is the exo terrarium good for chameleons
- Thread starter gstspyder
- Start date
chameleonfan101
Established Member
Most people will tell you all screen even though there are some member who use glass and they keep their chams successfully healthy.
mychamtini112012
New Member
The main thing people have about glass enclosures are they have no ventilation. But exo terros are made for proper ventilation. Tanks, like fish tanks, are not allowed both because they have poor ventilation and they are longer then they are tall. But, the only problem with exo terros are they dont get big enough for a veiled or panther or the larger species unless you want to shell out around $300. For the smaller species, they are fine though.
Hoj
Friendly Grasshopper
the larger ex-terra's 18x18x32 and bigger can be used successfully with most chams. the issue usally is that the really big ones and expensive and heavy and can be an issue with water pooling in the bottom.
that siad i have use a 18x18x32 to raise almost everyone of my chams before they are moved to larger cages as tey get bigger.
in climate like canada the glass can acctually be very helpfull with regards to tempos and humidity.
that siad i have use a 18x18x32 to raise almost everyone of my chams before they are moved to larger cages as tey get bigger.
in climate like canada the glass can acctually be very helpfull with regards to tempos and humidity.
Solid Snake
Avid Member
That, is an excellent question.
The short answer is, they are both fine.
This is because they both provide airflow. The airflow is whats important.
A screened enclosure provides better airflow obviously, yet it doesnt hold heat or humidity as well as a terrarium. So, a terrarium can be better suited to a chameleon if you live in a dry climate. If you do not live in a dry climate, the increased airflow is more desirable, as the enclosure will be harder to dry out.
JMO
showjet95
Avid Member
I keep most of my chameleons in exo terras, and most of my chameleon species are on the rare and unusual side, and have special needs, like more mild temps and higher humidity. These cages are suited perfectly for chameleons. Most smaller to medium sized species can be kept in them and do great.
Do a search for Chris Anderson's thread about them, there is a lot of good info on them in it.
Do a search for Chris Anderson's thread about them, there is a lot of good info on them in it.
If you're asking for a veiled or panther chameleon (like the one in your avatar picture) then your biggest factor to consider is size. Those species need a cage at least 18x18x36" tall, and for adult males of those species they should really be in a 2x2x4' tall cage. A glass cage (exoterra or otherwise) that size is very, very expensive and astronomically heavy. I can barely lift my 12x12x12" exoterra, and I'm no wuss. A screen cage of those dimensions is less than $100 and they're very light and easy to move. I personally think they're much easier to decorate also. So consider the species you're planning for when considering caging options. For small species (pygmies and dwarfs) the exoterras are a good option. For the bigger, more common species it becomes unreasonable due to size and expense. If that isn't a factor for you then glass will be fine as long as the size is.
showjet95
Avid Member
I agree w the weight and cost of them but, you can keep many diff species in them besides dwarfs and pygmies. An 24x18x18 can easily keep most fischers, quads, deremensis, hoehnelli, montium, werneri, etc. Even an 18x18x18 can easily keep some smaller species besides dwarf and pygmy. Hoehnelli are a perfect example
mychamtini112012
New Member
I agree w the weight and cost of them but, you can keep many diff species in them besides dwarfs and pygmies. An 24x18x18 can easily keep most fischers, quads, deremensis, hoehnelli, montium, werneri, etc. Even an 18x18x18 can easily keep some smaller species besides dwarf and pygmy. Hoehnelli are a perfect example
I was thinking about getting them for the hoes I am going to get in the future. Where is the best place you have found them, money wise.?
coldbloodedAL
Avid Member
I love the exo terras, and protean terrariums(forum sponsor) they makes some really nice ones even panther/veiled size ones but they are a little pricey. If you check craigslist a lot they go for CHEAP. I picked up 2 18x18x24 for $40 EACH! If you go that route, make sure they are disinfected multiple times before use. You never know what the person had in it before you, and what those animals had..
sandrachameleon
Chameleon Enthusiast
it depends
What is important is keeping the right environmental conditions, with sufficient space. I would not use screen where I live - it would be a bad choice. heat escapes far too easily, as does humidity, you have to be concerned about torn out toenails, etc. But if I lived somewhere hot and humid, and I didnt use AC, my choice may very well be for screen.
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