a bunch of questions

[Canny Chams]

I have been using reptic zone forums for a while, but they seem to never answer my questions. I have afew questions that were never answered there.

Are mercury vapor bulbs better than having separate UV and heat sources?

Is there a max size terrarium for panther chameleons?

I find large glass terrariums better for housing my chameleons than screen cages, is there any problems to this method as i have not found any?

 

[Kitro]

I have been using reptic zone forums for a while, but they seem to never answer my questions. I have afew questions that were never answered there.

Are mercury vapor bulbs better than having separate UV and heat sources?

Is there a max size terrarium for panther chameleons?

I find large glass terrariums better for housing my chameleons than screen cages, is there any problems to this method as i have not found any?

According to studies Mercury vapor are a better source of UVB and put off substantial heat for basking. They last much longer than fluorescent UVB bulbs. And are a great all in one option. It's more of a personal preference.

Never hear of a max size but recommended cage sizes. It's dependent on the age and size of the chameleon, too small and they get cramped too big can hinder food hunting and UVB absorption. 2x2x4 seems perfect for a panther.


Glass terrariums usually don't have the height and air flow for arboreal chameleons. Which can cause some Ill effects including respiratory infections.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Are mercury vapor bulbs better than having separate UV and heat sources??

That depends on the temperatures you are getting with them. Mercury bulbs put out a lot of heat and most species of chameleons don't need basking temperatures higher than 95 degrees. If you are able to get the right temps with a good gradient lower in the cage than I don't see why you couldn't use them. Most people don't as they put off too much heat.

Is there a max size terrarium for panther chameleons???

I think the minimum is 2x2x4 feet tall for adult panthers, but there's not really a max (they did come from giant forests). As long as they have good access to food, water, basking spots, and UVB I say bigger is better.

I find large glass terrariums better for housing my chameleons than screen cages, is there any problems to this method as i have not found any?

Depends on the type and size of glass cage. If you're talking about a big fish tank that is more horizontal than vertical with poor ventilation, then yes I'd say that's a problem. But the bigger glass terrariums designed for ventilation work very well for some people, especially in colder, dry environments. The reflection thing is a myth. Drainage can be a problem, which can allow mold and bacteria to buildup and predispose to respiratory infections, and UVB doesn't pass through many types of glass so make sure it isn't shining through the glass. I doubt you'd be able to use a mercury vapor bulb with a glass cage though...it would be an oven.

 

[Canny Chams]

thank you,
I like mercury vapors as they are 2 in 1, which i like. But i find sometimes my chams, want heat with no UV vice versa.

i like big cages for displays, i have a couple large display cages im working on right now, i want to make them glass, i do like glass, i think im just going to make sure there is plenty of ventilation throughout the cage (bottom, Middle and screen top)

Thank you for the help, i think ive had enough of reptic zone

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

According to studies Mercury vapor are a better source of UVB and put off substantial heat for basking.

What studies?

 

[Canny Chams]

im building the displays, and i heard some people say not to make it too big, i think thats mainly a worry for juviniles, i keep most of my chams in 2X2X6 cages, this display would be like 5X3X6

 

[VeiledChams]

I have been using reptic zone forums for a while, but they seem to never answer my questions. I have afew questions that were never answered there.

Are mercury vapor bulbs better than having separate UV and heat sources?

Is there a max size terrarium for panther chameleons?

I find large glass terrariums better for housing my chameleons than screen cages, is there any problems to this method as i have not found any?

I don't know about the MVB.

But as far as the terrariums, you CAN house chameleons in there. The main drawbacks are finding one of the appropriate size and one that provides good ventilation. Exoterra terrariums are, imo, too small to house an adult veiled chameleon for example. (unless you get a gigantic one which is very expensive). Exoterras do provide ventilation, though. They have been designed to use properties of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. As the heat from the bulbs warm the air inside, it rises and comes out through the top of the terrarium. This upward movement sucks in cold air through the slits underneath the door. This gives exoterras plenty of ventilation, given that there is a temperature gradient between the inside and outside of the enclosure.

There is not real max to the size of the terrarium. The larger the better.

 

[Kitro]

What studies?

The are listed in another thread I'll locate it. One was on tortoise's suffering from nbd and the rate of healing and the other was a light penetration and output study.

Tortoise article

Uv lighting studies. . Sight is updating studies so some sections aren't available.

 

[Canny Chams]

I don't know about the MVB.

But as far as the terrariums, you CAN house chameleons in there. The main drawbacks are finding one of the appropriate size and one that provides good ventilation. Exoterra terrariums are, imo, too small to house an adult veiled chameleon for example. (unless you get a gigantic one which is very expensive). Exoterras do provide ventilation, though. They have been designed to use properties of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. As the heat from the bulbs warm the air inside, it rises and comes out through the top of the terrarium. This upward movement sucks in cold air through the slits underneath the door. This gives exoterras plenty of ventilation, given that there is a temperature gradient between the inside and outside of the enclosure.

There is not real max to the size of the terrarium. The larger the better.

Indeed i have used them with smaller species like pygmys and even some flapnecks, but this one is a huge project, im getting huge peices of glass, and i will have long metal peices that will be on the sides of the terrarium, much like a large version of the exo terras, but more of them and alot longer

 

[Hoj]

I don't know about the MVB.

But as far as the terrariums, you CAN house chameleons in there. The main drawbacks are finding one of the appropriate size and one that provides good ventilation. Exoterra terrariums are, imo, too small to house an adult veiled chameleon for example. (unless you get a gigantic one which is very expensive). Exoterras do provide ventilation, though. They have been designed to use properties of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. As the heat from the bulbs warm the air inside, it rises and comes out through the top of the terrarium. This upward movement sucks in cold air through the slits underneath the door. This gives exoterras plenty of ventilation, given that there is a temperature gradient between the inside and outside of the enclosure.

There is not real max to the size of the terrarium. The larger the better.

i use the exo terra terariums for all my babies, and really like them. the new great big one that exoterra is makeing are a bnit pricy but very nice at the same time, ( still could use a bit more height for a adult panther or veiled ) i have found the glass terarriums to be great here, esspecially in the colder months, the op is up here in the great north as well and we dont get that nice weather you do in FL