Need help with my setup

[Gargamel]

So I am planning to get a Jackson's Chameleon soon.... This is my setup I am going to buy... Let me know how this look.. or if you know of any better options..

http://www.petguys.com/-09761209112...tm_medium=GoogleShopping&utm_campaign=PetGuys

http://www.petguys.com/-015561221920.html

http://www.petguys.com/-097612321700.html


Also, I live in Florida and the temperature right now is almost 95 degrees outside.. So I am wondering.. Do I even need any kind of heat lamp? I know they need the sun but if he is in such a naturally warm climate and I don't usually run the AC.. only ceiling fans so it stays around 85 degrees inside almost all year long...
Can he simply get whatever vitamins he needs from powders or liquids rather than a lamp? because he surely doesn't need it for heat...

And if he does need the lamp, how long should I leave it on daily for him to bask in?

Thanks you're all very sexy

 

[melble68]

This enclosure will be pretty nice for the first year, but then get graduate to the 2x2x4 as a permanent home. You want to be careful with this HUGE lamp you are looking at. To me it seems awefully large for what you would be needing for a little Jackson's. I cut and pasted right from the link you posted on it. Be careful not to have it close so your Jackson's would get burnt. You will not need any "heat" lamp at night. Jackson's don't require as high of temps as Panthers and Veileds. You want them to be able to regulate their temps especially in the evenings. Make sure you pay especial attention to the specific care sheets. https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/jacksons/

Dial in you temps and humidity. Get a temp gun, thermometer, and mister. Figure out what you are going to do w/ your drainage. Have fun, and good luck. 12 hour light cycles are typically used. BTW, "I'm sexy?????" HUH????


"The Exo Terra Solar Glo is especially suited for larger terrariums where reptiles can regulate their exposure. Also recommended when very high UVB intensity is required, such as breeding programs and for reptiles recovering form metabolic bone disease. 125 watt size is appropriate for medium to large size terrariums with a minimum height of 30 inches."

 

[Lathis]

Don't get one of those "all in one, ready to go" starter kits - you will end up buying a bunch of stuff you don't need.

Save yourself some money and buy the 24x24x48 cage (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...s/-/24-x-24-x-48-inch-aluminum-screen-cage-5/). You can always lift the plants or adjust the bottom if you need it to be smaller. Jacksons are very active climbers and need a lot more space than you might think, given that they are smaller chameleons. Get the drainage tray too (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...-/24-x-24-x-36-screen-cage-water-tray-5-tray/) - Jacksons need a lot of water so you will constantly be fighting drainage issues; the tray is totally worth the money.

Don't buy the Solar Glow. You don't need a fancy, expensive bulb for heat - you can use a regular house bulb for that. Get yourself one or two of these clamp lamps (http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-150-Watt-Incandescent-Clamp-Light-HD-300PDQ/205031467) and use 75 watt house bulbs. You really do want two separate bulbs - reptiles need be able to regulate BOTH their temperature and UVB exposure. That's why two lights are the preferred method. Plus, the SolarGlow will likely get way too hot.

You will need a separate UVB lamp. Get the 24" fixture (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...light-fixtures/-/24-fluorescent-hood-fixture/) and remember that it takes 18" bulbs (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...por-bulbs/-/zoo-med-18-repti-sun-50-uvb-bulb/). You will need to replace the UVB light every 6 months, so spend your money here, not on the Solar Glow. You will want the 5.0 strength for a normal sized cage.

No lights or heater at night. Jacksons like cooler temps, so unless your house drops below 50s at night, he won't need night heat. No red lights at all. White light for the day; nothing at night.

For supplements, you will need at least two items. Plain calcium with no D3 or phosphorous for use 2-3 times a week (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...-and-vitamins/-/repashy-supercal-nod-3oz-jar/) and a multivitamin with D3 for use once every 4 weeks (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...nd-vitamins/-/zoo-med-reptivite-with-d3-2-oz/). Buy small jars because a little goes a LONG way.


Other places where you should invest some money:

Timer for your lights (make it easy on yourself!). This is the time I have and I really like it (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...and-timers/-/zilla-analog-timer-power-center/).

Digital hygrometer/thermometer so you can monitor temperatures and humidity. This is the one I have; it's reasonably accurate (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...a-digital-thermometer--hygrometer-with-probe/).

If you can, get real sticks (free!) and bake them in the oven for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. The ExoTerra jungle vines area also very handy (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...rarium-accents/-/exo-terra-jungle-vine-small/).

I recommend real plants - check the local Home Depot for "Golden Pothos" and "Shefflera Arbicola" - they should be on sale pretty shortly! I found mine last spring for about $10 each. Both types are very hardy and great for chameleons. You'll want to get either some large river rocks or the cocomat to cover the dirt (http://www.homedepot.com/p/CobraCo-22-in-Replacement-Coconut-Liner-CLH20-HD15/100662625).

Get a dripper (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...ers-and-humidifiers/-/zoo-med-little-dripper/) and a pressurized hand mister (http://www.lllreptile.com/store/cat...pers-and-humidifiers/-/pressure-spray-bottle/).

Don't waste your money on a waterfall. They are not recommended for chameleons, but some pet stores will try to sell you one anyway.

Eventually, you may want to invest in an automated mister system. There are several brands that are notorious for breaking. Avoid the Monsoon, HabbaMist, Reptirain, and Reptifogger. Get a MistKing (http://www.mistking.com/Starter-Misting-System-MKMSN.html) or an Aquazamp (http://www.aquazamp.com/Hydration_Systems/Misting_Systems/Premium_Keeper_Misting_Nozzle_System) starter kit. They are expensive, but they won't waste your money.

Whew! That's a lot of info - just trying to share some nuggets of wisdom Remember to have fun, though. Setting up the enclosure and getting everything just right is sooooooo much fun, but it can get expensive. Take your time and enjoy yourself!

This may also help out:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/chameleons/

We're always here if you have questions or need help with something!