Help/feedback on a huge enclosure I’m making

[Beman]

Looking great... Note... Depending on your UVB type you want to make sure you have branches positioned at the right distance. Based on what I am seeing here you may need to increase UVB bulb to a 12% T5HO. Make sure the fixture extends the width of the enclosure. But Also with the 12% you will get farther penetration into the cage through aluminum screen. Your going to have a distance from bottom of fixture on screen to the branch of roughly 12 inches to get a 3 UVI. Where a 5.0 or 6% bulb you would only get a 8-9 inch distance to branch.

 

[stickenstein]

Update with more branches and ya boy testing it out!

 

[stickenstein]

Looking great... Note... Depending on your UVB type you want to make sure you have branches positioned at the right distance. Based on what I am seeing here you may need to increase UVB bulb to a 12% T5HO. Make sure the fixture extends the width of the enclosure. But Also with the 12% you will get farther penetration into the cage through aluminum screen. You’re going to have a distance from bottom of fixture on screen to the branch of roughly 12 inches to get a 3 UVI. Where a 5.0 or 6% bulb you would only get a 8-9 inch distance to branch.

I’ve got the solarmeter so I will definitely adjust based on the readings once all the lights arrive. I shouldn’t put any branches higher in order to avoid burns, right? This guy is my first chameleon of the crew and he had a back burn early on.

 

[Beman]

I’ve got the solarmeter so I will definitely adjust based on the readings once all the lights arrive. I shouldn’t put any branches higher in order to avoid burns, right? This guy is my first chameleon of the crew and he had a back burn early on.

So your rule of thumb with a T5HO single bulb fixture and aluminum screen is 8-9 inches from bottom of fixture to branch with a 5.0 or 6% UVB bulb. OR 11-12 inches from bottom of fixture to branch with a 10.0 or 12% bulb. Both of these will achieve the 3 UVI at basking.

If you switched over to dual or quad fixture then there are more variables that I can go over with you.

 

[GrannyK]

This is beautiful and I have so enjoyed watching it come together! You have done wonderful work on this and little darling is going to be so happy once he’s settled.
Awesome work!!!

 

[stickenstein]

This is beautiful and I have so enjoyed watching it come together! You have done wonderful work on this and little darling is going to be so happy once he’s settled.
Awesome work!!!

Thank you so much! I’m reworking it a bit but the goal is to make the ultimate comfort home for him! I appreciate all the kindness and support from everyone here

 

[stickenstein]

Time for another update!

I installed the MistKing system with nozzles at the corners and center (total of 6). This is giving it a nice even coverage of mist/rain throughout the enclosure. I was considering adding another in the center but I don’t think it needs it as of now.

I added some more pieces of wood/branches to give him more climbing space. I also added in a handful of small limestone rocks that I mixed into the soil as added calcium for the clean-up crew.

Next was the lights. I had the Fluval Aquasky LED bar set up and added a Fluval Plant LED bar too. I took the advice on upgrading the bulb strength for the UVB and I’m happy to have success with that, I have a clear 3.0 UVI reading at his basking spots with the 12% T5 bulb. Thank you @Beman!

The pothos don’t seem to be doing too hot in the upper level so I’m trying to troubleshoot those but will probably replace them with bromeliads or similar.

I checked the soil/cork for my isopods and found a few of them very quickly, they seem to be thriving so I’m hopeful that continues.

The next step is to sort out the glass front/doors. I’m looking into using hinges but if anyone has better experience with sliders, let me know what you think!

 

[Beman]

Time for another update!

I installed the MistKing system with nozzles at the corners and center (total of 6). This is giving it a nice even coverage of mist/rain throughout the enclosure. I was considering adding another in the center but I don’t think it needs it as of now.

I added some more pieces of wood/branches to give him more climbing space. I also added in a handful of small limestone rocks that I mixed into the soil as added calcium for the clean-up crew.

Next was the lights. I had the Fluval Aquasky LED bar set up and added a Fluval Plant LED bar too. I took the advice on upgrading the bulb strength for the UVB and I’m happy to have success with that, I have a clear 3.0 UVI reading at his basking spots with the 12% T5 bulb. Thank you @Beman!

The pothos don’t seem to be doing too hot in the upper level so I’m trying to troubleshoot those but will probably replace them with bromeliads or similar.

I checked the soil/cork for my isopods and found a few of them very quickly, they seem to be thriving so I’m hopeful that continues.

The next step is to sort out the glass front/doors. I’m looking into using hinges but if anyone has better experience with sliders, let me know what you think!

View attachment 361296

Happy to help... I had a feeling with the distance you would for sure need the 12%. You will have a burn in period with the bulb. So in another 2 weeks or so check levels again. I have never had an issue of them dropping below a 3UVI at the back of the cham but it is a good thing to double check.

Pothos can get pissy at first. Make sure they have water and see how they do in a few days with the lighting on.

 

[ToastyCham]

Time for another update!

I installed the MistKing system with nozzles at the corners and center (total of 6). This is giving it a nice even coverage of mist/rain throughout the enclosure. I was considering adding another in the center but I don’t think it needs it as of now.

I added some more pieces of wood/branches to give him more climbing space. I also added in a handful of small limestone rocks that I mixed into the soil as added calcium for the clean-up crew.

Next was the lights. I had the Fluval Aquasky LED bar set up and added a Fluval Plant LED bar too. I took the advice on upgrading the bulb strength for the UVB and I’m happy to have success with that, I have a clear 3.0 UVI reading at his basking spots with the 12% T5 bulb. Thank you @Beman!

The pothos don’t seem to be doing too hot in the upper level so I’m trying to troubleshoot those but will probably replace them with bromeliads or similar.

I checked the soil/cork for my isopods and found a few of them very quickly, they seem to be thriving so I’m hopeful that continues.

The next step is to sort out the glass front/doors. I’m looking into using hinges but if anyone has better experience with sliders, let me know what you think!

View attachment 361296

It looks so awesome! This is such a good build!

 

[Sonny13]

Stunning

 

[stickenstein]

It looks so awesome! This is such a good build!

Thank you so much! It was so much work but it’s so worth it. Now my poor veiled is looking all frumpy in his old/current setup so I’m sure I’ll be building another soon.

 

[stickenstein]

Stunning

I’m glad I took your advice on the background!

 

[Beman]

Oh and my two cents on the doors... If you are going to have pull out doors I would go with Acrylic not glass. This way they are very light in comparison. If you do glass put them on a slider system so the cage supports the weight not hinges.

 

[stickenstein]

Oh and my two cents on the doors... If you are going to have pull out doors I would go with Acrylic not glass. This way they are very light in comparison. If you do glass put them on a slider system so the cage supports the weight not hinges.

Thanks, I’ve been stumped on this for a minute since this is my first ever build!

Would acrylic be more susceptible to scratches and unsightly damage, etc. than glass? I definitely want it to stay clear and clean with easier upkeep if possible. I was thinking glass is probably better for that but correct me if I’m wrong!

 

[Beman]

Thanks, I’ve been stumped on this for a minute since this is my first ever build!

Would acrylic be more susceptible to scratches and unsightly damage, etc. than glass? I definitely want it to stay clear and clean with easier upkeep if possible. I was thinking glass is probably better for that but correct me if I’m wrong!

So good acrylic sheets hold up pretty dang well. They will scratch though. If your wanting the easiest for wiping down and a perfectly clear view then go with glass on slider system. That would be the best if you want a perfect view and no scratch risk. I suppose if you built frames you could do glass on hinges as well. Would allow for a thinner glass option that way which would be lighter. I am just thinking and have never done this lol. I am a in my head I can work it out person but not always does it work when put into action lol.