Exo Terra for panther

[sloop john b]

Hello all,
Here is my set up for Salvator, my panther (currently 6 months)...tell me what you think:

Exo Terra terrarium 36x18x36:
Lighting: LightYourReptiles quad with Arcadia 6% x 2 and 6.5K x 2
Heating: Zilla mini dome with halogen 50 watt
Plants: Schefflera, ficus, pothos and some small ground cover (on 2 inches of hydroponic balls, covered by several inches of Josh's Frogs ABG mix, top layer coconut fiber).
Hydration: ExoTerra Monsoon misting system (been using since January...no problems so far)

 

[bradley]

He looks great! I would remove the substrate though as it is easily eaten and can mold easily from the humidity which can harm the chameleon. It also makes it harder to keep clean.

 

[pssh]

Looks good, but like the other poster said, substrate can be a problem. Sometimes the animal will eat it (accidentally or purposefully) which can cause impaction. If he becomes impacted it can become deadly.

 

[sloop john b]

I appreciate the concern about substrate, but I have raised him from a baby using same set-up, only in a smaller cage (18 x 18 x18). I understand impaction is a possibility. The coconut fiber as top layer is pretty compact, even if an insect is crawling along it, I don't think a lot of substrate will go with it.

A lot of successful chameleon breeders use substrate with glass terrariums, here is a thread about it:

https://www.chameleonforums.com/everyone-who-knows-you-cant-keep-chams-glass-31937

Thanks for the feedback...

 

[pssh]

I know that many people can and do, but I personally dont and wont with panthers and veileds that have relatively low humidity requirements. Panthers and veileds in particular seems to like to eat substrate purposefully, which I have experienced with just plant pots and/or a laying bin. I just dont feel its worth it.

 

[parisaurusrex]

Just a quick little side note - my little guy has an abscess in his eye because that very substrate got in there and he scratched it!

 

[carol5208]

I always say better safe than sorry. Just because nothing has happened yet.... doesn't mean it never will! But it is your decision.... If anything I would worry about it getting wet and moldy and breeding bacteria especially in glass.