Can i take soil out now?

[CleaTheChameleon]

Hello everyone, since my female bearded pygmy(Luna) laid, can i take out the substrate at the bottom? Its just like a breeding ground for bugs especially gnats I cant mist their cage without getting the substrate wet and gnats love wet soil. I wont be able to handle these gnats anymore. I know i posted a thread on how to get rid of them but its working for Clea's cage, not really for the pygmies cage.Today what i did was take a hand dripper and sprinkled little droplets of water on the leaves trying not to get the soil wet. Please help.

 

[steviejcsc]

Could you post a picture of the enclosure? do you have any kind of drainage aid under the substrate? I use those hyroball things....
Also, what are you using for substrate??

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

Could you post a picture of the enclosure? do you have any kind of drainage aid under the substrate? I use those hyroball things....
Also, what are you using for substrate??

Im not using hydroballs at the moment but i normally do. I have been waiting for my local petstore to get some in and i may have to go pick some up today because they just got them in. I have organic soil at the bottom. DO you still need a pic? I could get it for you if you wish. Thanks

 

[Lizardlover]

Im not using hydroballs at the moment but i normally do. I have been waiting for my local petstore to get some in and i may have to go pick some up today because they just got them in. I have organic soil at the bottom. DO you still need a pic? I could get it for you if you wish. Thanks

You really do need proper drainage to keep the gnats away. Otherwise all that water just sits in the soil and makes a good breeding ground.

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

You really do need proper drainage to keep the gnats away. Otherwise all that water just sits in the soil and makes a good breeding ground.

ok i just went and got hydroballs

 

[steviejcsc]

should help a bit... let us know

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

should help a bit... let us know

Ok i just put the hydroballs in, changed the soil, and put screen in the middle of the balls and soil. There isn't much soil because i ran out but when i get more i will put some in. I will now be very careful with how much water goes in the tank. Here are some pics of the new pygmy tank.

1st picture-The new tank setup.
2nd picture-My male and female pygmy chameleons.
3RD picture-The hydroballs that i used bag.

 

[gary1621]

Was there not any in a garden center? They would have been cheaper i'd imagine

I would leave the soil in, it looks more natural and keeps the humidity up. Like you said, just be careful how much you spray and let it dry on the leaves before misting again.

I think your little ones would appreciate a bit more cover and hiding places. Get some leaf litter for the ground and a few more plants. Small ivy would do the trick and doesnt cost a lot.

 

[Lizardlover]

Was there not any in a garden center? They would have been cheaper i'd imagine

I would leave the soil in, it looks more natural and keeps the humidity up. Like you said, just be careful how much you spray and let it dry on the leaves before misting again.

I think your little ones would appreciate a bit more cover and hiding places. Get some leaf litter for the ground and a few more plants. Small ivy would do the trick and doesnt cost a lot.

I agree, here in FL its not hard to come by pothos, Stefan, why dont you take a few clippings off Clea's plant for your pygs? If you have oak trees in your area they are probably dropping all their leaves, so just grab a bunch, soak 'em, put them in the enclosure, and your brevs will thank you.

 

[CleaTheChameleon]

I will take some clipping and put them in now. Thanks