looks like something in the Reduviidae or Pentatomidae family, frequently called assasin or stink bugs. Not generally poisonous but can sometimes inflict a painful bite. Stink bugs come with a nasty taste to match their smell, so if your cham didnt like it I doubt he'd try again
I wouldnt...
there are a lot of weird import/export rules with CA because its a huge agricultural center (something like 5th largest in the world). Mulberryfarms.com sell packs of hornworms, thats where I get mine
if I can remember right you cant breed butterworms; they're shipped to the US infertile via chemical sterilization
phoenix worms are possible, there are a couple threads, but its messy and smelly. Given the cost of either, it would likely be easier/cheaper just to buy them
t5 or t8?
try popping the bulb out and back in; sometimes the connection can get corroded and just needs some movement. Other than that, it may be the fixture's ballast or ignitor
still available, have had multiple requests for individual parts or to ship, still want to move this all at once and wont be able to ship if I do that. If the cham is still up for sale in a few weeks Ill reconsider
updated pictures
new version looks better!
just a point of interest, the foam does chip every now and again. I initially suggested the black foam because when it chips away its not as apparent as the white foam. Nothing a little silicone and dirt cant fix, but some might prefer to not be bothered with it
a water-hydrogen peroxide mix kills spores and bacteria effectively
http://www.quickgrow.com/gardening_articles/hydrogen_peroxide_horticulture.html
but yeah, that plant isnt draining well, you might want to repot
I cant take credit for it, my parents have huge green thumbs and it was a trick I picked up from them. works like a charm though, a couple teaspoons of 3% per gallon of water
quick link:
http://www.quickgrow.com/gardening_articles/hydrogen_peroxide_horticulture.html
you might want to try hygrolon if you dont plan on attaching it to a fixed (non-mesh) background. you can attach the plants directly to the sheet and it holds and wicks water better than anything Ive used
http://folius.com/product-category/media/hygrolon/
you could potentially fix a slab or...
+1
not necessarily for the beginner, but substrate isnt an immediate no...its not like chams dont run into dirt in the wild...
a large slab of hygrolon would keep enough moisture to grow moss and other plants and you wouldnt have to worry about the cham eating it, as it would be too big. you...
yup, any local hardware store should have it.
The foam holds up all the large manzanita stumps, so it should be more than enough for plants. Watch the video, as it gives a few tips on building in proper drainage etc