Dirt..

[Serbianchameleon]

I have dirt on bottom of my enclosure and I have panther chameleon so I need to get him high humidity and I have a rough time with that.. So my question is do soil absorbs water and in that humidity too? I got some real plants in there but after misting its 45-50% humidity max and after two hours its back to 15% and that is way too low. Should I get rid of the soil as base?

 

[Ramrod]

A bare bottom encloser is recommended unless you are going bio. I'm sure others will chime in to clarify

 

[The Wild One]

Bare bottom or bioactive, One or the other.

 

[Reptofreak]

If your having issues with humidity I would definitely be leaning towards bioactive. Also, you may need to look into raising the humidity in the room where your Cham is housed, or block three sides of the enclosure with plastic.

 

[cyberlocc]

The soil (bioactive) improves humidity, not remove it .

 

[Serbianchameleon]

If your having issues with humidity I would definitely be leaning towards bioactive. Also, you may need to look into raising the humidity in the room where your Cham is housed, or block three sides of the enclosure with plastic.

I will post pics in the morning so you guys could tell me what should I do with my terrarium.

 

[CasqueAbove]

I did not see if you had a fogger , but this could help. I find them used for $20 just add hose.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

I got the dirt out guys. Here are some pics.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

Soil was absorbing all the humidity and water it’s really easier now I’m going to buy some more real plants right now. Sry for bad grammar if there are any mistakes!

 

[Serbianchameleon]

Got some more plants

 

[cyberlocc]

Soil was absorbing all the humidity and water it’s really easier now I’m going to buy some more real plants right now. Sry for bad grammar if there are any mistakes!

Soil does not absorb humidity. Wet soil puts out Humidity. Live plants and wet soil, are the easiest ways to increase humidity.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

Soil does not absorb humidity. Wet soil puts out Humidity. Live plants and wet soil, are the easiest ways to increase humidity.

I needed to get it out it was stinking so bad but when I got it out and got some kore plants its 50% humidity now and it was 15% so I think I solved the problem..

 

[Dbash44]

I needed to get it out it was stinking so bad but when I got it out and got some kore plants its 50% humidity now and it was 15% so I think I solved the problem..

I've never worked with a wood enclosure, but I would assume the OSB your enclosure is made out of is absorbing some of your humidity. I might be wrong, that's just my two cents. Also, in the long run the wood might end up warping.

Unless it has a coating on it, I would suggest using a different material. If you don't want to start from scratch, consider coating it with a waterproof finish (let it fully cure before putting the cham back in). Another idea is to use some Great Stuff expandable foam (or some sort of expandable polyurethane foam) on the sides and back. If you go with the foam you could use silicon and coco husk to make it more natural looking.

 

[Dbash44]

I needed to get it out it was stinking so bad but when I got it out and got some kore plants its 50% humidity now and it was 15% so I think I solved the problem..

Also, depending on what your front door and top are made out of, you might consider getting rid of or covering the vents on the sides. My four cham enclosures have ventilation on only the bottom of the front and the entirety of the top.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

Also, depending on what your front door and top are made out of, you might consider getting rid of or covering the vents on the sides. My four cham enclosures have ventilation on only the bottom of the front and the entirety of the top.

Front is from glass and top is from wood too.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

I've never worked with a wood enclosure, but I would assume the OSB your enclosure is made out of is absorbing some of your humidity. I might be wrong, that's just my two cents. Also, in the long run the wood might end up warping.

Unless it has a coating on it, I would suggest using a different material. If you don't want to start from scratch, consider coating it with a waterproof finish (let it fully cure before putting the cham back in). Another idea is to use some Great Stuff expandable foam (or some sort of expandable polyurethane foam) on the sides and back. If you go with the foam you could use silicon and coco husk to make it more natural looking.

The guy who made it said he sealed it. I would love to make bio enclosure but I cant right now because it’s state of emergency in my country..

 

[Dbash44]

The guy who made it said he sealed it. I would love to make bio enclosure but I cant right now because it’s state of emergency in my country..

Okay sounds like it's all good then. Just be sure it's not soaking up water. Let us know if you have any more questions. Sorry to hear that your country is going through a hard time. Stay safe and sane out there.

 

[Serbianchameleon]

Thank you so much