Echo Earth.

[Yavin]

Hay guys...

At the moment my setup has two Benjamina's one is large and very bushy the other is about half the size also very bushy. both in pots.

The bottom of the viv is just bare with some blue cloth. which is fine. however the viv is on a desk for height, so the crappy looking bottom of the viv is sitting right at eye level.

I am thinking about taking something like pond liner, cutting it to fit the bottom of the viv and then putting a layer of Echo Earth in, to catch any dripping water, and the poop, and to also make the bottom look better.

Is there anything I need to know ? - I already know about the risk of impaction I have decided that its minimal given the chameleons arborial nature, and he's male so unlikly to go to ground, I might lift the pots a few inches to make it impossible for him to climb to the floor.

So, is this a good idea ?
How easily can it be cleaned ?
Are there any risks other than impaction I need to think about ?
How well does Echo earth hold onto moisture ?

thanks ...

 

[panthercham]

I think thats the only draw back I can think of with keeping chams....a bare viv floor

There are many threads on here with the dangers of having any substrate on the floor.

I am always of the belief that the wheel has been invented and it doesnt need re-inventing and I dont need to go out and try and make it better and I will always stay with a bare viv floor. (paper towel is the only acception)

No bacteria, no risk of impaction (he will find a way down there if he really want to), easy to clean and no huge mess from dirt and water.

When I first got my chams I did dirt on the bottom of the cage as I knew no better and it was a PITA to clean. Nothing beats a clean, bare floor....no matter how 'unpleasing' on the human eye it is. My chams health comes first.

p.s cleaning echo earth/substratge is a b**ch

 

[kenya]

Eco earth is a good substrate but NOT for chams. Chams really need a bare bottom cage- the danger lies in when they shoot for a cricket and snag a mouthful of substrate along with it. Feeder insects will hide in it and poop will sit in it (clean the poop out daily!)

If you are watering your cham like you should be, you are going to end up making a big soggy bacteria soup.

Keep your bottom bare and wipe up poo daily.

Edit:

Since this idea seems to be to make the bottom prettier, buy some non adhesive shelf liner like Contac brand and line the bottom of the cage with it. Keep a few pieces around cut to size- you can just switch them out daily and wash them down. They are dishwasher safe and I think some are safe for the laundry.

Also, I just realized how awesome this sentence is. "Keep your bottom bare and wipe up poo daily."