Got a new veiled chameleon last night! First time!

[Rockythechameleon]

Thank you! If you take the substrate out and add a drainage system and more branches, vines, and plant cover, he’ll be fine until after Christmas. Automated misters are easier if you can afford them. I’d recommend a MistKing or CliMist. An Exo Terra Monsoon Multi will also do, but some people have problems with them. Or you can make your own! With a glass cage, you probably won’t be able to mist as long as 2 minutes without seriously raising the humidity above what’s recommended for a veiled (40-70%). Live plants also help raise humidity. A digital reptile thermometer/hygrometer combo from the pet store with probes always works for humidity and basking temperature monitoring. I use them as well as a temp gun and digital thermometer/hygrometer combo from the hardware store.

How would you recommend adding a drainage system?

 

[ERKleRose]

How would you recommend adding a drainage system?

For an easy fix, I’d get some egg crate/lighting diffuser from the hardware store, cut it to the size of the bottom of the cage, layer it up, and add a moss mat over it so he can’t drink the standing water. Then, when the water level reaches the moss mat, siphon out the water. Again, let me know if you need more explaining!

 

[ERKleRose]

Also, if you or someone you know is at least somewhat handy, you can easily build a big cage very cheap!

 

[Rockythechameleon]

Also, if you or someone you know is at least somewhat handy, you can easily build a big cage very cheap!

Okay, I'm sorry, but I am just not following about the purpose of a drainage system. Is this for the water pump that I have so that I can still use it to have water going down my stump or what?

 

[ERKleRose]

Okay, I'm sorry, but I am just not following about the purpose of a drainage system. Is this for the water pump that I have so that I can still use it to have water going down my stump or what?

No problem! It’s for all of the excess water from the dripper and mistings. It’s purpose is to have no exposed standing water that you’re cham can drink and get sick off of.

 

[Rockythechameleon]

No problem! It’s for all of the excess water from the dripper and mistings. It’s purpose is to have no exposed standing water that you’re cham can drink and get sick off of.

Okay, so should I keep the pump for looks or take it out completely?

 

[ERKleRose]

Okay, so should I keep the pump for looks or take it out completely?

Is it a pump for a water feature that recycles the water or a dripper?

 

[Rockythechameleon]

Is it a pump for a water feature that recycles the water or a dripper?

It recycles the water and flows through the stump and slowly flows down it.

 

[ERKleRose]

It recycles the water and flows through the stump and slowly flows down it.

I’d toss or sell it. Zoo Med has Little and Big Drippers that aren’t too expensive if you don’t want to make your own. I’d recommend that instead. With chameleons, even with proper biological and chemical filtration, it’s tricky using recycled water.

 

[Rockythechameleon]

I’d toss or sell it. Zoo Med has Little and Big Drippers that aren’t too expensive if you don’t want to make your own. I’d recommend that instead. With chameleons, even with proper biological and chemical filtration, it’s tricky using recycled water.

That really sucks because I just spent $50 on that thing

 

[ERKleRose]

That really sucks because I just spent $50 on that thing

Sell it to make some return or use it with another animal if you can. You can also use it as a pump to drain your water build up if it can work like that!

 

[Rockythechameleon]

Sell it to make some return or use it with another animal if you can. You can also use it as a pump to drain your water build up if it can work like that!

Do you have any idea where I can sell the pump and the current terrarium I have?

 

[ERKleRose]

Do you have any idea where I can sell the pump and the current terrarium I have?

Here, on dart frog forums, fresh or saltwater fish keeping forums, Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, Offer Up, etc.

 

[Rockythechameleon]

Here, on dart frog forums, fresh or saltwater fish keeping forums, Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, Offer Up, etc.

Thank you so much for your help! I'll let you know how things go in a few weeks!

 

[ERKleRose]

Thank you so much for your help! I'll let you know how things go in a few weeks!

Happy to help! Definitely keep us updated! What I’d do is make a list of everything needed and price it out. We can help you get what’s best for hopefully the best price!

 

[Repti]

If you are looking for a cheap yet really good cage go to https://www.diycages.com/collection...ducts/sc4-48x24x24-jumbo-vertical-screen-cage that links you directly to a minimum size enclosure that is cheap yet very good and it’s on sale right now.

 

[ERKleRose]

Zoo Med ones are usually only $99. DIY Cages does have bigger ones than that, too.

 

[ERKleRose]

Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage, Extra Large, 24 x 24 x 48-Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001PHABI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_2JScCb9HMVXBK

 

[ERKleRose]

Depending on your handiness level, type of material, and complication of the build, you can build your own for as little as probably around $50-80, if not less.

 

[Repti]

And if you build your own you can go as big as you like