Living Habitat

[Peter Kraemer]

Currently all I have is the furniture (36x18x24 exo-terra).

Nice, but nothing for Chameleons. The ventilation on front is far too small for a acceptable air change.

I am a glass-cage-fan, but the cages differs from Your´s.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/everyone-who-knows-you-31937/index7.html#post297519

Then again, I kind of like the idea of a pondless waterfall (miniture of coarse). What do you think?

Never ever!!!!

Peter

 

[Pure]

Peter, the viv this person is using is the same one that Chris uses, just a larger version. The one's you posted in that thread are nice, but just do not exist over here, unless you have them custom made from someone like glasscages.com. The exoterra has enough air flow for this species (small Montane) the OP is keeping. Hence the whole reason behind Chris' post/thread. It may not be adequate for Veileds or panthers, but even then there are those who do use them. Some things like a small fan on the top pulling air out, not pointed in helps.

 

[InGoodHands]

Yea you guys are right. You can tell if bacteria is starting to develop because you can touch the bottom and it feels slimy in a little over 1 day. But, develops slower in moving water.

 

[drewtt]

Drippers are easier, plus the chams can't poop or drown in them like they are prone to do with waterfalls.

I'm all for supporting not using waterfalls for sanitary reasons, but chams are prone to drowning in exo-terra waterfalls?

 

[Sage]

The only way a chmap can drown itself in the waterfall i have is if it opens its mouth under the running water and doesnt breatthe or if its a tiny tiny little guy and slides between the rocks

 

[luevelvet]

I can't wait until someone who has great luck with waterfalls start that thread...

All I can add to this discussion is that there are issues with all methods of watering. While the concerns with waterfalls are valid, misting the entire cage can also be very problematic. Bacteria and mold can too flourish on constantly damp leaves and other cage furnishings.

I've found that drippers are the easiest method to provide water throughout the day without creating an unsanitary environment. Just change position every day or two to make sure the same leaves aren't constantly wet and you're good to go. I'm still ironing out the little quirks with having drippers fed by the mistking system. Once that is done I will employ them in all of our cages and cut back the mistings. But you'll have to be careful how much you drip into your vivarium. The soil cannot be constantly saturated either.

In the end, it's all a balance of providing water but still allowing the environment to dry out to prevent bacterial and fungal issues. Whatever method you employ, ensure you take the other side of the coin into consideration.

Luis

 

[ijmccollum]

okay, the hydroponic balls I ordered from a gardening outlet arrived today. A 10 L bag cost me the same as one 2.5lb bag I got at the SLC reptile expo. I know that sounds severe but by the time I paid a low order fee and shipping, it comes out about the same. If I had known I would have picked it up last month at the show. I won't get around to rinsing the stuff till this weekend and probably not get the layered substrate in till at least next week, so things will be slow in the making here. Then there is of course the highly debated watering. I did try a filtered fountain with my red-eyes and found that it was difficult to keep clean and since there are no "secrets" to maintaining one, I will most likely go with some sort of drip system. Since I am still a newbie to the wonderful world of Chams I appreciate all input and I know there are some world class habitat designers and caretakers out there. I thank you all who have previously posted and also to those in advanve of posting. There is still the issue of plants, etc., etc...

 

[pssh]

With a drip there won't be enough drainage in a glass cage so some people use a catch bowl, however it needs to be covered with a screen so that your Cham can't drink it or drown in it and feeders don't fall in.