Curious

[TehMagwi]

I was just wondering, I'll be setting up my cham home in some days to come, i ordered the aluminum mesh cage of course, and i've done a lot of homework. I was just curious what people use to catch the water on the bottom? I've heard papertowels raved about, but was just curious of other different alternatives before i jump into setting it up. Thanks for your time!

 

[sandrachameleon]

Papertowels arent all that fantastic for catching lots of water.
I use shallow plastic containers inside my cages to catch unwanted dripps under drippers. Some folks have buckets under their mesh cages, and a light weight in the centre of the floor to encourage the water to go towards the middle. Other have very eleborate drainage systems.

 

[TehMagwi]

that makes a lot of sense. Would any little tubberware work, just strategically placed?

 

[sandrachameleon]

https://www.chameleonforums.com/introducing-slimeline-drainage-system-17807/
https://www.chameleonforums.com/dexters-laboratory-finally-finished-17011/
http://www.chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=73
http://www.animalarkshelter.org/cin/
http://www.chameleonsonline.com/watering.php
https://www.chameleonforums.com/how-heck-17989/

 

[Julirs]

Which sized cage did you get? If you plant the cage well, and mist twice a day, you really do not need anything to catch the water. If you drip (I do not) then you will need some kind of water collector.

 

[sandrachameleon]

that makes a lot of sense. Would any little tubberware work, just strategically placed?

Should do. Works for me. If it will be inside the cage, make sure the chameleon can get out if it falls in. If its a young chameleon, or if yo ufree-range crickets (which like to drown) you could cover with screen. If its an adult dont bother.

 

[Pagan]

I had the same worries as the OP, but find very little water makes it to the bottom of the cage, and what does evaporates. The ficus tree catches 90% of the water, and if there are stand alone droplets on the bottom, I just wipe them up with a paper towel. Easy maintenance!

 

[TehMagwi]

Right now i ordered the 18x18x36 cage, and then in about 3 or 4 monthes I'm getting the 24x24x48 cage and moving the smaller one outside kinda as a sunning one. I have gotten my plants, and repotted them (and they're still alive!) so I should be okay then, the croton I got was pretty large, I just wanted to make sure. Thanks for all of the help everyone

 

[Julirs]

Sounds good. Croton is not something I use since it doesn't have "climbable" surfaces. Sounds like you are getting close to picking up your baby!

 

[lyndra]

My plants are on raised wire shelves with plastic containers underneath. That way I don't have to worry about root rot. The plastic containers slide out nicely which makes them easy to drain. To prevent my cham from getting trapped underneath the shelf I raised the plastic container by using smaller tupperware cups.

 

[TehMagwi]

When I went plant shopping Ficus was the main one I looked for, but somehow they didnt have any. I thought it was really weird. I picked the croton with the sturdiest branches and longest in hopes he can climb it okay, the hibiscus i'm looking forward to getting bigger for him too I can't wait to pick him up Juli!

 

[ConcertPhotog]

is that a red jade vine in the center? Looks great!

 

[RachelRiot]

My plants are on raised wire shelves with plastic containers underneath. That way I don't have to worry about root rot. The plastic containers slide out nicely which makes them easy to drain. To prevent my cham from getting trapped underneath the shelf I raised the plastic container by using smaller tupperware cups.
View attachment 8364

Damnit. Where is everyone finding this little shelf thing to hold up the plants? I looked at Walmart and Target and didnt really see anything like that.

 

[lyndra]

I found them at "The Container Store" in Scottsdale. Check their website for locations www.containerstore.com
I love that store, terribly addictive...

 

[RachelRiot]

I found them at "The Container Store" in Scottsdale. Check their website for locations www.containerstore.com
I love that store, terribly addictive...

My husband heard me gasp in excitement over the site you mentioned and he sighed and said "oh great"! ROFL. Thanks I found them on there right away.

 

[blackbetty]

That container thing is a really cool idea. I just use those plastic circles under my plants. I use a garbage bag on the floor for drippage. In Ben(ita)'s cage, I use a dripper and it drips slowly into a plant so I dont have to water it. Nothing fast so it doesnt get root rot.I repot most of my plants into self waterers so I dont get a lot of excess water. Congrats on your upcoming cham Maggy!