a few quick questions

[Gaerei]

First off, my apt has average temp of 72 it seems. Even with a regular 60W right on top of the screen I couldn't seem to be able to pull 90 degrees at the highest basking spot. I got a 100w bulb, now about 7" from the top and I've got a steady 90.5 and 72 in the coolest spot. Is this okay?

Secondly, I have only been able to get a high humidity of 50% usually around 40-45% I have 1 live plant in the cage, and 2 others in the same room. Even an hour after misting for 5 min..... 50% What else can I do? Is it time to break out the humidfier or is there another option? Getting a panther it's my understanding I'm looking to hit around 80%

Third, Go PHILADELPHIA EAGLES!

 

[sandrachameleon]

How old is the panther? male or female?
If adult, or nearly adult, 90.5F and 72 in the coolest spot is fine. you could even go a little cooler. %50 humidity is also fine, but try not to go lower than that.
Ways to raise humidity:
Live plants, in the cage and in the room.
misting
humidifier
Dont use an all screen cage
Keep in a smaller room, and raise the ambient humdity for the whole room
have a fish tank in the same area
have a dripper going all day

(I dont follow american football, Im a Hockey fan: GO CANUCKS GO)

 

[Gaerei]

He'll be almost 4 months.
I have a mister and dripper and a 3 sided mesh. Several plants, and a fish tank is not an option. I just wasn't sure if I should get the humidifier out.

 

[Gaerei]

I don't even have him yet, just preparing everything.

 

[nick barta]

You could do an automatic mister, that would boost your humidity. I did not think panthers needed high humidity.....Panther peoples, respond!

 

[addicted]

My 9 month old panther is in an all screen cage, 2.5'x2.5'x6', he has 4 live plants, I mist 3x per day (I'm not sure how long but I spray about a half liter, that's 16 oz.) The humidity remains at about 50 all day (except right after misting when it spikes to 80) He is completely healthy and always sheds quickly without complications.

I think you'll be just fine with your current set-up, temp and humidity wise, just keep a close eye on the hygrometer to make sure things don't change for the worse. If you start to notice signs of dehydration or he's having problems shedding, I would mist more often and try the humidifier, especially if you have it on hand already, it certainly can't hurt...unless of coarse it is on too high and the humidity is constantly over 80...or you notice mold forming inside the cage...then you could be running into respiratory problems.

What size cage is it? Glass or screen? Do you also have a UVB light in addition to your basking light? What kind of plant are you keeping in the cage? I think you should get a few more, pothos are excellent! Both for the environment and for your cham to climb on

It sounds like you are off to a good start, most owners don't find this forum 'til after they get their cham (I'm one of them!) so good for you!

 

[sandrachameleon]

He'll be almost 4 months.
I have a mister and dripper and a 3 sided mesh. Several plants, and a fish tank is not an option. I just wasn't sure if I should get the humidifier out.

Ah. Well at four months I wouldnt have a basking spot that hot. 90.5F is fine for an adult, but a little one I'd go with 80F as the hottest spot, and still ~70 as the lower end.
And to reiterate, you dont need or even want 80% humidity for a panther. Truly 45% is okay if it drinks plenty, and 55%-60% is perfect. Watch for good shedding, sufficient drinking and white urates

 

[Gaerei]

great! Thanks, you answered all my questions. Switch over to 90 around 12-15 months?

 

[addicted]

have a fish tank in the same area

Hey Sandra, I'm not sure if you keep fish but i have 4 tanks in the same room as my cham (totaling 155 gallons) and it does nothing for humidity. If there are lids on the tank (which there should be to prevent jumpers) then evaporation should be very minimal. Not saying that a tank in the room wouldn't help in all situations, just that it hasn't in mine

 

[nick barta]

Addicted, sounds fishy to me.

CHEERS!!!

Hey Sandra, I'm not sure if you keep fish but i have 4 tanks in the same room as my cham (totaling 155 gallons) and it does nothing for humidity. If there are lids on the tank (which there should be to prevent jumpers) then evaporation should be very minimal. Not saying that a tank in the room wouldn't help in all situations, just that it hasn't in mine

 

[nateboston78]

On the humidity topic. 50% humidity with a spike is perfectly fine in my experience as long as it drinks water. The true measure here is the urate test. If the cham is at all dehydrated you'll spot it right away from the condition of it's urate.

I am also a fan of weekly showers. Seem to really help condition the skin and general well-being. Some of my cham species love it, some hate it. The parson's can't get enough. I swear if I let go, he would dive right into the water and start swimming. LOL.

Nate

 

[addicted]

LOL, yes I'm definitely addicted to cichlids! I love my cham just as much though, I'd have more right now if they weren't so expensive, luckily the fish are relatively cheaper