Beginner questions, any help appreciated!

[anniebanana267]

hi everyone, I’m new here! I decided I want a chameleon, and I’m ready to take on the responsibility. I have a reef and a freshwater tank, 2 bunnies, 2 cats, 3 hamsters, and some birds. So what’s one more, right?
I’d like to put a pothos in the habitat, along with other live plants, I don’t want any fake ones. I’m interested in a female veiled chameleon. I was wondering if this light would be sufficient for growing plants? Even if it’s simple low light ones? link here
Thanks in advance, and if I remember any more questions I’ll be sure to write a new post. This seems like a great forum

 

[Goose502]

That light sucks, don’t waste your money. You will need a t5 high output fluorescent lamp to deliver good UVB. They sell grow bulbs in t5 if you purchase a fixture with multiple bulbs. You will need a basking lamp as well, lots of info on this forum in the care sheets. Chameleons, especially females are not beginner reptiles. You can very well be successful, but LOTS of research and preparation is needed.

 

[anniebanana267]

That light sucks, don’t waste your money. You will need a t5 high output fluorescent lamp to deliver good UVB. They sell grow bulbs in t5 if you purchase a fixture with multiple bulbs. You will need a basking lamp as well, lots of info on this forum in the care sheets. Chameleons, especially females are not beginner reptiles. You can very well be successful, but LOTS of research and preparation is needed.

Good to know, thanks! Can you suggest any for me that would be on the semi-affordable side? I’d really appreciate it. I’m very dedicated and I’m prepared to research for months to come. Definitely going to take my time. Made that mistake before, nobody died but it was very hectic.

 

[Goose502]

There are lots of options, they come in a few sizes and UVB intensities, and the fixtures may or may not use multiple bulbs. All this depends on your enclosure. The best man for advice is Todd over at lightyourreptiles.com. You can email him, and he will answer your questions. These lighting fixtures aren’t very cheap though. Infact, setting up an enclosure for a chameleon is very expensive. They require specific lighting, their hydration needs are complicated, and they will need multiple feeders as staples. Females will lay eggs regardless of breeding, and require specific supplements and an environment where they can dig and lay eggs. Not trying to scare you off, just want you to have an idea of what you will be getting into.

 

[anniebanana267]

There are lots of options, they come in a few sizes and UVB intensities, and the fixtures may or may not use multiple bulbs. All this depends on your enclosure. The best man for advice is Todd over at lightyourreptiles.com. You can email him, and he will answer your questions. These lighting fixtures aren’t very cheap though. Infact, setting up an enclosure for a chameleon is very expensive. They require specific lighting, their hydration needs are complicated, and they will need multiple feeders as staples. Females will lay eggs regardless of breeding, and require specific supplements and an environment where they can dig and lay eggs. Not trying to scare you off, just want you to have an idea of what you will be getting into.

thank you. I understand and I appreciate that alot. I didn't know about the laying eggs part. I wanted a female rather than a male because I read that they tend to be on the smaller size. I think I'll go with a male then. when I say semi-affordable I meant just something that wouldn't be like $500-$600. I know pets are kind of expensive unfortunately
I'll definitely send him an email, thanks for the recommendation! I really appreciate it! c: