New cage dynamics have changed overnight

[GarynTampa]

OK...so things were going well with my new Cham until I decided to add new artificial vines/leaves to the top and sides Sunday PM. The are very leafy and life-like and my whole idea was to make a backdrop to catch mist from my MistKing and provide additional drops of water for RANGO. From day 1 (last Thursday afternoon), he has been eating like a pig from my hand and drinking every time I mist and letting me handle him once a day.

Immediately after adding these vines/leaves, he investigated them, climbing back and forth acting happy. Then he took a couple of falls (very short ones, but falls just the same)(about 10" or so). Both times, he caught himself and has no injuries (whewwwwwwww). These falls were due to the flimsy leaves, I am assuming. I have (treated-natural) vines to now add to the top so he has something substantial to hang onto.

At 5:30ish last night, he was already headed down in the regular lower 1/3 of the cage, in his sleeping zone and by 6:00 PM was curled up and sleeping as usual.

I am using a ZooMed Combo light; 5.0 UVB 24" flourescent and 2 incandescent 60 watt heat lights (1-white and 1-red). By adding the leaves, they are now covering a small portion of the cage top (partially (barely) blocking the UBV light). The heat lights are also partially (barely) blocked (including the other Red light). The avg cage temp (digitally measured 24" from top, down to the sensor) is about 72 degrees, down from the earlier avg of 78+- degrees.

This morning, he was lethargic and didn't come from his sleeping zone until almost 10:00 AM to bask. (We are also still under the tropical storm watch from Debbie and it's still very overcast/dark outside).

I misted for 2 min. around 10:30 AM and he drank as usual. He would not eat from my hand as usual. It's 12:45 PM and he is back in his basking area...with his bright colors as though life is back to norm (except for not eating).

QUESTION: To compensate for the lower temps (if I keep the canopy vine/leaf as is), should I consider replacing the incandescent lights with 75 watts to add additional heat to the enclosure? I originally bought the red light so "see" him at night, which we don't do because of his sleep cycle.

I'm not getting extreme heat readings (now only 80-83 degrees under the basking spots) as opposed to the original basking spot readings of 92-95+ degrees before adding the vines/leaves.

I'm not in a panic state yet, but don't want to go much longer with the cooler temperatures. I can get another bulb in < 15 minutes from a Pet Shop.

His attitude has changed a llittle today when I open the cage door. He opens his mouth at me more frequently, but after the disruptive construction project last night, I really don't blame him for that.

I'm looking for a concensus (or different opinions) about the artificial vines/leaves and the temperature differences more than anything right now.

I'll monitor his appetite very closely and can deal with the slight aggression. That will change soon, as I have patience.

THANKS for any replies and suggestions from anyone!


Gary
Tampa, FL

 

[Hoj]

They can take a few days to get used to changes to their home. As well they are more in turn to the outside weather than I think we typically believe. If you are under a storm watch then he may be feeling diff, barometric pressures and what not that could be effecting him as well.
jmo

 

[GarynTampa]

I am hoping it just a little "adjustment" he's going through. Adding these vines last night adding a LOT of excitement to the cage.

I am very aware of how animals react to dropping barometers, and I also am hoping this may be part of the "package".

As mentioned, I'm monitoring his VERY CLOSELY, just to make sure.

Color-wise, he is still absolutely BEAUTIFUL, so he "looks" happy!

Thanks for your comments.

Gary
Tampa, FL

 

[Wykd]

pop a 100w 6500k cfl on top in addition to your existing lights and remove the red light. You just made the enclosure a bit darker also it sounds. He may be a bit confused and headed down earlier and less active because of that. A 100w 6500k cfl will add a minor amount of heat if any, and will give better bottom of enclosure light penetration.

The lights I mention are 1200 lumens I believe and that will get to the bottom of a 4ft tank some what. Plus any live plants in the enclosure will thank you for it also!

 

[laurie]

I agree, lose the red light, it may help you see at night but it disturbs his sleep. Several live pothos and a umbrella or ficus tree will also help.

 

[GarynTampa]

Wykd:

Unfortunately, I was "forced" to use the ZooMed Combination light and since I also use an additional 2.0 UVB light for my plants, I have "zero" room on the top of the cage.

This cage is 1 of 2 "focal" points in our living room, custom built into our entertainment center and my wife absolutely hated the dome-light look. I had to compromise with the combo light.

If I'm not mistaken, the combo light is only rated for 75 watts, and I will replace the 60 watt "red" light with a 75 watt heat light this afternoon.

If that is too hot, I can raise the combo light up only an additional 1-1/2 inches (or cut the custom base down).

I use a digital "spot" thermometer to get pinpoint temperature readings, so I can quickly tell if I also have to replace the remaining 60 watt white heat light too.

I totally understand your comments, but I just have NO SPACE for any additional fixtures.

This Cham has changed our lives in a matter of only 3 days, but WE LOVE HIM and will do whatever it takes to make him healthy and happy!

Gary
Tampa, FL

 

[Wykd]

you dont need the uvb 2.0 if you have a 5.0. The 6500k 100w cfl will do more for your plants than that uv 2.0 trust me, and will give better light penetration than it does. I run a 5.0, basking bulb and a 6500k bulb. Everyone likes it from the plants to the cham. You can buy those bulbs i refer to at lowes or walmart 2 for under 10.00 Also those ratings are for incandescent lights, cfl wattage is different, but you will see that if you go look at the bulbs i mentioned.

I would take the 2nd light in the dual dome and turn it off and give it 30 minutes then check your temp's. You should not need 2 heat sources going and it sounds like you have 2 in the double dome. Just sounds like you have tto much going on up top light wise and wll you need are 3 lights total, the tubular uvb 5.0 a 60w heat light and a 6500k day light for plants (because of the extra foliage you have).