Getting it just right.........

[Mark Andbill]

Hi everyone this is my first time so please bare with me.
After reading post after post and searching the Internet for hours I have decided to go for it and get my first Cham. I ordered him from lee warren and he will be ready the beginning of October.
From what I have heard as well as being a genuinely nice guy lee is also incredibly well respected when it comes to panther chameleons which is why I went to him.

However I am going to finish the Viv setup this weekend and would like to get advice form some other people as well, and from what I have read so far you are the guys to help.

Ok.............

I have a 2 x 3x4 wooden Viv which has been painted as a jungle scene and yacht varnished to seal it
I will be adding a false base angled to one end into a drain.
The floor will be linoleum.
I am planning on cutting out the top of the Viv and replacing with aluminium fly screen.
The lower front will also be cut out and fly screen added.
Am I best to have my uv build and basking build on top of the mesh?
Am I right in thinking a t5 starter from Arcadia will be my best option?

And lastly will the little guy be ok in this bigger Viv from a young age?

Sorry if I'm corvering old ground here, but I am like a complete child waiting for him to arrive.( don't tell the mrs but more excited about this the wedding we are planning)

Thanks Mark

 

[Decadancin]

What type of cham?

Your answers will vary depending on what type of little guy or gal you are getting! Let us know.

 

[absolutbill]

Welcome to the joys of cham ownership! You definately want to have your basking and UVB bulbs above the cage, out of the way of exploring little hands and feet. They will climb upside down on the ceiling of their cages, so you don't want them getting burned. I'm not familiar with T5 lights - I don't know what's available in the UK. I use the Repti-Sun 5.0, 24" over here in the States.

I'm guessing that your panther will be young when you get him in October from Lee - maybe 3-4 months old? He will be fine in that cage, just watch the temps carefully (digital displays, not analog for accuracy), and you'll want to cup feed to ensure that your little guy is eating enough and finding his food. Personally I use a smaller cage until they are ready for their big-boy cage, however since you've put the time and effort into the one you've made I would go with just that. Best of luck and remember, we all love pictures, especially of babies!!!