New owner set up

[jonny5]

Hi guys, my son and I are looking to purchase our first Chameleon and would like either a veiled or panther. I have been doing lots of research onto what type of enclosure etc is best but keep finding lots of conflicting info.
The main one is whether to go for a mesh or wood enclosure (I have read all glass is a bad idea)from what I have read the mesh gives better ventilation but less stable temperature and the reverse for the wooden.

I have been looking at the extra large Vivexotic Viva, and would be adding:

Habistat Twin Channel Thermostat controlling 2 x Zoo Med ceramic heaters, one for hot spot and one for general day heat.

1 x Exo terra Repti Glow 5.0 UV Tube and one 2.0 with Exo Terra twin Light Cycle Unit for the lighting

Lots of fake foliage and a couple of big branches for climbing and a ZooMed dripper.

Can anyone advise if this will be sufficient for a panther? We would also be spraying every morning. Also will the 2 lighting tubes (2.0 & 5.0) be sufficient for light or should I add a daytime lamp and remove one of the ceramics?

Thanks in advance

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Welcome! Personally, I would go screen cage for a panther or veild. They can get big and need space. A very large glass viv will be much more expensive. As stated, the screen is much better for ventilation and maintaining temperature gradients.

You will not need any ceramic heat lights unless your home gets into the low 50's at night, which I doubt. The only lights you will need are a reptisun 5.0 tube bulb and fixture, and then a incandescent house bulb for heat. They need to see the light to know where to bask. The ceramics don't emit light, only heat. I usually use 40 watt for my babies, 75 watts plus for adults.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Misting just in the morning is not suffient. 3-5 misting sessions a day with a period of time in between to let the cage dry out is recommended. If you are going to be gone all day a misting system will be required.

 

[carol5208]

Exactly what he said above!!!

 

[jonny5]

Thanks guys, will have a look at misting systems and also drop the ceramic lights.

 

[NHenn]

For misting systems, I personally use the MistKing System and love it. I also know a lot of other forums members use the AquaZamp System as well. I would not recommend getting a cheap system as you will most likely run into issues with it and end up buying one of the better systems anyway.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

I use the aquazamp and love it, you really can't go wrong. It comes down to whether your chams prefer misting or the rain effect. I got the aquazamp because I like the low profile rain dome, but I also run misting heads.