Please evaluate my enclosure

[Orchidartist]

Hi!

I would really appreciate some input so I can be ready for my next Cham. I hope to get an Ambilobe, please let me know if I have the right conditions. I built this cage from a laundry rack at Ikea. It is about 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep...probably bigger Im guesstimating. Its in my room where it is very warm, 16-18C nights 23-28C day. I grow 100+ orchids in this room so the RH is almost always 50-60%. I have a Repti-Glo 10.0 UVB light and a regular fluorescent fixture(for the plants) on top. I dont have a mister or dripper, but spray/water at least once a day to keep the plants alive. Please let me know what I need to do to make this the perfect cage for a new Cham!!

 

[Julirs]

I would not be comfortable with all the mossy stuff everywhere-seems like impaction waiting to happen. That large of a cage will be fine for an adult but if you are getting anything younger you want to start them out in a smaller cage. You will of course need a basking lamp and spray at least 3X daily for 3-5 minutes...

 

[ChromaChameleons]

The cage interior looks spectacular. The day time temps are somewhat high at 28C. You want to produce a temperature gradient . Easiest way to do that is start with room temps in the low 70Fs and set a basking light at the top to produce a Temp in the high 80Fs - low90Fs. Than your cham can choose its most comfortable strata.

I assume your using a linear tube 10.0 and not a compact flourescent. I'd opt for 5.0 next time you replace the tube. Tubes need changing every 6 - 12 months depending on manufacturer.

Is there any fertilizer or pesticide in the environment from your Orchids? Could be detrimental to the cham.

The cage itself might be challenging to a young juvi as far as finding food is concerned. It is a big enclosure. Keep an eye on any youngsters that you put into it. Be certain they are finding food and eating.

Other than a few small tweaks , I think you are good to go.

 

[dodolah]

Hi!

I would really appreciate some input so I can be ready for my next Cham. I hope to get an Ambilobe, please let me know if I have the right conditions. I built this cage from a laundry rack at Ikea. It is about 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep...probably bigger Im guesstimating. Its in my room where it is very warm, 16-18C nights 23-28C day. I grow 100+ orchids in this room so the RH is almost always 50-60%. I have a Repti-Glo 10.0 UVB light and a regular fluorescent fixture(for the plants) on top. I dont have a mister or dripper, but spray/water at least once a day to keep the plants alive. Please let me know what I need to do to make this the perfect cage for a new Cham!!

I would opt for ReptiSUN 5.0 than a ReptiGLO.
You will need a basking lamp for heat source (UVA).
Auto Mister is a great addition if you have the money.
Misting once a day is usually not enough. Most people will recommend at least twice a day per 5 minutes length.

The moss/ substrate like thing (Like Julirs said) also concern me.
Anything that can cause a possible impaction needed to be out of the cage.
The cage furnitures are definitely gorgeous. But, you have to weigh the option of practicality into the equation. Will it be easy for you to clean?
Chameleons poop wherever they want. With that complicated interior, you might have a hard time to clean.

Also, i see you are using chicken wire for the cage.
So, I'm guessing you will cup feed your chameleon?
If you want free roam method, you need to get smaller hole screen.

 

[Orchidartist]

Thank you for your responses!

The inside is Great stuff foam covered in Cocoa Peat...I dont know what impaction isbut I really do not want to remove it all. I have seen many vivariums with a cocoa peat back, is this harmful? Its very easy to clean. The plants were all unpotted and washed off before replanting.

The lighting I have is a compact 13W repti-glo. Should I exchange it for a Repti Sun? Or should I get a linear tube light instead? I will also be needing another light for UVA? I want to make absolutly sure I get the lighting right.

Temperature wise, 28C would be the absolute max mid-summer kinda thing. I have no AC in my room...temps are mostly around 25C.

I have a smaller mesh/glass enclosure for when hes still small.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[ChromaChameleons]

Compact flourescents are controversial rigt now , as several manufacturers have produced lamps that have phosphores that produce a spike of visible light that is known to blind chameleons.

read here:

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/

regarding impaction. You want to avoid your cham ingesting any substrates. The larger and coarser the pieces the more dangerous. Substrates such as bark or wood chips would be the worst. Substrates such as coco fibre would be the least worse. Safest is no substrate at all.

 

[SoCaliSon]

Impaction is caused when reptiles ingest things that they can not properly digest. It basically pluggs up their works and as you can imagine is very detramental and not mention probably incredibaly uncomfortable. Most Chams will try to take a taste of anything they can in their cage, and things can also be accidntly ingested while eating. This is why there is a pretty specific list of safe plants that people stick too... and why pople try to steer away from anything that is loose or that could be picked/bitten/torn off that is not edible... And also know that just becuase the bag says they "can" digest it... Doesn't mean that they should. I know the moss looks awesome.. but I would also have to recommend ditching that. Everyone else has seemed to touch on everything. Good luck... It looks awesome... Let us know when yo uget your Cham!