First Cage Critique

[B Rad]

This is Pachuco

So this is the first cage I've built, its not exactly what I wanted to build but I think it does a good job.
The bottom is a 50 gallon fish tank to make the structure more sturdy, it also makes for a easy clean. The only reason i have substrate at the bottom is in case he falls, I highly doubt he could survive a fall that far. I have only seen him down there on one occasion, and he feeds from a cricket feeder so he really has no reason down there.
The cage is about 4' tall and about 3' wide I have a Reptisun 10.0 and a 75w basking bulb. I was wondering if it would be ok to mount the uvb bulb on the inside of the cage, so the screen doesn't diffuse the light as much. I also have a homemade dripper which i found plans for somewhere on this site. It works fine for what it is, I usually let it drip for an hr or two at a time.
I think thats about it, I'd appreciate any comments on how to improve.

 

[WEGSXXI]

looks good i like the aquarium idea at the bottom! im a perfectionist so id have to put a nice finish on the wood outside and maybe a botom cabinet and idk if i could deal with the diff color buckets at the bottom but i do like the BudLight one haha...but its a good lookin cage Kudos idk if i would put the bulb on the inside due to damaging the chams skin i think it gives off enough on the outside but thats just my opinion im sure there are better reasons.... how long did it take you to build?

Wegs

 

[B Rad]

Yea the buckets are just me being lazy The budlight one is used to catch the runoff water from the dripper.
The cage took about 2 or so days to figure everything thing out, since im a perfectionist as well
Thanks though for your comments.

 

[Marc10edora]

Good start. I would get rid of the substrate on the bottom and install a pvc plastic sheet. Then waterproof the bottom with silicon seal and install a drainage in the middle. It's very easy. The substrate is more trouble than it is worth. It look good but it will lead to many, many problems. I used substrate when I started and it made a mess. Plus your cham can get impaction over time.

 

[jannb]

Your Veiled is a very handsome guy!

 

[B Rad]

Good start. I would get rid of the substrate on the bottom and install a pvc plastic sheet. Then waterproof the bottom with silicon seal and install a drainage in the middle. It's very easy. The substrate is more trouble than it is worth. It look good but it will lead to many, many problems. I used substrate when I started and it made a mess. Plus your cham can get impaction over time.

Thx mang, like i stated above though I use the substrate so my lil guy wont instantly die if or when he hits the glass at the base.

 

[JoshCrane1]

Thx mang, like i stated above though I use the substrate so my lil guy wont instantly die if or when he hits the glass at the base.

nature doesnt give them these luxuries, the forest floor is way higher than your cage and the forest floor is full of backbreaking roots and rocks, a healthy chameleon wont fall; and should be the least of your worries. but lookin good.

 

[Dankmeleon]

ha you used a sliding window screen from walmart, haaaa

 

[B Rad]

ha you used a sliding window screen from walmart, haaaa

Home Depot, but same thing. Works really well, just attached some Velcro to both sides.

 

[JoshCrane1]

just noticed, thats awesome!!!!

 

[Marc10edora]

Thx mang, like i stated above though I use the substrate so my lil guy wont instantly die if or when he hits the glass at the base.

Don't worry about him falling. It is one of their natural defenses against birds. In the wild, when a bird sweeps down on them, they simply fall to the ground before the bird gets them. Their rib cage is made of cartalidge, like our ears and nose. They can't crack when they hit the ground. Mine fell a bunch of times as a juvenile.

 

[B Rad]

Thanks for all the advise. Next time i clean the cage i will remove the substrate. I did see him fall yesterday off one of the plants, but im guessing he is still getting used to his enclosure. I've only had him for a few days.