Getting ready for my first chameleon

[GamerForce]

Hi everyone I've been reading and learning a lot lately in here and I think I'm ready for my first chameleon.
I built my own cage 70cm.W/120cm.H/45cm.D
I i was wondering what lights should I buy for this size of a enclosure.
It's going to have a big live umbrella plant inside , big door made of the same mesh as the top and a drainage system.
I would like to hear you thoughts and suggestions.
(work in progress)

 

[etclement]

That cage size is decent for a juvenile/ sub adult panther, but just know that a cage that is only 45 cm (17.7165) wide will be a little small for an adult. Adult panthers get 18in (45.72cm) long and if you furnish the cage appropriately (which means more than just one plant) an adult may have trouble moving around. Most keepers will tell you the minimum for an adult, male panther/ veiled is 2'W x 2'L x 4'H (60.96cmW x 60.96cmL x 121.92cmH), and that is the minimum for keeping one comfortable at best. However, if you have a younger panther, that cage is just fine up until they get bigger. That said, I would recommend a reptisun 5.0 tube bulb along with whatever type of heat bulb you want. I would go for a basking spot of around 28C. Because a reptisun puts out both UVB (obviously) and UVA (which isn't needed but lack of UVA alters how reptiles see and will lead to stress so I will always recommend bulbs with UVA), you don't need to worry too much about the bulb you use for heat as long as it gets you around 28C like I said. I would also recommend more plants. One umbrella plant can't provide enough cover unless it is wider than the cage, which still isn't very good. I would try getting plants like ficus alli/ benjamina, some bromeliads, pothos, etc. You need to provide some sort of place for the cham to hide from anything that comes near the cage. That said, Umbrella plant is still a great choice, don't get rid of it ! Good luck, hope this helps!

 

[etclement]

Here are some resources for plants that I've found useful.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/combined-plant-list-part-1-a-j.119008/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/plant-list-part-2-k-z.119009/
http://flchams.com/chameleon-safe-plant-list/

 

[GamerForce]

That cage size is decent for a juvenile/ sub adult panther, but just know that a cage that is only 45 cm (17.7165) wide will be a little small for an adult. Adult panthers get 18in (45.72cm) long and if you furnish the cage appropriately (which means more than just one plant) an adult may have trouble moving around. Most keepers will tell you the minimum for an adult, male panther/ veiled is 2'W x 2'L x 4'H (60.96cmW x 60.96cmL x 121.92cmH), and that is the minimum for keeping one comfortable at best. However, if you have a younger panther, that cage is just fine up until they get bigger. That said, I would recommend a reptisun 5.0 tube bulb along with whatever type of heat bulb you want. I would go for a basking spot of around 28C. Because a reptisun puts out both UVB (obviously) and UVA (which isn't needed but lack of UVA alters how reptiles see and will lead to stress so I will always recommend bulbs with UVA), you don't need to worry too much about the bulb you use for heat as long as it gets you around 28C like I said. I would also recommend more plants. One umbrella plant can't provide enough cover unless it is wider than the cage, which still isn't very good. I would try getting plants like ficus alli/ benjamina, some bromeliads, pothos, etc. You need to provide some sort of place for the cham to hide from anything that comes near the cage. That said, Umbrella plant is still a great choice, don't get rid of it ! Good luck, hope this helps!

Hi thanks a lot I'm buying a 3/4 mounts young panther and for now I think he will be just fine.
The umbrella plant is actually 150cm high and like 80 wide so I will have to cut it to fit in the cage I will take a pic of the plant whenever I can it will fill the hole cage no problem
And thanks for the light advice I really needed it.
I will try to post some pics when it is all set.
Now you can see the cage I my media.