total newb with custom enclosure questions

[dropkickmurphy]

Hey everyone , I currently have what used to be a iguana enclosure but is no longer occupied. Its rather large but would like to make it a nice chameleon home. The size is 5ft x 5ft x2ft deep, its build around a sliding glass anderson window frame. The plywood on the inside has been polyurethaned with 3 coats to prevent rot from the humidity. The floor is has stick on tiles which ill be covering with a plastic drop cloth and then pouring the substrate over. Ive got vents on the sides and two 10 inch circular holes on the top, one is being occupied by a heat lamp. I have a 18 inch fluorescent bulb fixture in the center on the inside. Heres a photo

My intention was to put a veiled in there after I finish up on the inside of the cage. So here are my questions

1. Would 6 inches of coconut husk be okay on the bottom for substrate?
2. Live plants or fake plants what do you prefer?
3. What is the best way affix branches and plants to the enclosure?
4. Im still looking in a drip system and most likely going to make something myself.
5. For the humidity I was planning on using my fogger attachted to a pvc pipe mounted on the ceiling the length of the cage to distribute it evenly, is this a good idea?
7. If I ran live plants do I keep it potted or plant it into the substrate?

thanks everyone cant wait to decorate this cage like a mini jungle

 

[ghettomike]

that cage should work just fine for ya. For starters you do not want to use any substrate as a cham could ingest some and get blocked up which also answers your question of planting into it. Real plants are alot better as they help maintain proper levels of humidity, water drips sits on the leaves better for drinking and your cham can nibble off them, just do research into non toxic plants (lots of info on this site) I recommend pothos and schleffera and hibiscus (hibiscus only if u plan on having a plant light as well) As for attaching vines/branches to your enclosure I personally use green plastic coated tie wire that is available at most hardware stores, it is easy to use, blends in because its green, canfit through screen without damaging it and a roll of it is only appro $5. hope this helps a bit. there is lots of info on here about supplementing/ gutloading etc for veileds as well.

 

[laurie]

Hello & welcome to the forum. Your cage is great but not the correct set up for a chameleon. They need ventilation, or by any other name, screen sides for air to flow through. Now if you could cut out large areas of 3 sides and replace them with screen the cage would work. Also you do not want any substrate on the bottom of a cage for a chameleon as they can eat it and cause impaction.

 

[dropkickmurphy]

Hello & welcome to the forum. Your cage is great but not the correct set up for a chameleon. They need ventilation, or by any other name, screen sides for air to flow through. Now if you could cut out large areas of 3 sides and replace them with screen the cage would work. Also you do not want any substrate on the bottom of a cage for a chameleon as they can eat it and cause impaction.

ohhhhhhhhhh but I can cut out the sides my friend ..I have screen and a jigsaw ready. I just didnt want to make any unnecessary holes.

So what are you guys running on the bottom of the cage, nothing? So can you mix fake plants and live ? Or would he or she get confused and eat the fake ones and get sick?

 

[laurie]

You can mix them, I do, the real plants are to help hold the humidity in. I am glad to hear you plan to make it right for the cham. Much to nice a cage to waste.

 

[ghettomike]

i couldnt tell from the pic on my phone that it was a glass cage or I would have mentioned that as well but it will be awesome once you get some screen in there. Most of my enclosure has nothing on the bottom but I do use some of that overpriced zilla green carpet stuff on the part that you can see, just cause it looks good but it needs to be cleaned regularly. Some people use papertowel just so it is easier to clean up.

 

[eisentrauti]

If you try to keep chameleons as bad as this poor Iguana iguana every specimen wouldn't live long...
This cage is ashaming and one of the best arguments for groups like PETA to fight keeping exotic pets in private hands

 

[ghettomike]

I forgot to add that I also use live and fake plants together with no problems and also if your home made humidity device doesnt work all that well and you have an extra $150 I would recommend a mistking system, ive had mine for a few months now and it works great.

 

[dropkickmurphy]

If you try to keep chameleons as bad as this poor Iguana iguana every specimen wouldn't live long...
This cage is ashaming and one of the best arguments for groups like PETA to fight keeping exotic pets in private hands

Thank you..your criticism will help me greatly in altering this cage in a manner appropriate for a chameleon.

everyone else your input in appreciated

 

[dropkickmurphy]

i couldnt tell from the pic on my phone that it was a glass cage or I would have mentioned that as well but it will be awesome once you get some screen in there. Most of my enclosure has nothing on the bottom but I do use some of that overpriced zilla green carpet stuff on the part that you can see, just cause it looks good but it needs to be cleaned regularly. Some people use papertowel just so it is easier to clean up.

thank you thats great advice

 

[eisentrauti]

Thank you..your criticism will help me greatly in altering this cage in a manner appropriate for a chameleon.

everyone else your input in appreciated

You should start to think if you are able to keep reptiles. If you are unable to keep Iguanas, forget chameleons. Even calyptratus or pardalis are way more difficult. They need way more time and care....

But all in all what am I writing. I don't have more experience than you so it's probably better to stay silent

 

[dropkickmurphy]

You should start to think if you are able to keep reptiles. If you are unable to keep Iguanas, forget chameleons. Even calyptratus or pardalis are way more difficult. They need way more time and care....

But all in all what am I writing. I don't have more experience than you so it's probably better to stay silent

First and foremost I never stated once I know more than you so maybe read my post topic "total newb with custom enclosure questions". That would indicate I'am looking for advice and information regarding my enclosure. If its so horrible then maybe tell me why and what you would change.

 

[ghettomike]

you are doing it the right way, you are asking questions BEFORE you get your cham instead of waiting until after or not at all. I don't recall you saying anywhere that you were incapable of caring for an iguana either so really how does anybody know the situation. Just keep asking questions, doing your research and becareful what info you take because everybody has there own opinions on here and not all are correct, but mine is lol jk I tend to go with majority rules or info from experienced members.

 

[eisentrauti]

Are you guys blind ? This enclosure is out of this world. Not bright enough, not enough branches, NO places to hide, not big enough... enough said ?
One last question: What has happen to your Iguana ?

 

[Olimpia]

Well let me say that the cage is beautiful. I wish I had one of those for each of my guys! I don't know where I would fit my bed, but I bet they'd be so happy! You have the makings of a great enclosure.

I'm going to answer your questions too, but most of this will be repeat info, I know.

1. Would 6 inches of coconut husk be okay on the bottom for substrate?

Like someone already said, it's easier to just not have anything at all. That being said, you could totally have substrate as long as he can't ingest any of it. You could do this by putting down organic soil to plant the plants directly into it, and then cover the entire surface with large river rocks or something like that. The down side to this is that insects will probably hide out under the rocks. So that's an option, but trust me, it's easier in the end to keep the floor bare.

2. Live plants or fake plants what do you prefer?

Live all the way! Umbrella plants/tress (schefflera arboricola), ficus, pothos, hibiscus - all these are great plants. You can hang the pothos from the ceiling and get trees in varying heights so you get a lot of vegetation in there.

3. What is the best way affix branches and plants to the enclosure?

I don't know how to help you with this one. It might take being a little creative. But if you have lots of trees in there, you can get freshly cut branches from outside and just stand them upright between the trees and zip tie the branches to the trees to keep it a little sturdier.

4. Im still looking in a drip system and most likely going to make something myself.

It's easier to build your own anyway. All you need is something like a milk jug and a needle to make a hole in the bottom. I do recommend you look into eventually investing in a professional misting system like Mistking though. Pricey, I know, but absolutely worth it. It'll give your chameleon lots of water to drink and will raise the humidity.

5. For the humidity I was planning on using my fogger attachted to a pvc pipe mounted on the ceiling the length of the cage to distribute it evenly, is this a good idea?

Sounds good to me. But only if you can't get the humidity high enough with regular mistings and dripping. Too much humidity is bad as well, and they can't really drink from the fogger, right?

7. If I ran live plants do I keep it potted or plant it into the substrate?

I'd keep them potted. Despite our best efforts plants die a lot, and it's easier just to replace them without having to tear up your substrate.

Hope that helps!

 

[Olimpia]

Are you guys blind ? This enclosure is out of this world. Not bright enough, not enough branches, NO places to hide, not big enough... enough said ?
One last question: What has happen to your Iguana ?

I do agree that for an iguana there weren't very many places to climb or hang out. But we don't know if the cage was always like this, so we can't assume the iguana lived like that forever. Maybe the photo was taken right after the cage was finished, and the next day more branches were put in. I rather wait and see if the person can explain themselves before attacking.

 

[eisentrauti]

I do agree that for an iguana there weren't very many places to climb or hang out. But we don't know if the cage was always like this, so we can't assume the iguana lived like that forever. Maybe the photo was taken right after the cage was finished, and the next day more branches were put in. I rather wait and see if the person can explain themselves before attacking.

Maybe. But one thing I can say you for sure: The Iguana wouldn't have any chances to live long in something like this. A wodden cage like this is in combination with a dripper is a perfect breeding place for fungicids.
I know those cases where people search for new inhabitants for their enclosure and wonder why it failt last time.

One thing at the end, maybe a bad comparison; making situations better than they are is one of the reasons why the gulf of Mexico has an ecological collapse.

That the thread starter seems to have the wish to make it better now is the ray of hope I see here

 

[Chamero]

1. Would 6 inches of coconut husk be okay on the bottom for substrate?
No substrate

2. Live plants or fake plants what do you prefer?
100% Real plants potted in a mixture of coco fiber/pete moss

3. What is the best way affix branches and plants to the enclosure?
Zip Ties and Twistys
https://www.chameleonforums.com/what-do-you-attach-your-vines-39211/

4. Im still looking in a drip system and most likely going to make something myself.
Make your own but you will also need a mist system. I bought mine but you could make one out of PVC.
Heres is one from a member for $100
https://www.chameleonforums.com/diy-hd-auto-mister-under-100-a-18660/

5. For the humidity I was planning on using my fogger attachted to a pvc pipe mounted on the ceiling the length of the cage to distribute it evenly, is this a good idea?
Yes, very good and effective method. Links are for ideas of what people use

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/cushcameleon/134-diy-humidifier.html

https://www.chameleonforums.com/humidifiers-94/

https://www.chameleonforums.com/humidity-big-problem-my-chameleon-help-36330/

7. If I ran live plants do I keep it potted or plant it into the substrate?
Potted in mix of coco fiber/pete moss
A way to re-pot
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-re-pot-15651/

8. How to create circulation?
You can attach a few computer fans to the bottoms and tops to help circulate air. They run on little to no electricity and only need wiring and placement.


Thanks to Summoner for recording all his works for everyone.
Thanks to all else for information as well

 

[dropkickmurphy]

Alright folks well heres my deal...and comparing my ig cage to the BP oil spill gave a good chuckle this mourning.
When I took the photo I posted up it was a few days after I put it in my house. I did make some minor modifications few more sticks to climb on afterwards. Anyways the reason I had to get rid of my iguana was the following. I was feeding him twice a day with different greens, kale/mustard with supplements. Changing his water twice a day. Spraying him down once a day. I had a uvb bulb on a 12 hours on 12 hours off cycle. I had 1 150 watt heat bulb which put out no light to mess with him sleeping. The basking area was around 93F and RH was around 90%. I attempted to handle him everyday for at least 1 hour. Every single time he would be fighting me to get out scratching,whipping,attempting to bite and go back into his cage. Okay fine you can stay in there , however what happens if he gets big enough to start doing real damage if he grows to his est size 4 to 6 feet long. I have a neighbor who has numerous snakes,turtles, and other reptiles who offered to take him. He has much more experience and may have better luck.
Now if anyone here still wants to take shots at me. Have fun, ill just lurk and learn on my own.

 

[dropkickmurphy]

1. Would 6 inches of coconut husk be okay on the bottom for substrate?
No substrate

2. Live plants or fake plants what do you prefer?
100% Real plants potted in a mixture of coco fiber/pete moss

3. What is the best way affix branches and plants to the enclosure?
Zip Ties and Twistys
https://www.chameleonforums.com/what-do-you-attach-your-vines-39211/

4. Im still looking in a drip system and most likely going to make something myself.
Make your own but you will also need a mist system. I bought mine but you could make one out of PVC.
Heres is one from a member for $100
https://www.chameleonforums.com/diy-hd-auto-mister-under-100-a-18660/

5. For the humidity I was planning on using my fogger attachted to a pvc pipe mounted on the ceiling the length of the cage to distribute it evenly, is this a good idea?
Yes, very good and effective method. Links are for ideas of what people use

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/cushcameleon/134-diy-humidifier.html

https://www.chameleonforums.com/humidifiers-94/

https://www.chameleonforums.com/humidity-big-problem-my-chameleon-help-36330/

7. If I ran live plants do I keep it potted or plant it into the substrate?
Potted in mix of coco fiber/pete moss
A way to re-pot
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-re-pot-15651/

8. How to create circulation?
You can attach a few computer fans to the bottoms and tops to help circulate air. They run on little to no electricity and only need wiring and placement.


Thanks to Summoner for recording all his works for everyone.
Thanks to all else for information as well

4- That is a great idea ill have to do abit more research on it before I attempt it.
5- I bought the stuff already just have to pipe it in and figure out how big the holes should be on the PVC , as far as adding holes to the sides of the cage and putting in screening my biggest concern is losing the humidity how do you guys fair will all screen cages and humidity loss. The room its in has a steady 70% with no humidifier.
7- Ill look into the wiring of those PC fans cant see it being hard. Now would I want to blowing fresh air in or blowing the air out?

Thanks Chamero