Critique My Setup Please

[kpatton66]

I am going to be a mommy tomorrow and need to make sure that my setup is ok.

I am getting a Blue Bar Panther about 3.5 to 4.5 inches.

I have a small reptibreeze right now but will get a bigger one as he grows. But got a killer deal on the cage so could not pass it up. THe light is a 100w Powersun. I live in Colorado. Is this a proper light setup? I have a reptirain for humidity and misting.

 

[jcarlsen]

Is that a powersun that you're using on top of such a small cage? If so, way too powerful and hot for a young cham. Get a reptisun 5.0 bulb and a regular bulb for a cooler basking spot... should be around 85-90 degrees.

Also, you need more foliage and leaves for the little guy to hide under and behind.

 

[kpatton66]

OK should I get the 2 dome? I do have another vine I can put in. Should I just keep the powersun for the bigger cage when I get it?

Thanks,

Karma

 

[kpatton66]

I will also be putting in a Live Pothos that I am getting with him.

 

[jcarlsen]

OK should I get the 2 dome? I do have another vine I can put in. Should I just keep the powersun for the bigger cage when I get it?

Thanks,

Karma

Definitely hang on to the powersun as you can use it on the adult cage. Just a bit too much for juveniles. I've got a repisun 5.0, but I have it in long tube form so it covers more of the cage, plus a smaller dome with a 25 watt incandescent bulb cuz it's pretty hot where I live right now and he doesn't need much heat for basking.

Also, good idea on pothos. I just got one myself and they're virtually unkillable and retain moisture really well.

Can't wait to see the new cham!

 

[kpatton66]

ME neither so go with the long light. It is hot here but we have a swamp cooler so the house stays fairly cool. I am worried about him getting too cold because of the swamp cooler. so should I consider something in addition to the long light?

I want to do the right things for him. First time Cham Mommy

Thanks

Karma

 

[jcarlsen]

ME neither so go with the long light. It is hot here but we have a swamp cooler so the house stays fairly cool. I am worried about him getting too cold because of the swamp cooler. so should I consider something in addition to the long light?

I want to do the right things for him. First time Cham Mommy

Thanks

Karma

Basically you want the basking area to be around 85 degrees, so any old incandescent bulb in a small dome should do it. Getting the temp around there should depend on the wattage of the bulb and the distance from the basking site. Definitely don't want the cham to get too hot or it'll get some burns on it. I switched my basking spot to a 25 watt bulb from a 60 watt cuz I was getting basking temps over 100, EEK!

As for your guy getting too cold, the ambient temp in the room can be in the 70's and it should be good. Mid 60s is okay at night, since they have a temp drop in nature.

I'm also a first time cham keeper, btw. I've had my little guy for 3 weeks as of today. He's pretty healthy so far, but very skittish around me, my hands, and my big old head. I'm working him towards hand feeding so he can start associating me with food.

 

[kpatton66]

Ok here are my corrections. I should be bringing him home in the next few hours. I can not wait. Please let me know what you think.

 

[carol5208]

Looks much better! Don't put any branches, vines or plants too close to the basking light. Your chameleon can easily get burned. The baskina area should have a branch that is placed horizontally about 8 inches down. You can go a little higher if it is a baby. Just check your temp.

 

[kpatton66]

Thanks, yes is a baby. the temp right there seems to be fine. but I can move it down if I see it is too high.

Do I need a basking light? my dual dome has a reptisun 5.0 and a daylight lamb and I have a night lamp to put in at night.

Thanks

 

[shrum]

A night time light is not needed and it should be dark for when they are sleeping

 

[kpatton66]

oh ok thanks.

 

[kpatton66]

He is home and soooo cute!!!!! My pictures did not come out so i will try to retake.

Karma