New XL Cage and Feeding Issues

[jenruss09]

I think she has the cage next to a window with natural light. Would that be ok too? Just wondering...

I’m also wondering if the window will suffice for the plants

 

[Daesie11]

I’m also wondering if the window will suffice for the plants

The window will be good enough for the plants. The dome bulb would give you the same issues the UVB would, it wouldnt reach all the plants in your enclosure just what ever is right below it. A linear bulb would span the length of your enclosure and the light would reach all of your plants.
But yes, the window is good enough, though you'll notice a significant increase in growth with a bulb.

 

[jenruss09]

The window will be good enough for the plants. The dome bulb would give you the same issues the UVB would, it wouldnt reach all the plants in your enclosure just what ever is right below it. A linear bulb would span the length of your enclosure and the light would reach all of your plants.
But yes, the window is good enough, though you'll notice a significant increase in growth with a bulb.

Good point. Thanks!

 

[Rst_Cham]

Well I have that dual ZooMed lamp that I am currently using for the UVB and heat lamp. Since I am getting the T5HO to run the length of the top of my cage, couldn’t I just put a plant bulb in the ZooMed lamp in place of the UVB? I also want to make sure my plants don’t die.

Hi,
I use this one for my plants, it's a LED spotlight and my plants love it!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXBY2YH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Definitely get a 24" linear T5HO fixture for your UVB asap, it's critical. I really wish they didn't sell those stupid coil bulbs, they dont work. This one is great because you can put in 1 UVB bulb and keep in one of the daylight 6500k bulbs the fixture comes with:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IFIOYLE/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_10?smid=APGLUTFSIU1LH&psc=1

here's the UVB bulb you need:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K2BN7HK/ref=dp_cerb_3

I use a feeder run/cup for most of my feeders, kinda like this one:

but I also feed my guy flying insects so that he gets to hunt.

Definitely take a look at the caresheet and images, lot's of good info:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/images/

Chameleons LOVE lots of real branches and live plants, they get stressed if they feel too exposed. Here's my cham's enclosure just for reference.

 

[MissSkittles]

Chameleons LOVE lots of real branches and live plants, they get stressed if they feel too exposed. Here's my cham's enclosure just for reference.
[/QUOTE]

Just curious about the stand that you have your enclosure on and the bucket beneath. I’ve been looking at the repti breeze stand but can’t find any pics that show if it’s drainage friendly or if I’d need to get out the power tools.

 

[jenruss09]

Hi,
I use this one for my plants, it's a LED spotlight and my plants love it!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KXBY2YH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Definitely get a 24" linear T5HO fixture for your UVB asap, it's critical. I really wish they didn't sell those stupid coil bulbs, they dont work. This one is great because you can put in 1 UVB bulb and keep in one of the daylight 6500k bulbs the fixture comes with:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IFIOYLE/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_10?smid=APGLUTFSIU1LH&psc=1

here's the UVB bulb you need:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K2BN7HK/ref=dp_cerb_3

I use a feeder run/cup for most of my feeders, kinda like this one:

but I also feed my guy flying insects so that he gets to hunt.

Definitely take a look at the caresheet and images, lot's of good info:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/images/

Chameleons LOVE lots of real branches and live plants, they get stressed if they feel too exposed. Here's my cham's enclosure just for reference.

Wish I had seen your post before I bought this one. The one you posted is cheaper lol.

 

[Rst_Cham]

Chameleons LOVE lots of real branches and live plants, they get stressed if they feel too exposed. Here's my cham's enclosure just for reference.

Just curious about the stand that you have your enclosure on and the bucket beneath. I’ve been looking at the repti breeze stand but can’t find any pics that show if it’s drainage friendly or if I’d need to get out the power tools.

So I have an Xlrg reptibreeze up on a xlrg reptibreeze stand. It's perfect and simple. There is no actual top to the metal stand, the cage is supported by the rim. This makes drainage into a five gallon bucket on the bottom shelf below as simple as just drilling a few holes in the bottom tray of the enclosure. So easy. I dump the bucket once a week or so.

 

[Clayton0520]

DFW Reptarium is an awesome place to go to get feeders, bulbs, and advice here in the Dallas area. It’s located in Plano right off of Coit and Park Blvd. it’s a great place if you haven’t been there. Also don’t worry about the size of you cage and you little guy finding his food. I stressed about this A LOT!!! For no reason, my little guy found all his food easily in a 2’x2’x4’ cage.

 

[Rst_Cham]

Wish I had seen your post before I bought this one. The one you posted is cheaper lol.

That's also a really good light, I have two of them. They are more expensive though, and a single fixture instead of the dual. but they do work great, and mine came with UVB bulbs. Sometimes amazon will let you cancel if do it fast enough.

 

[jenruss09]

That's also a really good light, I have two of them. They are more expensive though, and a single fixture instead of the dual. but they do work great, and mine came with UVB bulbs. Sometimes amazon will let you cancel if do it fast enough.

I tried to cancel less than 30 minutes after purchase and it wouldn’t let me. But I am hoping it comes with a bulb. That will at least make it worthwhile.

 

[CamoChameleonsHuman]

I tried to cancel less than 30 minutes after purchase and it wouldn’t let me. But I am hoping it comes with a bulb. That will at least make it worthwhile.

It does and it will. Comes with a 5.0

 

[jenruss09]

DFW Reptarium is an awesome place to go to get feeders, bulbs, and advice here in the Dallas area. It’s located in Plano right off of Coit and Park Blvd. it’s a great place if you haven’t been there. Also don’t worry about the size of you cage and you little guy finding his food. I stressed about this A LOT!!! For no reason, my little guy found all his food easily in a 2’x2’x4’ cage.

I believe there is a reptile convention in Arlington this weekend that I plan on checking out. Never been to one before.

 

[Rst_Cham]

I tried to cancel less than 30 minutes after purchase and it wouldn’t let me. But I am hoping it comes with a bulb. That will at least make it worthwhile.

Well, it is a really good light, I've been happy with mine, no issues. And you might not need the dual with the second plant bulb since your enclosure is close to window. I would just try that for now and see how your plants do. The UVB is most important so good you have one coming!

 

[CamoChameleonsHuman]

Well, it is a really good light, I've been happy with mine, no issues. And you might not need the dual with the second plant bulb since your enclosure is close to window. I would just try that for now and see how your plants do. The UVB is most important so good you have one coming!

Yes same fixtures I use for my male Panthers as well. No issues. Just remember to replace the bulb every 6-9 months.

 

[Rst_Cham]

Yes same fixtures I use for my male Panthers as well. No issues. Just remember to replace the bulb every 6-9 months.

Oh, good point! It will still be putting out light after 6-9 months but not UVB so you can't visually tell the difference. Definitely make sure to replace bulb on schedule. I put a reminder on my phone calendar so I don't forget, it's critical!

 

[jenruss09]

Just wanted to post an update and say that Charlie is doing great in his new cage. I’ve observed him hunting and he seems to like his new UVB light that you all suggested. Thanks!