First time cage set up. Thoughts?

[MrEsham]

So I'm a first time Jackson's chameleon owner. Also my first time building a cage. After researching the forums on here, I built this cage and think it's not too bad. I'm always looking for ways to improve and would like your thoughts on my next steps. I would like to add a misting system soon, when the money allows.

Currently the cage is a 18x18x36 Reptibreeze with a live Pothos inside. I have added dried bamboo stakes and jungle vines throughout for him to climb. The dish at the bottom is for his worms, not for water. Also use a regular 60 watt white bulb and a Repisun 5.0 UVB. Humidity stays on the low side right now, between 50 and 60% through the day. I hope to improve that to 70%ish when I get the misting system.

What next? Any thoughts?

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Looks really good. If you are thinking about a misting system, you will need to rig some sort of drainage. Drainage seems to be the bane of my existence in terms of cage setup. I have 7 cages and almost all have different systems. I try to improve on old methods when I setup new cages. There is a good drainage thread tho that should be able to get you ideas.

 

[MrEsham]

Yeah, I've been making notes and scouting Lowes for supplies for a drainage system. I can get away without one now, just dry off the bottom once a day with a towel. Most of the excess moisture usually goes to the plant. But with a misting system, I will definitely need one. That'll be a project.

 

[MrEsham]

Do you think I'll eventually need to go up a size in my cage? He's a juvenile and it seems ok for now but not sure if it'll be comfortable for an adult Jacksons?

 

[Deevo]

That looks like a really great start. It's hard to find a full mature pothos like that.

Ya you will probably want to upgrade at least one size bigger. My guy is a juvenile right now as well and I am planning on building my own larger cage soon for when he is an adult.

 

[Decadancin]

Nice work! Looks like your Jax is loving it! Be careful with the bowl on the bottom. Lots of times while misting you will accidentally drown your feeders ) You may want to look into hanging a cup of some sort a bit higher up so your cham doesn't have to go to the bottom.

If you do need to increase the size of the enclosure, I'd suggest getting a long tube UVB bulb. Better coverage throughout the enclosure.

As for misting systems, a basic MistKing or AquaZamp system are both great options. (check out the https://www.chameleonforums.com/index.php?page=sponsors to see their products)

 

[Decadancin]

Oh, by the way, almost forgot...

Welcome to the forums!!!