I just finished my temporary setup for my Panther chameleon I'll be getting at the end of this month. I think I did pretty good! But always welcome to opinions. I'll have to build a larger enclosure as my chameleon grows, being male. Save this if I ever get a female. As for details for the pic: the larger dome is a Reptisun 5.0 UVB bulb. The smaller dome(behind large dome 1inch higher, could only attach one pic) a ExoTerra 75W basking bulb. A MistKing misting system. Hibiscus, ficus and pothos plants with coconut husk and sand mixture for soil, covered in river rocks. I think that about covers it. What do you pros think? Be easy haha...
How does my setup look? Opinions?
- Thread starter odavie
- Start date
MamatoElvis
Member
Looks great but I'd try to add a few more hortzontal branches. That's where they spend most of their time. I'm not completely sure about this but I've seen some debate lately about the compact UVB lights. I believe the tube lights are much more effective. I'm hoping someone who is more experienced will chime in.
AESara
Member
Here's a recent thread discussing issues that have been seen due to CFLs (compact fluorescent bulbs such as the one you currently use for UVB). There's some great information there.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/effects-cfls-143586/
This is specifically talking about CFLs used for UVB, but I would suggest avoiding them entirely. I had a CFL to assist with plant growth, and I noticed that my cham seemed more active after I removed it. Coincidence? Maybe, but I am opting to avoid these bulbs nonetheless.
The linear bulbs, in addition to being safer, cover a wider area of the cage. This means it's more likely your cham will get its needed UVB.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/effects-cfls-143586/
This is specifically talking about CFLs used for UVB, but I would suggest avoiding them entirely. I had a CFL to assist with plant growth, and I noticed that my cham seemed more active after I removed it. Coincidence? Maybe, but I am opting to avoid these bulbs nonetheless.
The linear bulbs, in addition to being safer, cover a wider area of the cage. This means it's more likely your cham will get its needed UVB.
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AESara
Member
I am not a houseplant expert, so could you let us know what types of plants you have in there? I think you could use a couple more bendy vines, and sticks are also great since they provide different sized perches (it gives them foot exercise). To me, the placement looks nice as long as the plants are safe and you have the soil (which should be organic) covered up with rocks too big for the cham to eat. My main suggestion would be to provide some more perching space and cover at the top since the cham will want to be up there most of the time.
For the linear bulb, yes you can put it right on top of the screen. They don't get too hot. Even after 12 hours on mine is just a little warm to the touch.
There is a hibiscus, a ficus and a pothos vine. They've all been washed and are in coconut husk and sand topped with rocks. I changed the vine to add more top perches towards the front and stood the driftwood up more away from my plants. The plants, mainly the pothos vine growing like crazy should be a good amount of climbing range soon. Everyone says pothos grow and cover a vivarium quickly, so picture the plant hanging up top covering the empty space. Then maybe I can throw the thin version of my vine all through there to complete it. But like I said I'll have to build a bigger one once he gets bigger. And I'm going to switch to a linear bulb to be safe. Here's a new pic after I changed the vine around and stood the driftwood up more.
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reptileguy112
Member
Its terrible.
reptileguy112
Member
Just kidding
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