Exoterra terrariums and drainage?

[Leilaskeeper]

I've noticed a lot of ppl talk about drainage. I have an exoterra glass terrarium and I don't have any type of drainage system. Does this not apply to this type of enclosure? I have substrate (plantation soil) that I mist daily and I use a dripper (little container I poked a hole in) once a day. I see the soil dry up so I'm assuming the heat sucks the moisture out of the substrate.

Is there anything to be concerned about?

 

[pssh]

There's always the risk of impaction when you have a substrate so be aware of that. Impactions are a blockage of the intestines and can cause chameleons to die. There is also the mold/bacteria factor with a substrate so be diligent about spotting mold or fungus. As long as water isn't pooling around I don't believe the drainage factor is a problem.

 

[bridgofaith]

This is a good thread to read for terrarium drainage.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/pygmy-setups-7977/

Also:

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

What type of chameleon do you have?

 

[Leilaskeeper]

I have a veiled cham, female, about 1 year old. I clean her terrarium everytime I see waste and calcium build up on the glass. I dropped a peice of fruit on the substrate a few days ago and yesterday I saw the fur growing. It hasn't come back since. I just got her about 2 weeks ago so I've been on here reading as much as possible. I'm working with my brother in law who owns a reptile store so he's been supportive in answering me a lot of questions as well. I think I'm doing very well. She loves when I visit her. Gosh, they are amazing! I'm hooked .. people are so right!

 

[Leilaskeeper]

Thanks for responding too - really appreciate you taking the time out to answer my questions

 

[bridgofaith]

I recommend no substrate at all. Just a paper towel to make for a simple clean up is just fine. Veiled chams are arboreal and do not need substrate in the cages. To much potential for problems such as impaction. For the type of cham you have a screen cage would be best also.

No problem!

 

[PardalisGirl]

Pictures please........

Welcome to the forum! Could you post pictures of your girl and her set up? We can help you make sure it's just right for her continued health. You need to get rid of the substrate immediately. It is a place for mold and bacteria to grow. You can't really clean it either. Certain types of chameleon species do well in terrariums with soil and plants that are growing in the soil. They are the smaller species. Veileds are not one of those species. Most people in the USA prefer screen cages for adult Veileds. Many keepers in Canada and Europe use glass enclosures because of temperature issues. They have them set up in very specific ways though. Posting a picture of your set up and telling us the brand and type of lighting and heat you use (size of cage too) will help these keepers evaluate your set-up.

You really want to work on getting things right from the start. Health can go downhill very quickly if improper lights or heat is used. Vet bills are more costly than the cost of getting the right equipment, even if you have to replace some of it. People that work in pet/reptile stores are not often actually experts. Every day several people join the forum seeking advise for some health issue created by equipment or set-ups recommended by pet store people. Someone has already steered you wrong in the area of putting substrate in the terrarium.

Post some pictures and stay with us. We can help you make sure your new girl has a long and comfortable life