Glass vivarium and decor

[Sast]

I'm in the process of decorating my vivarium but struggling to keep sticks/logs/braches in place.

Obviously glass being smooth they just slide out of place. And when they are actually in place i'm not confident they will stay.

Any tips?


I'm thinking suction cups and cable ties?

 

[kdc5019]

what species are you keeping in your terrarium?

for my pygmys i use 1/4" cork board and put it on the sides and back, then to hold the panels up i just use pressure from sticks going horizontally.

 

[Sast]

Cork board isn't a bad idea.

I'll be keeping a panther cham.

The board would eliminate any issues with reflection too!

 

[kdc5019]

What size exo terra do you have?
If your housing a panther you need the XL cage. 36"w x 18"d x 36"t

Glass is not the recommended enclosure style for panthers. Screen enclosure are recommended for proper ventilation.

However that doesn't mean it can't be done. Your cleanliness needs to be on point as well monitoring temps closely and glass vivs tend to hold a lot of heat especially with the temps needed for basking for a panther. Be sure to always have constant air flow so air does not become stagnant.

 

[Sast]

It's 45x45x60cm atm but it's only for the juvenile stage, the vivarium material/style isn't a concern for me right now.

 

[NHenn]

I have to agree with Kyle on all of this. I wouldn't recommend using that small of a glass cage for a panther. When they are little you can get away with using a smaller screen cage as there is still plenty of air flow and you can better regulate the temperature gradients that are needed. As they get older, you upgrade to a larger size.

With a glass cage, it doesn't work the same way. In a cage that small it will act as a mini oven since you will still be required to have the same lighting as you would with a screen cage and there will be very little air flow through the cage. They need different levels within the cage to achieve different body temperatures and a small glass cage will not offer that. Also, you will run into drainage issues the very first day. If you are misting correctly, you will more than likely have pools of water in the bottom of the cage as it has no where to go.

I would highly recommend you looking into another cage (Screen) for your panther. The Exo Terra cages are great and I love them but not for panthers unless it is the XL version.

 

[Sast]

Whilst I appreciate your comments, i'd be grateful if you stuck to the subject instead of bashing my choice of vivarium.

EDIT - not that I should have to explain my choice to anyone, the terrarium has a screen roof which in my climate (UK) will be sufficient until I get a bigger screen vivarium when he gets a bit bigger.

 

[NHenn]

I am in no means bashing, just offering a recommendation. I would hate to see you have problems with your new panther that is all.

As for sticks, I use cork board in all my vivs as well to hold them up.

Best of luck with your little one.

 

[Sast]

I am in no means bashing, just offering a recommendation. I would hate to see you have problems with your new panther that is all.

As for sticks, I use cork board in all my vivs as well to hold them up.

Best of luck with your little one.

Was perhaps a little strong in the wording with my reply, didn't intend it to come across like that.

it's all good

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I have used magnets before in glass vivs. I used hot glue to attach a magnet to the stick then put another on the outside of the glass. If you get strong magnets, they hold VERY well.

As for the glass viv... I know you don't want to hear it, but I kept a young female panther in one and within a few weeks she had developed an RI. It took more than a month of 3 visits a week to the vet to clear it up. I also moved her into a screen cage after the first visit to the vet.

Just keep a close eye on your little one, they can develop problems VERY fast!

 

[laurie]

Hello, I will offer a very easy answer to your questions. send a pm to Dooley1. He keeps all his chams in terrariums, with no problems!!! His terrariums are just beautiful. I am looking at setting up one now for a quadcornis, which is not a small chameleon. Good Luck!