New Cage and Setup

[chuka1212]

OK, since this is my first cage setup, I thought I would run it by the experts here on the chameleon forums.

I set it up for a test run that will last as long as I can get conditions right and make up my dang mind about which species to get. But anyways, I would appreciate any feedback on the setup.

Here a full view of the tank:

Humidity is right around 60% with the dripper going and air stone in a water dish. When I turned these off at night, in the morning humidity was 58%. I am a bit concerned by this and would like to have it more around 75-80%, which I achieve with a misting and this level of humidity lasts for about an hour or so. Is this fluctuating level of humidity acceptable?? If not what can I do to up it?

Temperature: Night time ambient temp is about 69 degrees F. I have a basking spot in the upper left hand corner and the temperature under that bulb is 80, while daytime temp is right around 75.

Here is an inside view:

I am thinking I need another vine that curves the opposite direction as the current?

The plants I have are: Schefflera and Ficus benjamina, which I have heard are cham safe, right??

And final Q: Are these humidity gauges reliable? (they were sort of cheap which makes me wonder)

Well, let me know what you guys think needs improving and whatnot. I appreciate the feedback. Just so you know I am considering either a Jacksons or Rudis cham. Possibly a veiled, though I would have to upgrade my enclosure for him in the near future.

Thanks!

 

[arkist]

Im certainly no expert, so I yeild my oppinions to those who are. But here is my two cents.

The tempature and humidity required will be different depending the species you get. When you decide on a species, get the specific numbers, then alter your setup to acheive those numbers before your cham arrives.

Those types of gages are not the most accurate, but should suffice.

Are you cup feeding or free ranging? If your not cup feeding, I'd lose the substrate.

To me it feels like there is too much empty space, maybe more branches up in the upper right side would fill it up and give him more space roam.

 

[chuka1212]

So no substrate huh? Is that because of accidental ingestion? I was thinking the moss could help with humidity...

 

[Orchidartist]

Very nice set up! How big is the enclosure?

 

[Cainschams]

The moss will help the humidity but the risks out weigh the benifit. It is breeding ground for bacteria and ingestion can also happen. I would also agree you need some more climbing structures but you are on a good route researching and making sure your set up is perfect before you get your guy. Good luck with what ever species you choose.

 

[chuka1212]

Very nice set up! How big is the enclosure?

Hey thanks! It is a 22 gallon enclosure, if my math is right.

The moss will help the humidity but the risks out weigh the benefit. It is breeding ground for bacteria and ingestion can also happen.

I will now take out the substrate... would using paper towels be acceptable??

I think I will go with a Jacksons... is 60% humidity enough as an average for them (with mistings bringing it to 80% twice a day)?, or should I go with a veiled that requires a bit less humidity (or so I've heard)?

 

[Chase]

Nice! I like it, lots of plants.

 

[mczoo]

Background looks cool, I had the same idea to run it sideways but when I got it home today i saw my reflection in mine and was worried about the chameleon doing the same. check yours out. from what i have read this is very stressfull.

good luck

 

[Dankmeleon]

your cham is going to be pretty pissed about those sideways graffix hahahahaha just playing with you very well done


i think you'll find you need to come up with a drainage solution to keep your nice stuff dry!


also a quick suggestion for hanging a few vines vertically, at the top of your cage, unscrew on side and place some wire ties between the gap of the two cage sides, then screw it back together and voila you don't have to poke holes in your screen

 

[chuka1212]

Very good ideas thanks! I will tinker with the cage to avoid sticking holes in the screen, but since I am using small wires, it doesn't do too much damage.

I did the background because there is actually a mirror behind the cage attached to the dresser! So I had to pick the lesser of two evils, plus I thought the background would help with humidity by sort of blocking off one of 5 escape routes...

So I think I have finally made up my mind. Tomorrow or Wed I will order a CB Jackson's from LLL reptile... Any objections? I had a previous post about LLL reptiles and people said to avoid their WC chameleons, so I think I should be good with a CB.

Thanks again all!

 

[Brad Ramsey]

I would check out the jacks from flchams, firstchoice reptiles and lost lake chameleons
Jackson's need high humidity! All the montane species do ... 80 to 100%

-Brad

 

[chuka1212]

Now I'm thinking a veiled chameleon would be right for be based on the humidity post I posted, in which a few, including you Brad, said that it is not best to start with a montane species.

I checked out Lost Lake chams and they have a Turquiose X Sunburst Veiled for 110.00 with shipping. That is right in my price range, and is this some type of morph, or just a fancy way of saying I am getting a normal veiled?

Also if I'm going for color should I get a male, or do females exhibit as much color. I know their are foot spur differences, is that the only difference they have?

 

[ken2414]

the males show more color than the females and with males you dont have to worry about egg laying. if you still want to get a jacksons chameleon you could invest in a good mister like herpmist, this would allow you to keep the humidity at the right percentage.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

http://raisingkittytheveiledchameleon.blogspot.com/

-Brad

 

[chuka1212]

Thanks...

Awesome info Brad... I had actually run into your blog last night during my search for veiled information.

And ken, herpmist looks great! What a system, that may not be in the ol' budget right now, but I am sure I will get one later on...

Just a few more Q's-

About that supposed cross (Sunburst X turquoise) is that anything special??

Here is the link: http://www.lostlakechameleons.com/veiled.html - they are the two juveniles pictured about half way down the page.

Because if not, I found a male veiled juvenile for $80 locally as opposed to the $110, and it is also CB

Also, when can I expect to see some coloration in the juveniles?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Josh's veileds look great!
I would go that route if I were you.
My female came from him and she is awesome.

-Brad