So many questions.

[ERKleRose]

Ah, sorry, here are the care charts!

 

[KittyRIOT]

I've had both, and while they're both gorgeous in their own right, it's always something special to see the blue on a Nosy Be for the first time in real life!

That is what made me go for the Nosy instead, I'm so excited to see him!

Amazing! That's the correct thing to do, but not everybody does that, so good on you! As long as you work out all of the kinks in his enclosure beforehand (which you will), ask as many questions as you need (which you are), and have the correct husbandry (we can check it for you), you should be golden! You're doing great so far! Also, just let me know if you want the cheaper prices and/or brands I like from other websites, too!

It was recommended to me, thankfully, so I have a little bit more confidence that I'll be able to pull it off. I'm trying to get everything ordered now so that when the enclosure comes, I can work on setting it all up, take photos and make sure it's done properly/efficiently.

Yes, either an Arcadia 6% (you'll want to replace it yearly) or a Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 (you'll want to replace it every 6 months). Both need to be the length of the cage and T5HO. Both also need to be 8-9" away from the basking branch. How old will your cham be (you'll probably have to worry about screen climbing, which means you'll need to raise the fixture off of the top of the cage by 4 inches, so from the top of the cage to the basking branch will be 5 inches away)?

I'm not sure how old he'll be, I've been meaning to ask the breeder but I don't want to seem bothersome. He's coming from FramsChams, I'm not sure if many are familiar with the age from them. I'm planning on getting a lamp stand so that it can be raised and lowered as needed. The cage itself is 2'x2'x4' so I should need a 24" fixture, I think?

Also, if you want to invest in a Solarmeter 6.5 (worth it but expensive, it's literally a life saver!), you'll be able to check the UVI levels yourself (the ideal level is 3 UVI where the top of your chameleon's back will be when he's on his basking branch) and change the bulbs as needed, instead of every 6 months to a year. Let me know if I need to go more in-depth about that or explain it differently.

I have a Solarmeter saved on Amazon for after I have everything all set up, as well as a MistKing.

A few other things I'm running into real quick.

I have this saved for the plant/basking light. I'm not familiar with any of them or which is preferred. Should I do the linear as you suggested for the plant and a Fluker's dimmable for basking or is the one I have saved sufficient?

Also, as far as the UVB fixture, I'm struggling to decide if I should get the Zoo Med hood or if I would be able to just grab a regular fixture with the ReptiSun or Arcadia bulb.

 

[Gingero]

• FramChams has a good reputation. They sell their babies around 3 months old.
• Everyone does their plant bulbs differently but it doesn't matter too much IMO. Most important bulb is UVB, then heat, and then your plant bulb. I like the Arcadia Jungle Dawn for my plants but what you have picked out should work too. Just don't use the UVB bulb that comes with the dual dome.
• What do you mean by regular fixture? I'd suggest a reflector T5 hood. The Arcadia PRO T5 has been a popular choice amongst keepers.

 

[KittyRIOT]

I didn't see these at first.

I think Amazon only could be a costly mistake. Due to losing so much on Prime, many of their prices have been raised to include shipping costs, which may be less elsewhere. Just one example—I use Nature's Miracle Small Animal Cage Cleaner. Compare the prices:
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Cleaner-Formula-Deodorizes/dp/B005D0XLVW
https://www.chewy.com/natures-miracle-small-animal-cage/dp/191402
It can also be gotten for less than $6 at Pet— or W-Mart.

Ah, yes! Thank you, I forgot to ask which cleaner would be best, I'll add that to my list for W-Mart.https://www.sansiled.com/70w-led-grow-light-full-spectrum.html

https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylig...words=sansi+grow+lights&qid=1620577047&sr=8-5
Same price on Amazon, but Amazon doesn't accept all coupons, and there are many for Sansi products—some for up to 50%. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=sansi+coupons

Lighting is confusing to me, I don't know which fixtures to get still. I'm confusing myself.

How big? Some do with one; some have 20—it depends on species, size, growth rate, placement, & other variables. See: https://chameleonacademy.com/plants/


Depends why & what you're trying to do.

I want at least one larger tree, I saw the hibiscus at Menards yesterday and thought it would be nice for him. I know that pothos plants are highly recommended, so I'm definitely getting that. I know which are toxic so that's not an issue, it's just ideas for maximum hiding places and minimum stress.

I use cheap analog timers:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Southwire-...ngle-Outlet-Mechanical-Timer-White/5000277557
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant...-In-Mechanical-Timer-in-White-26378/205517336
Where I need more than one light per timer, I use one of these:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/GE-GE-Outl...Design-Indoor-Use-Only-White-46845/5001460593


Combo. https://www.amazon.com/Rojuna-Hygro...CCFR/ref=dp_prsubs_2?pd_rd_i=B08YP2CCFR&psc=1

I'll attempt to try both and see which works better, plugs or timers. I have multiple Google devices that are able to set schedules as well, so I will have to see which works best.

Neither. The only light that needs a dome is basking.
https://www.amazon.com/Unknown-PZ-300-INCH-CLAMP-LIGHT/dp/B000KKLPOU
But you can get for less than half that price at a local home improvement store or...
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bayco-SL-300-8-5-Inch-Clamp-Light-with-Aluminum-Reflector/14003467

https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-774-Non-contact-Thermometer/dp/B00837ZGRY


Yes. Solarmeter 6.5x UVI meter
https://www.amazon.com/Solarmeter-Model-6-5-Index-Meter/dp/B07PPPCQJK

I'll look for domes next time I'm out shopping for plants, thank you. And I also have a Solarmeter saved on Amazon for the near future.

 

[KittyRIOT]

• FramChams has a good reputation. They sell their babies around 3 months old.
• Everyone does their plant bulbs differently but it doesn't matter too much IMO. Most important bulb is UVB, then heat, and then your plant bulb. I like the Arcadia Jungle Dawn for my plants but what you have picked out should work too. Just don't use the UVB bulb that comes with the dual dome.
• What do you mean by regular fixture? I'd suggest a reflector T5 hood. The Arcadia PRO T5 has been a popular choice amongst keepers.

Definitely not using the UVB bulb that comes with it, that will be tossed. Sorry, I have a bit of information overload and I'm trying to keep it all straight. I've only been looking at the Zoo Med hoods, that is what I meant by fixture, so I'll check out the Arcadia ones.

I feel like I'm going to fail miserably.

 

[KittyRIOT]

*Digital Thermometers/Hygrometers (again, never used these brands before, but they have good reviews)
Thermometer With Probe: https://www.amazon.com/Windbells-Aq...+thermometer+with+probe&qid=1620575023&sr=8-9
Thermometer/Hygrometer Combo With Single Probe: https://www.amazon.com/Hygrometer-T...ometer+combo+with+probe&qid=1620575222&sr=8-8
Thermometer/Hygrometer Combo With 2 Separate Probes: https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Rept...ometer+combo+with+probe&qid=1620575222&sr=8-7
Thermometer/Hygrometer That Is Enclosure Mounted: https://www.amazon.com/Antonki-Hygr...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Another Option That A Lot Of Forum Members Use Is Govee (more expensive): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R586J37/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And A Waterproof Version: https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-Th...ometer+hygrometer+combo&qid=1620575711&sr=8-8
*Fake Vines
Fluker's (get lots of different diameters of vines- real and fake)
Small: https://www.amazon.com/Fluker-Labs-SFK51018-Branch-Habitat/dp/B001B4SGGO/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=fluker's+vines&qid=1620575939&sr=8-3
Medium: https://www.amazon.com/Fluker-Labs-SFK51019-Branch-Habitat/dp/B0009YEB52/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=fluker's+vines+medium&qid=1620576001&sr=8-3
Large: https://www.amazon.com/Fluker-Labs-SFK51020-Branch-Habitat/dp/B0009YIOKU/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=fluker's+vines&qid=1620575939&sr=8-2
Large Multi-Pack: https://www.amazon.com/Fluker-Labs-Animal-Branch-Habitat/dp/B01BDV1NC8/ref=sr_1_34?dchild=1&keywords=fluker's+vines&qid=1620575939&sr=8-34
*Smart Plugs (don't use them, so again, I've never used any of these, just good reviews)
https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-HS10...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Inkbird (I use their aquarium heater controllers and love them! They also have smart controllers but are expensive. Here's their terrarium temperature controllers): https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Max-1200W-Temperature-Controller-Greenhouse/dp/B01HXM5UAC
*Deep Dome For Basking And Plant Light (which size you get depends on how big-and the wattages- of the bulbs you get. If you do this, you'll want a Sansi bulb for plants, instead)
They don't have the regular or large dual domes in stock on Amazon without them being in kits
Sansi Bulb: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRKG7X...olid=1VI34XPGOZC08&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
Singe Deep Dome (which I prefer): they didn't have any regular or large sizes on Amazon
Exo Terra Lamp Holder Bracket: https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Ho...words=exo+terra+bracket&qid=1620577434&sr=8-1
And The Forums Thread That @Beman Show How She Uses The Mounting Bracket: https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/my-uvb-readings-as-a-guide.178674/page-2#post-1633349
*Digital Infrared Temp Gun (this measures surface temps only, so only use it to occasionally spot-check areas if you decide to get it. The probed and enclosure mounted digital thermometers measure air temps, which is what you need to measure for basking temps)
https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Las...digital+infra+temp+gun&qid=1620577748&sr=8-10
*Gutload (a huge variety of fresh veggies is best. I use as many veggies as I can find, plus some other ingreditenst, and blend them together, then adding kosher gelatin to it for gutload cubes that include a hydration source)
Repashy SuperLoad (don't feed this 24/7, just to gutload bugs the night before. Can feed wet, just follow their instructions): https://www.amazon.com/Repashy-Supe...ords=repashy+bug+burger&qid=1620578206&sr=8-4
Repashy Bug Burger (is safe to feed 24/7. Can feed wet, just follow their instructions): https://www.amazon.com/Repashy-Burg...ords=repashy+bug+burger&qid=1620578206&sr=8-1

Bill Strand's Chameleon Academy has the most up-to-date and accurate info on chameleons available, and his site is also what we base our husbandry on here! So definitely check out every module and panther species profile, along with listening to as many podcasts as possible, and watching his Chameleon Academy YouTube videos! Here are feeder, gutload, and plant charts that will be helpful, too:
Chameleon Academy Website: https://chameleonacademy.com/
Old Website Where Some Podcasts Are: https://www.chameleonbreeder.com/
His YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvboPPicN16ZJQ-mEf-CVuQ

By the sounds of it, I'm just going to get separate fixtures for each light and worry about the plant light later, I'm overwhelming myself lol. I'll focus on things I 100% need and the rest can wait until after when I've calmed down and know I have everything to keep him healthy.

 

[ERKleRose]

Definitely not using the UVB bulb that comes with it, that will be tossed. Sorry, I have a bit of information overload and I'm trying to keep it all straight. I've only been looking at the Zoo Med hoods, that is what I meant by fixture, so I'll check out the Arcadia ones.

I feel like I'm going to fail miserably.

Let us know if we need to explain anything differently and/or go a little slower!

You're not at all! With you doing research and everything beforehand, along with us helping, your boy will thrive!

By the sounds of it, I'm just going to get separate fixtures for each light and worry about the plant light later, I'm overwhelming myself lol. I'll focus on things I 100% need and the rest can wait until after when I've calmed down and know I have everything to keep him healthy.

That's what I do and is easiest (for me at least). I'm sorry you're stressed and overwhelmed, is there anything I can do to help you with it?

 

[ERKleRose]

That is what made me go for the Nosy instead, I'm so excited to see him!

I'm so excited for you to post pics of him!

It was recommended to me, thankfully, so I have a little bit more confidence that I'll be able to pull it off. I'm trying to get everything ordered now so that when the enclosure comes, I can work on setting it all up, take photos and make sure it's done properly/efficiently.

Great!

I'm not sure how old he'll be, I've been meaning to ask the breeder but I don't want to seem bothersome. He's coming from FramsChams, I'm not sure if many are familiar with the age from them. I'm planning on getting a lamp stand so that it can be raised and lowered as needed. The cage itself is 2'x2'x4' so I should need a 24" fixture, I think?

FramsChams has great reviews (I might be buying a chameleon from them soon!), and if they are willing to go through my 42 section vetting questionnaire, they definitely will have no problem answering your question!

Yup, a 24" fixture T5 HO linear light fixture (with a reflector) is perfect!

I have a Solarmeter saved on Amazon for after I have everything all set up, as well as a MistKing.

A few other things I'm running into real quick.

I have this saved for the plant/basking light. I'm not familiar with any of them or which is preferred. Should I do the linear as you suggested for the plant and a Fluker's dimmable for basking or is the one I have saved sufficient?

Also, as far as the UVB fixture, I'm struggling to decide if I should get the Zoo Med hood or if I would be able to just grab a regular fixture with the ReptiSun or Arcadia bulb.

Awesome! If you can afford it now, definitely get the Solarmeter 6.5, that way yo can test to make sure your UVB bulb isn't broken and getting the correct reading!

That dome will be perfect for basking and/or plant lighting! So I messed up Zoo Med's dome sizes. What I called large is actually their regular, and mini is their small, so here's Amazon links to both (the size you get depends on the wattage of bulbs you'll be putting in them):
Mini: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Fixt...words=zoo+med+deep+dome&qid=1620584791&sr=8-6
Regular: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Deep...words=zoo+med+deep+dome&qid=1620584791&sr=8-3

I prefer the non-Zoo Med UVB fixtures as they're cheaper, save space, and work just as well, if not better!

 

[ERKleRose]

Let me know if you want links to cheaper prices, as well!

 

[KittyRIOT]

Let me know if you want links to cheaper prices, as well!

My biggest issue right now is deciding on which linear fixture to get. There's Zoo Med, Arcadia and random things on Amazon and everything. The Arcadia and Zoo Med kits come with bulbs, but I don't know where to find Arcadia replacement bulbs, I don't think I'm looking in the right place.

Would you be able to post links to the UVB set-ups in your enclosure(s)?

 

[ERKleRose]

My biggest issue right now is deciding on which linear fixture to get. There's Zoo Med, Arcadia and random things on Amazon and everything. The Arcadia and Zoo Med kits come with bulbs, but I don't know where to find Arcadia replacement bulbs, I don't think I'm looking in the right place.

Would you be able to post links to the UVB set-ups in your enclosure(s)?

No problem! I usually order from Pangea Reptile or Reptile Basics, but in a pinch I'll order from LLL Reptile, The Bio Dude, Reptile Supply Company, or other reptile supply stores (Pangea Reptile and Reptile Basics, then LLL Reptile after those two are the best out of those 5 stores)

T5HO Arcadia 6% 24" light fixture and UVB bulb: https://www.pangeareptile.com/store/arcadia-prot5-uvb-kit.html
T5HO 24" basic light fixture with plant light in it: https://www.pangeareptile.com/store/t5-uvb-light-fixture.html

 

[ERKleRose]

You can also link those two fixtures together so there's only one plug and timer for your UVB and plant lights!

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Lighting is confusing to me, I don't know which fixtures to get still. I'm confusing myself.

The Sansi plant light I cited doesn't require a fixture—it's self-contained—just plug it in.

If going green is of concern, be aware that all fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, and must be recycled properly to avoid contaminating the environment. This is unavoidable with UVB at the moment, but with plant lights, LEDs are much more economical. Fluorescent bulbs are also rated for 1 yr., while the LED light I cited is good for (and warrantied for) 5 years. Worth taking into account.

I want at least one larger tree, I saw the hibiscus at Menards yesterday and thought it would be nice for him. I know that pothos plants are highly recommended, so I'm definitely getting that. I know which are toxic so that's not an issue, it's just ideas for maximum hiding places and minimum stress.

Hibiscus are full-sun plants, which will require extremely powerful plant lights or rotating several times a year. For centerpiece plants in an enclosure, I would stick with one of those on the list at
https://chameleonacademy.com/plants/

I'll attempt to try both and see which works better, plugs or timers. I have multiple Google devices that are able to set schedules as well, so I will have to see which works best.

I use timers. I mentioned them because you wanted an eye toward economy, and they're 1/5 to 1/3 the cost of smart plugs, and it's a place you can cut some cost without risk.

 

[KittyRIOT]

The Sansi plant light I cited doesn't require a fixture—it's self-contained—just plug it in.

Sorry, all of the replies were getting a bit jumbled and I was struggling to focus on each individual one. I'll try to sort all of that out and see what all I can find.

Hibiscus are full-sun plants, which will require extremely powerful plant lights or rotating several times a year. For centerpiece plants in an enclosure, I would stick with one of those on the list at
https://chameleonacademy.com/plants/

I'll keep the hibiscus for him outside the enclosure for free-roaming and check out the others listed for inside.

I use timers. I mentioned them because you wanted an eye toward economy, and they're 1/5 to 1/3 the cost of smart plugs, and it's a place you can cut some cost without risk.

Perfect, thank you.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

My biggest issue right now is deciding on which linear fixture to get.

As it happens, all of those type fixtures come from the same mfr.
All made by Shenzen Sunlight Lighting Co. (OEM) and all are virtually identical.

• Arcadia Pro T5
• Biodude T5HO
• Carolina Custom Cages T5HO
• Hydrofarm "Jumpstart"
• Sunblaster T5HO Nanotech
• Vivarium T5
• and Others

so again, shop for price.

Replacement bulbs are as simple as a google search, and worth doing, because it's a competitive business, and there are usually sales/discounts/deals one place or another.

 

[Ideal.Exotics]

As it happens, all of those type fixtures come from the same mfr.
All made by Shenzen Sunlight Lighting Co. (OEM) and all are virtually identical.

• Arcadia Pro T5
• Biodude T5HO
• Carolina Custom Cages T5HO
• Hydrofarm "Jumpstart"
• Sunblaster T5HO Nanotech
• Vivarium T5
• and Others

so again, shop for price.

Replacement bulbs are as simple as a google search, and worth doing, because it's a competitive business, and there are usually sales/discounts/deals one place or another.

I just ordered mine from Pangea reptile. After ordering from Amazon and it breaking at the hub. Sometimes if you can. Especially for breakables. Check return policies and if it’s in the budget order two keep both or return one of both are in working condition. Breaking happens less when multiples are bought. (Referring to bulbs and not combo sets)

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

We just got another one. Now we have a 24", 36", and 48". I feel like we're collecting them.