my new cage...is this ok?

[treefrogfinder]

hey guys i just got a panther chameleon and this is his new enclosure. i was just wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions for what i might think about doing differently. i saw on another post that if your chameleons mouth is open it may be due to the lights being too hot and i saw somewhere else that they should be 10" from basking area. anyways just let me know what you think. thank you


cage: 16x16x30
plant: live cronos
water: waterfall system(front bottom left in pic if you can see it), little dripper, spray bottle (p.s. i have been using reptisafe water conditioner and am wondering if that is good or not)
heat: 100 watt basking bulb during day, 60 watt night basking bulb at night
uvb: 5.0
substrate: sphangum moss and fir bark

 

[junglefries]

You're gonna hate me now, love me later

Have to say: great attempt, in all seriousness. You really put in some effort. But, some things should be addressed. Waterfalls can produce bacteria. If you insist on keeping it, a filter or powerhead w/ sponge attachment is a must with frequent changes. I would remove it all together. Sorry. Plants and vines are okay. Night light can go. Complete darkness is a must. 100W basking light is probably too hot and would burn your chameleon. Check your temps. I see it is directly on top of the cage. The 5.0 is a good bulb, especially for a 30" tall cage, but a linear T5 (HO) would be better. No substrate. All sounds harsh, I know, but mean it in the best of spirits. You made a great attempt. If funds aren't all there slowly correct, as fast as possible. Enjoy

 

[xephyr17]

Have to agree with junglefries on this one. Looks good, the plant is great, but no substrate should be there and the waterfall could be a problem.

What do you use to check your temps? You'll wanna make sure that basking spot isn't too hot.

 

[crazychamzoo]

You need to lose the waterfall for sure. Your daytime basking spot should be low to mid 90's, with an ambient temp of low to mid 80s, humidity 70% but Panthers can be quite comfortable in lower humidity levels, average house typical of 45-55% humidity. Light off at night, temps can go as low as 60's at night, and your light duration should match sunrise to sunset in your area. Good start though.

 

[xephyr17]

Your daytime basking spot should be low to mid 90's...

Isn't that too hot unless they're an adult?

 

[crazychamzoo]

No, light source 10" to 12" from basking spot, low to mid 90s, the distance helps prevent burns, and the Chameleon will thermo regulate his/her own temp.

 

[treefrogfinder]

thanks

thanks so much for all the help guys i will make some adjustments ASAP. so even if the basking temp was right, I would still have to move the lights further away?

 

[jamjam]

i agree mid-low 90's for a young panther could be too hot. mid-high 80s depending on age may be more appropriate. some more foilage and vines will be a nice touch. lastly, crotons which is the kind of plant you have are somewhat toxic although there are people who use them and think also can be a skin irritant so keep an eye. they are gorgeous plants and had me thinking of getting one

 

[treefrogfinder]

what do you think might be a better alternative for my live plant?

 

[jamjam]

pothos and schefflera arboricola (umbrella plant) seem to be the absolute favourites. other common ones include ficus, hibiscus

 

[treefrogfinder]

awesome thank you!!

 

[jamjam]

what I have to put in or rotate in my cage to add character and add humidity are bromeliad, baby tears, ficus, hibiscus, pothos, wandering jew, some air plants and a schefflera

 

[treefrogfinder]

**update**

I just bought a temperature and humidity gauge today and OMG!!!. my basking spot was about 120 degrees. I hope I didnt cause any permanent damage to my chameleon, Cash(his name). I rigged up something to hoist the lights a little further away and now its about 98-99 at the highest basking point.my humidity is around 50 until I spray it which then is around 75. Let me know if this is still a little too warm and if I should raise it more.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Instead of the special basking bulb, just use a regular incandescent house bulb. I like the white frosted over the clear. I use 60-80 watts in winter and 40 during summer months.

No lights at night, total darkness. As long is your temperature doesnt drop below 50 degrees at night, you are fine with no heat.