Exo Terra Glass Terrarium
- Thread starter RyanAMP
- Start date
brownie64
Avid Member
If you know what you are doing this type of set up is fine. However much harder, and expensive than the standard screen type enclosure. Even though they are prettier, and easier to maintain humidity. However do to the drainage issues, and the whole fear of the cham might eat dirt and become impacted issue we encourage people who are just starting out to use the screened enclosures.
We own a Ambanja Panther. That is the biggest reason we are going to a glass is it is hard to keep humidity in the winter here in Kentucky and the cage he is in now is just to big for our house, this is still a big enclosure just more space saving for us. Plus they do look amazing.
brownie64
Avid Member
Well if you decide to plant the bottom if it were me I would plant baby tears, or something like that to cover any loose dirt that may be remaining just incase. I personally think the risk is minimal however some have had impaction issues, and would definitely disagree. Better safe than sorry. 
ChameleonUES
Member
I currently have a small exo terra terrerium set up for my young Panther chameleon until he grows up. Even though it is not his permanent home. I'm assuming the set up for any of these terrariums is similar.
Fill the bottom 3 inches of hydroballs/hydroton balls. Then a mesh sheet.
Along the bottom I have various plants, but for the most part babytears are covering the majority of the area.
There barely is any soil or dirt exposed to the chameleon since my plants have grown. However, for security I did have coconut husk placed in any exposed areas between the plants again, now my plants have grown over them. This prevents the Chameleon to accidentally eat any dirt.
Also a tip: I would cover all three sides of the terrarium it gives the animal a more secure feeling, preventing it from "scratching" the glass and trying to leave the cage; which you will witness at one point. Also to save space I recommend using the zoo med forest tile instead of the foam provided by exo terra. The zoo med tiles are thinner and actually made of wood.
Fill the bottom 3 inches of hydroballs/hydroton balls. Then a mesh sheet.
Along the bottom I have various plants, but for the most part babytears are covering the majority of the area.
There barely is any soil or dirt exposed to the chameleon since my plants have grown. However, for security I did have coconut husk placed in any exposed areas between the plants again, now my plants have grown over them. This prevents the Chameleon to accidentally eat any dirt.
Also a tip: I would cover all three sides of the terrarium it gives the animal a more secure feeling, preventing it from "scratching" the glass and trying to leave the cage; which you will witness at one point. Also to save space I recommend using the zoo med forest tile instead of the foam provided by exo terra. The zoo med tiles are thinner and actually made of wood.
jpowell86
Chameleon Enthusiast
brownie64 said:
I agree. I use the Exo Terra 36x36x18 for all my Montane species. I too try to make sure the majority of the bottom is covered with plant growth and large stones. I posted a picture of the Exo Terra I just setup for my new Kinyongia multituberculata. But keep in mind that there will always be back and forth opinions on enclosure types. With that being said, I have personally never kept a Panther in anything other than a screen enclosure. I'm not going to say that it will not work, but you are taking away 12 inches of vertical climb and 6 inches of depth away from him. I don't mean to sound like a debbie downer, I'm just thinking out loud. I also don't let my feeders roam the enclosure. I cup feed. If there are no feeders on the bottom to fire at, your cham won't get a mouth full of substrate. I personally love the Exo Terra enclosures for some particular species and I will be interested to hear your updates on the transition!
brownie64
Avid Member
I agree this type of setup would be best for the Montane species do to the higher humidity requirements. And even though like you said a screen enclosure would be the best for the panther I still think it could work in his situation provided he keeps an eye on the humidity. Buy the way that's a real nice setup.
