Pre Jackson arrangements

[Elgato]

So I'm now into my second week of researching and setting up for a future Jackson. Just a few questions I still have and would also like some feed back. (especially from the Jackson owners)

1. My room never goes about 82 or below 75. Would I still need a heat lamp or is just a UVB bulb ok? I had a heat bulb on and it got pretty hot!! 91 degrees F. Anything lower than 50W for a heat source?

2. I bought a schefflera arboricola and used two methods of cleaning it. I put it upside down in a bucket with soap and water, swished it around, and then rinsed it. Hand cleaned the top of every leaf on the plant. Got almost all of some white cloudy stuff off of the leaves. Also repotted it in orgainc soil and placed some river rocks to cover the soil. How do you know if the plant is clean and safe to use in the enclosure?

3. Is filtered drinking water fine for the chams? I don't mean anything like fridge water or bottled water.

Thanks

 

[melrito]

The temps will be too high for the jackson's at night. They are montane chameleons that are used to (and need) low temperatures... it's best to drop to at least the low 60's. You can use a low wattage bulb (I have 25w bulbs that I use for a heat source) for a basking area, but their ideal basking temp is 85, so you won't need a heat source if your room is getting up to 82 during the day.

Your plant sounds fine to use. Filtered tap water should be fine - you just want to be sure to get the chlorine out of the water. I think some are using a Brita-type filter.

 

[bigben2057]

I live in the desert as you do and i have about the same temps and use a 60watt flood light for heat to get the spot up to about 85 and my temp drop to about 76,77 at night. Just move the heat lamp further away from the cage. im not saying my temps are good but it is hard to get low temps in the dessert.

 

[Elgato]

I have been looking for ways to drop my rooms temp to about high 60's but in the houston heat it is pretty hard to do so. Any ideas on how to help drop the temps? I have a ceiling fan installed FYI

 

[bigben2057]

No its gonna cost you alot because Houston kind of like las vegas and its 100 plus outside and it cost way to much to do that he will be fine at 76 degrees at night i have a ceiling fan and standing fan running for mine with air set for 77,78.

 

[Elgato]

No its gonna cost you alot because Houston kind of like las vegas and its 100 plus outside and it cost way to much to do that he will be fine at 76 degrees at night i have a ceiling fan and standing fan running for mine with air set for 77,78.

Thanks for the input

 

[mbondy]

Your temps need to be in the 60s at least. Just because a cham tolerates the higher temps doesn't mean it's good for them, most likely will die an early death. You can buy a humidifier and get a fan. That way your temps will be good and so will your humidity levels. Do this prior to getting your cham and check the levels. Welcome to the forums and ask any questions you have

 

[bigben2057]

Your temps need to be in the 60s at least. Just because a cham tolerates the higher temps doesn't mean it's good for them, most likely will die an early death. You can buy a humidifier and get a fan. That way your temps will be good and so will your humidity levels. Do this prior to getting your cham and check the levels. Welcome to the forums and ask any questions you have

I have a question should i run my mist system at night?

 

[mbondy]

I would not, just keep your humidity up. They dehydrate easier when the humidity is down so just watch your temps and humidity.

Here's a basic care sheet you should take a look at.
http://www.jacksonschameleoncaresheet.com/

And more in-depth article.
http://chameleonnews.com/10JulManchen.html

 

[Elgato]

Your temps need to be in the 60s at least. Just because a cham tolerates the higher temps doesn't mean it's good for them, most likely will die an early death. You can buy a humidifier and get a fan. That way your temps will be good and so will your humidity levels. Do this prior to getting your cham and check the levels. Welcome to the forums and ask any questions you have

How much of a temp drop would be noticed with using a setup like this? And as far as a humidifier where would be a good place to find one? I only see misters and foggers at the pet store.

 

[mbondy]

Definitely a few degrees, I get about a 6 degree difference but then again I'm in Oregon and get my temps down to low 60s. Without any additional help my temps would stay at 68-70 at night, with a fan they go down to 62. My humidifier is needed to keep my humidity high enough for my Multi.

The best thing for you to do is first measure your humidity level at night without a fan and then with a fan and log that. Your humidity was quite high so you may not even need a humidifier but you'll have to check your levels.

You can usually buy a humidifier at a target or kmart. You should also be able to buy them at home depot or lowes. Your best bet may just be to buy a fan and see what the difference is and then she if a humidifier is necessary.

 

[Elgato]

I usually keep my ceiling fan on all day and for sure all night. I have a Acurite temp and humidity gauge and it logs the highs and lows for both. Temp like I said goes to 76 to 82 on average and humidity from 50% to 56%. This is without placing the shefflera or misting the cage since I still do not have a cham, so I'm assuming the humidity will rise a bit. I also tried placing a fan near the bottom of the enclosure to see if it made a difference and it just circulated hot air lol So would the humidifier just keep the humidity levels in check and not really make a difference in the temp?

 

[mbondy]

I usually keep my ceiling fan on all day and for sure all night. I have a Acurite temp and humidity gauge and it logs the highs and lows for both. Temp like I said goes to 76 to 82 on average and humidity from 50% to 56%. This is without placing the shefflera or misting the cage since I still do not have a cham, so I'm assuming the humidity will rise a bit. I also tried placing a fan near the bottom of the enclosure to see if it made a difference and it just circulated hot air lol So would the humidifier just keep the humidity levels in check and not really make a difference in the temp?

The humidifier will make a difference, keep the air moist and will help cool the room. You'll notice just when you mist that your temps go a little down and your humidity goes up. Your fan will most likely circulate hot air, sorry lol. You'll really just need to get your ambient temps down at least to 72 at the bottom and cool down to at least mid 60s at night during the summer and cooler in the winter to somewhat simulate weather changes.

I know it sounds like a lot and must be overwhelming. Once temps are figured out you'll be set and have a lovely, hopefully huge horned Jackson.

 

[chameleongirl2]

i keep the cage about 83 during the day and 76 during the night

 

[mbondy]

i keep the cage about 83 during the day and 76 during the night

You don't even have a Jackson!!

 

[Elgato]

i keep the cage about 83 during the day and 76 during the night

Do you have a jackson? If so how does he/she do in those temps?
lol nvm

 

[mbondy]

You should go ahead and send a PM to CainsChams, he's VERY knowledgable as are many people here but I can't think of someone else at the moment with Jacksons.

 

[Elgato]

will do thanks

 

[bigben2057]

The fogger is a humidifier

 

[Cainschams]

You should go ahead and send a PM to CainsChams, he's VERY knowledgable as are many people here but I can't think of someone else at the moment with Jacksons.

Haha!! Gee, thanks Unfortunately I do not have a lot of experience with jacksoniis. My first cham was a xanth and ive owned a j. jacksonii for a little while. I have had species very similar in husbandry though.

My room never goes about 82 or below 75. Would I still need a heat lamp or is just a UVB bulb ok? I had a heat bulb on and it got pretty hot!! 91 degrees F. Anything lower than 50W for a heat source?

You will still want a basking lamp even if its a very small wattage. A chameleon needs to warm up higher than room temperatures. Regular household bulbs used for basking also give off UVA. This helps plant growth and also stimulates appetite in chameleons. A good basking temp would be around 85.

I bought a schefflera arboricola and used two methods of cleaning it. I put it upside down in a bucket with soap and water, swished it around, and then rinsed it. Hand cleaned the top of every leaf on the plant. Got almost all of some white cloudy stuff off of the leaves. Also repotted it in orgainc soil and placed some river rocks to cover the soil. How do you know if the plant is clean and safe to use in the enclosure?

That has to be plenty clean enough in my book! I give new plants a very thorough rinsing. I then take 3/4 play sand and 1/4 top soil to repot the plant in. I shake off a good bit of the roots but I do not wash them and there is still plenty of dirt from the store on them. No biggy just make sure there is a few inches of "new" soil on the top. I use a lot of sand because the schefflera are prone to root rot. This gives adequate drainage so I can water my chams for long periods of time and not risk stagnant water killing my plants.

Is filtered drinking water fine for the chams? I don't mean anything like fridge water or bottled water.

This is fine.

have been looking for ways to drop my rooms temp to about high 60's but in the houston heat it is pretty hard to do so. Any ideas on how to help drop the temps? I have a ceiling fan installed FYI

an AC would be the best way but another way to get the enclosure cooled down while adding humidity would be todip a towel in cold water. Wring it out and drape it over the top and three sides leaving the front open. I house my chams outside when possible. If a good night drop doesnt happen I will mist my guys before I go to sleep with cold water like a nice rain. This will help cool them off a bit too.

I have a question should i run my mist system at night?

It wouldnt hurt. You want to make sure the enclosure is drying out totally though. You do not want stagnant water laying around.

I usually keep my ceiling fan on all day and for sure all night. I have a Acurite temp and humidity gauge and it logs the highs and lows for both. Temp like I said goes to 76 to 82 on average and humidity from 50% to 56%. This is without placing the shefflera or misting the cage since I still do not have a cham, so I'm assuming the humidity will rise a bit. I also tried placing a fan near the bottom of the enclosure to see if it made a difference and it just circulated hot air lol So would the humidifier just keep the humidity levels in check and not really make a difference in the temp?

The ceiling fan isnt bad. You dont want a fan blowing directly into the cage so ditch the one at the bottom if you havent. The humidity will rise with plants in the cage and mistings. You want to get a cool mist humidifier not a warm one so it is possible it will cool it down a smidge.

Mbondy gave you a couple good links. A general rundown: Daytime temps should be around 70 to 77 ambient with 85 basking. and around 70% humidity. At night it should get lower than 70 and if possible down to lower 60s and lower with humidity spiking at night. Tr. jacksonii xanths are known to tolerate higher temps than the other jacksoniis.

I use a cool mist humidifier when my chams are being housed inside. Do a search for germ guardian and you will find some good models. Mine was around 160$ I think but well worth it. It is a beast and has lasted at least 3 years.

Humidity is good and needed for these types of species but IMO it is better to have a lower humidity with spikes while watering and making sure the animal is well hydrated rather than having a room with stagnant humidity/air.

When i house my chams outside I will let the ambient/daytime temps go higher than inside. Fresh air, shade, and a breeze with heat is much different than inside with stagnant heat. Give them plenty of shade with a very well planted enclosure and plenty of water throughout the day. They can handle cold nights. Ill bring my guys in if it dips below 45. If it gets that cold I make sure they can warm up the next day.

Jacksons will like house/blue bottle flies, crix, hoppers, moths, and any other fast moving insect.

Hope this helps.