Getting started

[P1986]

I have been out of the whole reptile scene for many years now and thinking of getting back into it. I have decided that I want a panther chameleon with a vivarium setup. Have a rough idea of what I want to design for a cage, but need to get more details about the equipment and such.
For example

What kind of wood, water proof stain, glue, etc can I use that will be safe for chameleons and things to consider when building?
Best places (websites or stores) to get supplies (pumps, misters, controllers, lights etc)?
Plants that were most succesful with the chameleon?
How to pages of how to build a rock wall?

 

[JacksJill]

You've come to the right place. Welcome to CF. Here are a couple links to get you started.
Care sheet https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/panther/
A good list of things to buy https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/average-cost-of-owning-a-chameleon.522/
setups for ideas https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/the-official-enclosure-picture-thread.49688/
Happy reading!
Light your reptiles site sponsor for lights comes highly recommended.
Misters MistKing or Climist both very good.
Plants Pothos
See dragon strand cages for rock wall tutorial (site sponsor)

 

[timw1]

I used oak that I stained with minwax and used a polyurethane to seal. The back wall is plywood with foam insulation spray to add depth. Driftwood pieces were secured to the plywood and inlaid into the foam, it's very sturdy. To finish off the back wall we covered the foam with silicone and coated the foam with coco fiber to look natural. Here is a pic of mine, if I can help just ask.

Tim

 

[timw1]

That pic was pre-chameleon. I let the enclosure settle in for a few months before adding our guy.The dirt was covered with screen before our panther moved in.

Quad light T5 from Light your reptile with 6% uvb
100 watt incandecent basking lamp on a newly added dimmer.
Mistking misting system.

 

[Stinger]

Nicely done.Looks fantastic

 

[timw1]

Nicely done.Looks fantastic

Thanks!

 

[P1986]

That pic was pre-chameleon. I let the enclosure settle in for a few months before adding our guy.The dirt was covered with screen before our panther moved in.

Quad light T5 from Light your reptile with 6% uvb
100 watt incandecent basking lamp on a newly added dimmer.
Mistking misting system.

Thanks for the information! As of right now, whenever I get a chance I try doing a bit of research whenever I can and so far this site has been an excellent source. As of right now the cage probably would be going in the basement since I don't have anywhere to put it on the other two levels. The basement is unfinished so do you think that just having a screen front would be ideal for ventilation and keep things more consistent? Also I learnt the hard way with my water dragon setup to make it light and easy to move. haha...if I were to make it into two separate pieces (stand and cage) and put a boarder or something to secure the cage. would that suffice? as of right now my thoughts to make the cage around 4'x2'x4' (LxWxH) plus the stand.

 

[timw1]

Well, you want the cage to dry out between misting's, just having a screen front might not do it. My enclosure sits on top of a washing machine tray with a drain in the center.