Enclosure advice

[Nikkiskye3]

I am trying to set up a cage for a chameleon and I wanted to make sure that the set up is proper with the correct temps and stuff. Please give me feedback!

temp/humidity
top - 90 degrees
Middle - 80 degrees/ 40-50% humidity
bottom - 70 degrees/ 80-90% humidity

The plants are all fake
I have a fake like vine
I have coconut soil and moss on the bottom

Misting
The monsoon RS400 is set to 14 seconds every 4 hours
I have a sprayer if necessary

Bulbs
26watt UVB bulb I cant remember which one it is, but if there is one that is best please tell me!
60watt heat bulb

 

[SaintJimmy]

You can get rid of the substrate. They do not need it.

Also when it is older, you'll want a bigger, screen cage.

looks good though. maybe add a live plant.

 

[Nikkiskye3]

Do you have any live plant suggestions?

 

[qdude46]

I'd get a bigger chameleon snow and really lose the dirt. For real plants, try Pothos ficus and or scheffleras.

 

[ridgebax1]

You will definately need a bigger cage as the cham grows. I have a Monsoon and I have to tell you they are crap. They break all the time, I am on my 3rd machine in less than one year. They do have a two year warranty and will replace it. I contacted them through the Hagen website and they shipped the new units right to my house and I just tossed the broken ones. Maybe you will be lucky and get one that works. Also they are supposed to be able to support 8 nozzles but can barely do 4. I am planning to upgrade to an aquazamp in the near future.

 

[CarlC]

What species are you setting this cage up for?

Carl

 

[carol5208]

yes, you never mentioned what species you are setting up the cage for. Also, in the pic you cannot tell if your cage is on a wood floor or table( I am thinking table). If on a table, that is fine. If on the floor, I would move up to a higher point. Chameleons do not like to be low. The cage should ideally be at about eye level to you or above. Agree with removing the moss in the bottom. Potential choking hazard and will get all soggy and icky with mistings. Also, it is hard to control drainage in a terrarium, but 14 seconds is a very short period for misting. Some chameleleons do not even get stimulated to drink for several minutes when misted or when they see a dripper. I would extend the misting time to atleast a couple of minutes.

 

[MelissaB]

Just to save you from future frustration, don't rely on the dial type gauges. They're known for being very inaccurate. I'd get a digital thermometer/hygrometer and a second digital thermometer. That way you can put the thermometer probe at the basking spot and the therm/hygro about 1/2 way down the cage, so you get a good idea of what the humidity and ambient temps are.

 

[Nikkiskye3]

I am thinking a veiled because I heard they are the most hardy and I want to start with one that wont die so easily. Any suggestions?

 

[Nikkiskye3]

Also im afraid I will flood the cage if I leave the mister on for a couple minutes?

And the coconut soil was suppose to help with humidity what is another substrate I can use other than that if that is not necessary?

 

[broderp]

Is that an Exo Terra 18x18x24" Terrarium? Thats the same one I have if so. I'm a newb to this myself, but I love this enclosure. It's great for smaller Chams, but you may need a larger one when they get older. Kind of sucks, as I already invested in it, had I known this I would have saved for a little while longer and gotten the larger one they offer. (24x18x36 or even the 36x18x36)

I have all fake plants as well. I agree with the substrate comments of others. Trust me, you will be glad it's not there when it comes time to clean the tank! Here is a quick pick of mine:

https://www.chameleonforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=91155&stc=1&d=1388978027

I read so many bad reviews on all the commercially available misters and stuff I decided to tackle this one on my own. I misted by hand MANY times a day, but ultimately it was too hard as no one was able to do it during the day when I worked. So I did some reading, bought a $35 humidifier from Walgreen's and about $5 worth of PVC pipe and connectors and viola! A much more reliable fogger for my Jackson (who is a veiled cham BTW).

I also think you should (me as well) put more branches and sticks for it to climb and bask on. I added several, but have been told I need more.


Good luck!

 

[Katrinaa]

The hand held mister in the pic... I have one and I LOVE it!! Works awesome! These terrariums are awesome for holding humidity! Idont think you need a misting system until you upgrade to a mesh cage. And the vines aren't enough maybe a live plant and some more branches! Veilds can be pretty cranky but there are others that are very friendly!! Show pictures when you get one! Would love to see