Screen Tanks And Ventilation

[Rowellos]

I know that even in basic care theres a huge stress on ventilation and fresh air for chameleons. I was just wondering why chameleons need so much fresh air, and what happens if chameleons are house in a glass tank. Im currently house a panther in a screen tank, but might switch to half acrylic half screen with some kind of air circulation device like a computer fan. I just mainly want to know what are some problems chameleons face if not enough air is circulated?

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Stagnant air allows bacteria and mold to build up and also can trap heat, making temperature regulation a challenge. Glass tanks with a ventilation strip at the bottom and a screen top allow good air circulation and have been used quite succesfully for keeping some chameleons. The biggest problem with glass tanks is that people think of the fish tank style glass tanks, which are unsuitable since they are horizontal rather than vertical and do not have ventilation lower down to allow good air circulation. The biggest problems with stale air is mold and bacteria growth, which can lead to respiratory and other infections. Tanks of appropriate size with some modifications for good air flow are fine as long as humidity and temperature can be kept in range. What you propose would work.

 

[fluxlizard]

If your new tank is half screen you won't need the fan.

The screen thing is a myth started early on and perpetuated by regurgitation of information.

I've bred several species in the past in large glass aquaria and they were very healthy and happy. There are other forum members who have done the same or who have used the new tanks with the ventilation panel near the bottom front of the tank in addition to the top.

There isn't anything magical about chameleons that makes their ventilation requirements different from other lizards.

Prevention of mold and bacteria is as simple as keeping your tank clean and allowing it to dry out between mistings.

Screen has a lot going for it though- for me it is size for the money is much better (I prefer big enclosures nowadays) and they can be moved outdoors all summer long...

 

[LLLReptile]

If your new tank is half screen you won't need the fan.
I've bred several species in the past in large glass aquaria and they were very healthy and happy. There are other forum members who have done the same or who have used the new tanks with the ventilation panel near the bottom front of the tank in addition to the top.

Like Flux said - we've had several customers who keep chameleons in large, all-glass enclosures without problems. For the really sensitive species, or in exceptionally dry areas, it seems to help keep humidity within a tolerable range for the chameleon.

However, for large, sturdier species, housing them in screen cages allows for a less expensive option for larger caging, again as FluxLizard said. Reptarium screen cages work well for large outdoor enclosures that are easy to clean, or you can use the aluminum screen cages most commonly available for chameleons.

In the stores, indoors our chameleons are housed in half screen, half glass cages, and they all do well in that setup. During good weather, many of them are placed outdoors in larger reptarium cages, and again they do well. The nice thing about the outdoor Reptariums is that it is easy to put the hose on a mist setting and really thoroughly mist the chams several times a day. And on the flip side, the indoor cages look very nice for display, and do help with keeping humidity and warmth within the cage in a nice balance without the air becoming too stagnant.

It's worth trying the half acrylic cage, for an animal as beautiful as a panther chameleon, having even just one panel that's clear material will make for a nice display at the very least.

-Jen

 

[Rowellos]

Thanks for the responses! They helped me a lot

 

[gonecrazynback]

What do you use to clean the glass?

 

[Midnighthwk]

What do you use to clean the glass?

not to sound like a smartass but
a wet paper towl then a dry one

when cleaning everything in the cage (take cham and live plants out) use 1:10 bleach:water ratio to clean it.
then wipe it all down with just water untill u cant smell bleach anymore, let it dry then put everything back in.

i am sure they make a reptile safe type glass cleaner u can find at a pet store for a perty penny.

but thats what i used till i got a bigger screen cage then i made an even bigger wood screen cage

 

[gonecrazynback]

No. That makes sense. But what about streaks? I only have screened cages, but I saw these screened cages with glass doors in the pet shop and you can see everything inside so clear. They must clean them daily with the chams inside. Just curious for my next cage.

 

[JonRich]

I get a lottt of hard water build up on my glass ExoTerra. Once every 4-5 months I clean it and use a product called CLR, it works great but needs to be washed and dried veryyy well after with clean water (i use RODI water)