Habitat for Carpet Chameleon

[kingfisherfleshy]

Hey guys - just doing as much research as possible on these before considering a purchase.

I think that I would get one male - and was reading elsewhere (as I could not find any details on housing carpet chams - Im search function challenged I guess) that one could be held in a volume of 25g.

I have a 29g tank.

It has been used for fish in the past, and most recently a snake.

It is very clean, and has been empty for a couple months.

Anyone think this would work?

I would use a hydroton base with weed barrier, some ABG mix, covered with sphagnum moss and leaf litter.

I might consider doing a greatstuff background covered in eco earth if you thought it was a good idea.

The top would be a screen top for ventalation, with a small hole for a mistking nozzle.

A UVB bulb and a heat lamp on opposite sides...mist x amount of times a day to keep humidity appropriate...anyone see any issues with this?

If the tank doesnt work I am going to want to DIY a small cage...Im pretty handy as long as the materials dont get too big for my tools.

Thanks

 

[Texas Panther Man]

With the amount of mistings and the lack of proper airflow I would ditch the fish tank idea. If it were a terrarium with screened sections at the bottom and top to create the chimney effect your idea would def work. I would go with the screened cage. And since your in Wi where Im sure you get dry cold winters you could cover the back and sides during winter to help retain humidity.

I kept my carpets in heavily planted screen cages 16x30's. Neat species, alot more secretive and hide alot more than panthers or veileds do. Mine would bask but they loved staying in their plants most of the time.

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

Thank you for the quick response.

Now I just need to figure out how I want to build one or if its cheaper to buy.

I have seen the several build threads in this area that were recently brought to light in another thread.

Anyone have anything else to say on habitat for these guys?

I love plants so densly planting wont be an issue.

If I were to DIY I think that I would build a base (6" or so) that was a plywood box.

Then you can buy large, clear plastic sheets at hardware stores...Im trying to find it but cant seem to have any luck.

I would cut one of these up for pieces to line the inside of the box, first coating the wood with black silicone, and then setting in the pieces while it was still wet.

Then I would push another bead of silicone into the joints of that.

From the outside I would add some wood that was coated or painted, to make a couple frames eseentially for the cage.

Then its just a matter of putting in screening - any recommendations?

One side of course needs to have hinges on the screen...and a latch.

I could cut pieces of the plastic previously mentioned to fit in over the screen to add humidity if necessary. Custom cut pieces of glass would also be cheap and work - and might actually be better as color wont change and they will not warp.

Also a chance of doing the top and back in glass to begin with. Comments appreciated here.

UVB/Daylight over the top, and a heatlamp somewhat to the side in one of the corners.

What does everyone think?

 

[lysinlight87]

I'm getting a carpet cham in about 6 weeks, so I'm trying to work out the best set-up for them too.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I think Zoo med (dont quote me on that manufacturer) makes a screened cage with a plexi front door. If I remember correctly those come in the smaller sizes that you would need. Ive considered trying those out for my baby grow out cages. I decided to go all screen because of price but since you only need one they look pretty nice. The plexi door allows for unobscured viewing. Dont know how the plexi would do with water spots though?

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

I'm getting a carpet cham in about 6 weeks, so I'm trying to work out the best set-up for them too.

Feel free to tag along, glad to have generated some interest.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6016+6018+21545&pcatid=21545&r=47

Heres what you are talking about I believe.

One thing I dont like is that the netting is metal - its aluminum but you still worry about corrosion. Why wouldnt they just use carbon fiber?

At $100 - (and Im sure there is a special shipping charge) I feel that I might be able to build mine more cheaply.

Wood glue, sealant, black silicone, sheet of that plastic stuff, screen, hingles, latch, - and I probably have most of that stuff lying around.

What size enclosure would be suitable for one of these - a male specifically?

 

[ISA my Veiled]

Honestly for what it is worth if you are looking to get a cage, I would go on either craigslist or amazon. Amazon Reptibreeze 24x24x48 inch is only $86 Shipped. Great deal! Or on craigslist you can find a ton of other deals so it is all about how much you look and where to look.

 

[maxttu]

I think Zoo med (dont quote me on that manufacturer) makes a screened cage with a plexi front door. If I remember correctly those come in the smaller sizes that you would need. Ive considered trying those out for my baby grow out cages. I decided to go all screen because of price but since you only need one they look pretty nice. The plexi door allows for unobscured viewing. Dont know how the plexi would do with water spots though?

I know penn plax (?) makes one with the acrylic front door...

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

Honestly for what it is worth if you are looking to get a cage, I would go on either craigslist or amazon. Amazon Reptibreeze 24x24x48 inch is only $86 Shipped. Great deal! Or on craigslist you can find a ton of other deals so it is all about how much you look and where to look.

Im going to check CL now - and reptibreeze I have yet to check out. Checked out another sponsor that had cages for cheaper prices like that as well.

I have a 125g apartment - house plants, multiple small aquariums, and soon to be aquaria based vivaria.

I am thinking that I might be okay on the humidity front - especially with the mist king.

I could add a fogger too?

Any suggestions on that humidity front? As it seems to be the biggest issue.

What sort of structure should I include?

Thanks again everyone

 

[coldbloodedAL]

I know penn plax (?) makes one with the acrylic front door...

It is penn plax, and they are VERY nice cages imo. My only complaint is the door is a little heavy and sags so it must be lifted slighty when shutting it. 9out of 10 in my book. 10 times better than rustibreezes

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

Contacted some people on CL - including one with an exo terra in its box.

That would be ideal.

Again, how big for one of these? This was the medium sized one, I think it should work for one.

 

[pssh]

What are the dimensions on the medium sized one? The reptibreeze cages tend to rust really quickly and the LLL reptiles screen cages are better in my opinion. An exo terra would work great if it's big enough.

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

Its 24" x 18" x 18"

Thanks!