Drainage help

[awsumpauly]

I have had an enclosure for not even a year now and twice I have had to completely redo the substrate due to excessive moisture and mold. I like to not have a bare bottom to the cage but instead have a natural coconut fiber or dirt substrate, which presents quite a challenge. The first time I had basically no drainage system which didn't work at all. The second time, however, I started with a layer of terra cotta balls, then on top of that a layer of mesh to keep it separated from the substrate, and then the substrate. Then, the water would drain into small holes in the corners of the cage and into a tray resting under it. However, after a short while, the substrate began to get through the mesh and the water stayed in the cage again, leading to mold. I also tried some small planting a water-loving papyrus and a cissus vine in the substrate to help soak up the water, but the roots simply rotted due to the excessive moisture (only on the cissus though, i'm not exactly sure what happened to the papyrus). Also, with the substrate, cleaning out waste presents quite a challenge as well. Any suggestions that would allow me to keep the natural, earthy substrate? thanks!

 

[Carlton]

I have had an enclosure for not even a year now and twice I have had to completely redo the substrate due to excessive moisture and mold. I like to not have a bare bottom to the cage but instead have a natural coconut fiber or dirt substrate, which presents quite a challenge. The first time I had basically no drainage system which didn't work at all. The second time, however, I started with a layer of terra cotta balls, then on top of that a layer of mesh to keep it separated from the substrate, and then the substrate. Then, the water would drain into small holes in the corners of the cage and into a tray resting under it. However, after a short while, the substrate began to get through the mesh and the water stayed in the cage again, leading to mold. I also tried some small planting a water-loving papyrus and a cissus vine in the substrate to help soak up the water, but the roots simply rotted due to the excessive moisture (only on the cissus though, i'm not exactly sure what happened to the papyrus). Also, with the substrate, cleaning out waste presents quite a challenge as well. Any suggestions that would allow me to keep the natural, earthy substrate? thanks!

If you insist on using a "natural" substrate this will keep happening. There are soil bacteria in these substrates that will thrive in the wet conditions and with added waste eventually unless it can dry out thoroughly on a regular basis. And, there simply isn't enough water flushing through the system to keep it in balance.

When I kept Malaysian leaf frogs I experimented with several variations on the layered drain substrates you described, and found out a couple of things:

The substrate (cork bark, forest floor, whatever you use) is the key problem. If you use something that has been sterilized it will last longer. I had some success with recycled paper pulp bedding (one brand is called Care Fresh or Cage Fresh I think) laid on to of the terra cotta balls. It packed down like soil fairly well though it was gray rather than brown. Seemed to resist mold a long time. You can sink any small plants in their own pots buried in the bedding as they won't survive otherwise.

You could try the terra cotta balls alone in a layer with the screen laid directly on top. I stitched flat screen bags in the shape of my cages and filled them with terra cotta. The screen kept most of the cham's waste from getting down into the substrate, and the layer will hold the weight of plant pots well. Then when the balls needed a good cleaning to get rid of accumulated waste I could just lift out the entire bag to soak in hot water. Really easy!

You could try a piece of brown terrarium carpet leaving the corner holes open for drainage. It may still mold though. Again, to keep any plants from rotting you would need to keep them in their own pots with very good drainage and aeration. And, something that can make the substrate look a little more foresty is a scattering of sterilized, dried magnolia leaves. These are often sold by terrarium supplies. But, if you free range your feeders they will hide under the leaves and eventually die.

 

[awsumpauly]

darn

Well I guess it looks like I'm probably not going to be able to keep using a coconut fiber substrate, though I wish I could, as it looks a lot nicer than a blank or paper bottom and probably makes the chameleon feel more like it is in its natural environment. I appreciate your suggestions and will try some until I get one to work, so thanks. Also, I believe I read somewhere that there is a certain kind of bug that some people intentionally put in chameleon cages to control waste but Im not sure what they are called or where to get them.

 

[Carlton]

Well I guess it looks like I'm probably not going to be able to keep using a coconut fiber substrate, though I wish I could, as it looks a lot nicer than a blank or paper bottom and probably makes the chameleon feel more like it is in its natural environment. I appreciate your suggestions and will try some until I get one to work, so thanks. Also, I believe I read somewhere that there is a certain kind of bug that some people intentionally put in chameleon cages to control waste but Im not sure what they are called or where to get them.

People sometimes use arthropods (like sowbugs or woodlice) to help clean substrates but again if its too soggy they won't thrive all that well either. The main issue seems to be having a large enough surface area to keep the soil filtered enough. In a greenhouse sized cage it might work, but not for the typical small indoor cham setup. Just too much moisture to handle.

Frankly I doubt your cham cares very much about the substrate. They don't seem to pay much attention to the ground or what's on it.

You really might consider scattering dry leaves on the surface of whatever you do use. It may give the impression that the substrate is a bit more "natural" and will be easy to keep cleaned up.

 

[SaintJimmy]

People sometimes use arthropods (like sowbugs or woodlice) to help clean substrates but again if its too soggy they won't thrive all that well either. The main issue seems to be having a large enough surface area to keep the soil filtered enough. In a greenhouse sized cage it might work, but not for the typical small indoor cham setup. Just too much moisture to handle.

Frankly I doubt your cham cares very much about the substrate. They don't seem to pay much attention to the ground or what's on it.

You really might consider scattering dry leaves on the surface of whatever you do use. It may give the impression that the substrate is a bit more "natural" and will be easy to keep cleaned up.

Why not just entirely get rid of substrate?

Just build a drainage table and use river rocks as a substrate. Looks awesome, goes with the furniture (drainage table) and allows water to go through no hassle. Does not mold, only has to be cleaned sometimes.