big price tags! I'm looking at getting the large extra tall for about $500.

 

[Zevil]

Oh, they have big ones, with big price tags! I'm looking at getting the large extra tall for about $500.

The biggest one I saw was a 36" x 18" x 36" and it's still too small.

 

[Angelwolf]

The biggest one I saw was a 36" x 18" x 36" and it's still too small.

Well. I have a female, si for me it would be good. Good luck!