Newtoreptiles
Member
24x24x48. What lights in terms of UVB, basking etc would be required for a enclosure this size. Also can I keep a baby in an enclosure this size.
Thanks
Thanks
Lighting
- Thread starter Newtoreptiles
- Start date
yes, you can keep a baby in an adult size cage. Just have to ensure set up is on point with a feeder run that they can easily access.
Your looking at a 24 inch T5HO fixture with either a 5.0 or 6% UVB bulb. If screen you need to raise this fixture while baby is in the screen climbing stage. So you would raise it 4 inches off the top of the cage. Then have the branch below the screen 5 inches down. This creates a total 9 inch distance from fixture to branch. This would be through standard aluminum screen and using a fixture that has an individual reflector for each bulb in the unit. This makes it so exposure if they are on the top screen is still within exposure limits and then at the branch is the recommended basking UVI level. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-pro-t5-fixture-6-bulb-22-5-sale-now-only-69-99/
You would use a deep dome fixture and a 60 to 75 watt regular incandescent bulb for heat. This too would need to be lifted up off the cage 4 inches at least to avoid thermal burns. Fixture type depends there are lots I like the ceramic ones. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/8-inch-large-deep-dome/ and then if this cord will work with it that can be great if you need to dim down a bulb for less heat. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/dome-light-heat-control-dimmer/ You can email Todd at light your reptiles but I am not sure if you are in the states though.
Live plants need plant lighting and I recommend getting the jungle dawn led bar for that. 22 inch fixture for a 24 inch cage. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-jungle-dawn-led-bar-22-5-34-watts/
Your looking at a 24 inch T5HO fixture with either a 5.0 or 6% UVB bulb. If screen you need to raise this fixture while baby is in the screen climbing stage. So you would raise it 4 inches off the top of the cage. Then have the branch below the screen 5 inches down. This creates a total 9 inch distance from fixture to branch. This would be through standard aluminum screen and using a fixture that has an individual reflector for each bulb in the unit. This makes it so exposure if they are on the top screen is still within exposure limits and then at the branch is the recommended basking UVI level. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-pro-t5-fixture-6-bulb-22-5-sale-now-only-69-99/
You would use a deep dome fixture and a 60 to 75 watt regular incandescent bulb for heat. This too would need to be lifted up off the cage 4 inches at least to avoid thermal burns. Fixture type depends there are lots I like the ceramic ones. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/8-inch-large-deep-dome/ and then if this cord will work with it that can be great if you need to dim down a bulb for less heat. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/dome-light-heat-control-dimmer/ You can email Todd at light your reptiles but I am not sure if you are in the states though.
Live plants need plant lighting and I recommend getting the jungle dawn led bar for that. 22 inch fixture for a 24 inch cage. https://www.lightyourreptiles.com/arcadia-jungle-dawn-led-bar-22-5-34-watts/
Newtoreptiles
Member
Live plants, do they require them, could I get away with plastic ones or not, also how could I raise the lights do they sell fixtures online for that.
I would not use plastic... depending on species they eat their plants... But also real plants help with humidity levels and making the air cleaner. Then there is the fact that they provide natural surfaces to drink from and sleep within.
There are a few companies that sell brackets that hook on the side of the fixtures. I believe the last one I saw was on etsy.
Some people will suspend them with hooks in the ceiling and I have seen some people use brackets for shelves hooked against the wall that the fixtures sit on or hang from.
Newtoreptiles
Member
I would get a panther do they eat plants, if so what's the best and safest to get.
They do not eat plants like a Veiled would. However they have been known to chew on their branches and to eat dried leaves.
This image will show you the plants you can use. Any of these would be good with a Panther.
Newtoreptiles
Member
How would I attach then to the cage, I understand the bushier one can be placed on the ground. I am planning on getting a hybrid cage, with plastic sides and back.
You can do something like this https://www.chameleonforums.com/thr...anches-to-screen-cage-diy-alternative.184190/
You can also use plastic Lattice panels that you cut to fit your back and side panels. Hook those to the frame of the cage, then you attach branches directly to that with zip ties. And you can hook in smaller potted plants as well.
In this folder I have my layouts. You would do the same type of thing building out your inner structure. https://www.chameleonforums.com/media/albums/my-enclosures.6672/
Newtoreptiles
Member
Thank you for this information, it's so helpful but I am unsure of whether I should get a chameleon, it seems like a lot of work, but hopefully once I get everything setup I'll be fine.
Newtoreptiles
Member
You know of I got plants and they had bugs in the soil, is that a concern could they infest my house or hurt the chameleon.
This is why we strip the soil off the plants roots and repot in organic soil. You may get some tiny gnats with the new soil. But they go through a few months cycle then die off.
If you have not yet reading through this husbandry program will help a lot. https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
Newtoreptiles
Member
Thank you, there seems to be a lot of elements when caring for a chameleon, I think I might get a beardie first so I can get some experience before getting a chameleon. I don't wanna do something wrong and cause the chameleon any pain or suffering cause I wasn't equipped enough.
There is a lot to it... Honestly once you have everything set up correctly it just comes down to feeding them. It becomes very simple. But there is a learning curve the first 6 to a year while you learn their behaviors and what is normal.
Beardies can be less to deal with for set up. But they have their own issues and still need pretty specific set ups. They also Brumate which can freak people out. Why I never got one actually. I would constantly worry it was dead lol.
Newtoreptiles
Member
I've been researching bearded dragons for a few months, but I've wanted a chameleon as well. However currently I think it's best to get a bearded only cause I'm studying and with the cats, don't wanna stress the chameleon out and I can't be there to supervisor during the day. My bedroom were I would keep it, the cats love the room and I wouldn't feel right locking them out all day. Thanks for all the advice and support though, mabye in a few years I might come back once I have some more experience.
Newtoreptiles
Member
I mean I'm still deciding but something is telling me, right now isn't the ideal time to get a chameleon.
Tnest
Member
Yep gnats are in every soil, even if you buy new soil from the store. They live in moist conditions, what you can do is treat the soil with 1 parts hydrogen peroxide and 3 parts water, water the plants with it, then place sand, then river rocks on top, that way it the gnats ever return they will have a hard time getting access to the soil at all due to the rocks and sand and will not populate
Well honestly I think if your gut is telling you to start with a bearded dragon than do that. Just remember they are prey for cats as well. Best of luck to you.
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Flick boy
Chameleon Enthusiast
If you don't think you are ready, and don't have the right scenario for a chameleon, that is very responsible, which is good , a bearded would also ,need kept away from cats as cats will be cats
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