EcoZone anyone?

[shmeenakoz]

I couldn't think of a better piece of equipment to get for my cham than this! So what I want to know is, how many forum members use this and does it make your life more amazing?! I live in the dumbest place for weather... in the whole world! I constantly change bulbs 25, 40, 60, 75, 100 and this can occur in one friggin day. I realize its part of the "fun" in this hobby but at times I am too busy and the frequency is just too often I only want whats best for my guy and future guys and Im totally willing to invest in this if it will make my cham more comfortable I also was wondering how well it works for screen enclosures. I realize its perfect for vivs but screen is so much different. Im just hoping if I do get one it can keep up with the constant flux as good as I can or better. Id love to hear comments from those using with screen. Thanks in advance

 

[Lazy Boy]

Not sure about the product but to help with changing bulbs all day I use a rope ratchet for grow lights. One for my heat dome and I can raise and lower to change temps as needed. Very fast, easy and effective

 

[camimom]

what do your temps range from?

you shouldnt have to change bulbs that often.

Chams can handle temps going up and down, so long as they dont roast, or get too cold

 

[Mike Fisher]

I constantly change bulbs 25, 40, 60, 75, 100 and this can occur in one friggin day.

That's what a dimmer is for.

 

[shmeenakoz]

That's what a dimmer is for.

Yeah but Im pretty sure a "regular" dimmer isn't going to adjust itself when Im not home

 

[Lazy Boy]

Yeah but Im pretty sure a "regular" dimmer isn't going to adjust itself when Im not home

I didn't know you could change bulbs when your not there either.

 

[shmeenakoz]

I didn't know you could change bulbs when your not there either.

Touche Ok look the point is yes when Im here Im always adjusting, but that lovely pc of technology will monitor and do it for me…on a dimmer. Also will auto adjust misting for proper RH. Just sounds amazing to be able to plug in, set min/max's and it will replicate a natural habitat! Just would take a little load off, ya know

 

[Lazy Boy]

$400 and you get one probe for temp and humidity. If you really want to spend the cash then do it. Many breeders and keepers have kept chameleons in captivity for years with just trimmers and a mister or even hand misting. How many chams are you caring for? Chameleons natural habitat is far from stable and as long as you stay with in the parameters they are happy. I really think you are over thinking this or just got money to burn.

 

[Mike Fisher]

I just wanted to point out that there is a middle ground between unscrewing light bulbs all day and going digitally proportional thermostat controlled.

A dimmer will keep you from burning your fingers, but way cheaper than fully automated dimming. Most people (even big time breeders) just use dimmers.

But if you have some disposable income, the automated setups are real nice.

 

[shmeenakoz]

I just wanted to point out that there is a middle ground between unscrewing light bulbs all day and going digitally proportional thermostat controlled.

A dimmer will keep you from burning your fingers, but way cheaper than fully automated dimming. Most people (even big time breeders) just use dimmers.

But if you have some disposable income, the automated setups are real nice.

Thanks, I was going to mention the burning fingers thing is really getting annoying! I will for sure go with dimmers for now (don't know why I didn't just think of those myself), but was just fascinated by this thing and wanted some feedback on it. And as far as income being disposable…nope, Im an adult/independent student so yeah we will just leave it at that.

 

[shmeenakoz]

ok so talk to me about these dimmers u speak

Mike can you fill me in on the dimmers? Can you possibly post a link on which ones are best or the ones you use? Thanks

Ok I think I found what I needed. Ill be stoping at the home depot tomorrow.

 

[Mike Fisher]

Mike can you fill me in on the dimmers? Can you possibly post a link on which ones are best or the ones you use? Thanks

Ok I think I found what I needed. Ill be stoping at the home depot tomorrow.

I just buy a standard wall dimmer, an electrical box, and an extension cord. I cut the cord in half, strip wires then push them into the box. Splice the white wires back together with a wire nut and wrap with electrical tape. Same goes for green if you are using three conductor wire. There will be two wires coming out of the dimmer switch, or in some cases two poles to attach your remaining black wires to. Attach one black wire to each of these.

Now the best part after it is all buttoned up....plug one end into the wall, then plug the other end into your power strip. Now everything that is plugged into that power strip will now be dimmer controlled. Just don't exceed the dimmer rating, don't try to run non-dimmable lights on it, or anything else that needs full power.

If you don't know what you are doing, don't do it. Electricity demands respect and can kill you.

They may make a pre-made unit for this, I've just never looked. I've been making my own for a long time.

 

[shmeenakoz]

I just buy a standard wall dimmer, an electrical box, and an extension cord. I cut the cord in half, strip wires then push them into the box. Splice the white wires back together with a wire nut and wrap with electrical tape. Same goes for green if you are using three conductor wire. There will be two wires coming out of the dimmer switch, or in some cases two poles to attach your remaining black wires to. Attach one wire to each of these.

Now the best part after it is all buttoned up....plug one end into the wall, then plug the other end into your power strip. Now everything that is plugged into that power strip will now be dimmer controlled. Just don't exceed the dimmer rating, don't try to run non-dimmable lights on it, or anything else that needs full power.

If you don't know what you are doing, don't do it. Electricity demands respect and can kill you.

They may make a pre-made unit for this, I've just never looked. I've been making my own for a long time.

Yeah the only thing I know about electricity I learned when I was in school for cosmetology and that really wasn't enough (also many moons ago)! It was just the basics. I found a plug-in with a dimmer switch attached at Home Depot, so that will have to do. I may also see if some electrician pals will hook me up