Malachi26
New Member
hello im new to this forum hopefully I posted this on the right one! I’m curious what everyone’s opinion on my set up is before I commit and buy the chameleon.
Basically, I wanted to set up an automated system so that I could keep a veiled chameleon in a sustainable environment for it to be happy. What I’ve done to attempt this... is a lot of work lol. Here’s what I got:
the tank is a 55 gal aquarium, I was aware that glass enclosures are not exactly ideal for chameleons due to the lack of air flow and ability to climb. So what I did was build an additional screen layer above. This doubles the height of the tank, and, allows me to significantly increase the air quality and air flow of the tank.
Now I added clay balls to make some sort of way for excess water to not pool and rot the plants. (kind of reminds me of an aquifer.) this allows me to mist the tank without flooding the plants or causing stagnant water to raise humidity levels.
I’ve incorporated several plants primarily golden pothos for a vining plant which should spread to the canopy eventually and ficus Benjamin for a shading plant.
The substrate is packed with isotopes and springtails to further clean the tank and prevent molds from being an issue.
I also placed several sticks about the tank to provide plenty of climbing space and varying basking points for my guy. I have a t5 hood with reptisun 10.0 uvb lights in it, as well as two 150 watt basking bulbs to provide the optimal basking temps of about 88-90 degrees. The shaded temp is about 65 degrees consistently. humidity stays at around 50% consistently except, when the fogger goes off. I haven’t decided if it should be twice a day for 30 minutes or just once. The fogger provides water to collect on all the leaves which, as far as I’m aware should provide all the water needs for the chameleon.
Going back to ventilation I added 2 mini fans that I have automated to turn on for 10 minutes every hour during the light cycle. This really helps circulate the air and maintain moderate to low humidity.
So that’s my set up I’ll add pictures so you can see how it looks.
basically I want to know if this is enough? I really care about all the animals I decide to take care of, and if I invest in this chameleon I want him to be as content as he can be.
Also my apologies for the HUGE post I guess I had a lot to say haha..
And all those wires will be moved, I’m just trying to get as consistent of a temperature read as I can.
Basically, I wanted to set up an automated system so that I could keep a veiled chameleon in a sustainable environment for it to be happy. What I’ve done to attempt this... is a lot of work lol. Here’s what I got:
the tank is a 55 gal aquarium, I was aware that glass enclosures are not exactly ideal for chameleons due to the lack of air flow and ability to climb. So what I did was build an additional screen layer above. This doubles the height of the tank, and, allows me to significantly increase the air quality and air flow of the tank.
Now I added clay balls to make some sort of way for excess water to not pool and rot the plants. (kind of reminds me of an aquifer.) this allows me to mist the tank without flooding the plants or causing stagnant water to raise humidity levels.
I’ve incorporated several plants primarily golden pothos for a vining plant which should spread to the canopy eventually and ficus Benjamin for a shading plant.
The substrate is packed with isotopes and springtails to further clean the tank and prevent molds from being an issue.
I also placed several sticks about the tank to provide plenty of climbing space and varying basking points for my guy. I have a t5 hood with reptisun 10.0 uvb lights in it, as well as two 150 watt basking bulbs to provide the optimal basking temps of about 88-90 degrees. The shaded temp is about 65 degrees consistently. humidity stays at around 50% consistently except, when the fogger goes off. I haven’t decided if it should be twice a day for 30 minutes or just once. The fogger provides water to collect on all the leaves which, as far as I’m aware should provide all the water needs for the chameleon.
Going back to ventilation I added 2 mini fans that I have automated to turn on for 10 minutes every hour during the light cycle. This really helps circulate the air and maintain moderate to low humidity.
So that’s my set up I’ll add pictures so you can see how it looks.
basically I want to know if this is enough? I really care about all the animals I decide to take care of, and if I invest in this chameleon I want him to be as content as he can be.
Also my apologies for the HUGE post I guess I had a lot to say haha..
And all those wires will be moved, I’m just trying to get as consistent of a temperature read as I can.