waterfall question

[Mintglow]

alright. we do have a waterfall in cricket's cage- but i was just wondering if it's still a bad idea despite the following:

- i empty, rinse and refill daily, plus scrub the outside (hot water, no chemicals) to get rid of any residue
- i run boiling water through (not in his cage- outside of course) twice a week to keep bacteria from growing
- he does drink from it, although we do also mist him 3 times a day

i know it's generally frowned upon because of their tendency to become very dirty, but we've had it a few months now and upon inspection it is still quite clean and there is no smell, presumably because of the daily cleaning and boiling water. what do you think? okay if i keep that up, or still get rid of it?

 

[kim01]

i'm still new to chams(my guy just arrived today) but it sounds like if you keep up the daily cleaning it would be ok.
i have only heard not to do it b/c it is a breeding ground for bacteria. but it sounds like that isn't a problem with yours. so i don't see a problem with it especially if your cham likes to drink out of it.

 

[Justin Carl]

Sounds to me like it is a big waste of energy.
Cleaning something every day and boiling water, blah, blah, blah.
I think the work that is needed to use something like this isnt worth it.
Are you really going to keep doing all this?
A waterfall can run you 50 dollars or more.
That is 1/4 the price of a automated misting system.
Why not take the waterfall back and get a refund and buy a good automated system?
Not to mention chameleons tend to poop in standing water.
The choice is up to you.

You said, "i know it's generally frowned upon because of their tendency to become very dirty, but we've had it a few months now and upon inspection it is still quite clean and there is no smell, presumably because of the daily cleaning and boiling water. what do you think? okay if i keep that up, or still get rid of it?"

Have you taken a microscope to it?

 

[Cainschams]

I agree with Justin. That is just a ton of unnecessary work. A dripper will work just as well or like Justin said save for the automatic misting system. Im not saying not to keep doing what you are doing. Whatever works works. There is just easier ways of getting around this. Also If your cham poops in this and decides he is thirsty and wants to drink out of the waterfall it could cause problems.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Your chameleon will poop in it and drink out of it (you can't watch him 24/7) ...this will eventually happen.
Crickets will drown in it ...pieces of poop and cricket will get into the workings of this appliance and remain there, regardless of your cleaning efforts.
It's entirely up to you, but let me ask you ....
Would you take a drink out of it?
Chameleons need extremely clean water (rain/dew)
I would drink out of one of the drippers here with no problem.

-Brad

 

[joefarah]

Your chameleon's name is cricket? Lol... that's hilarious

oh, and ditch the waterfall.