TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
Setting up sticks in my cage is there anything I should know? I have watched Neptune the chameleons video on it I am using zip ties
Setting up cage
- Thread starter TheMotherChameleon
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TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
Yes I know about that
elizaann2
Chameleon Enthusiast
Perfect!!!Yes I know about that
TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
I have a 75 watt heat bulb should I lower the branch a little? I have seen people say you really need a 60watt heat bulb
Mad Dog Murphy
Established Member
Hi, you could always raise the bulb a little as opposed to lowering the branch, I use a 75w through a habistat dimming thermostat which is set to the required temp, it regulates itself then, also I used zip ties for the branches, I just made sure the excess was cut of flush and left under branch as they can be sharp if not cut off properly 
Why 6 inches?You want one branch running linear under the uvb about 6 inches below the light. Most people miss that
Please share your progress as you set things up! I love seeing how creative others are with their enclosures!
Read through this it will walk you through every step... https://chameleonacademy.com/chameleon-husbandry-program-getting-started-with-chameleons/
Branch distance below UVB will depend on your UVB fixture type, bulb strength, and age of chameleon. Babies screen climb the top so set for all lighting has to be done differently.
Branch distance below UVB will depend on your UVB fixture type, bulb strength, and age of chameleon. Babies screen climb the top so set for all lighting has to be done differently.
elizaann2
Chameleon Enthusiast
Isn’t that about the distance to get a uvb reading of 3? Correct me if I’m wrong.
It totally depends on the UVB fixture type, bulb strength, and material on the top panel of the cage. Total distance to branch is used because the chameleon will rise higher than the branch. So this keeps the cham still within safe exposure levels.
If going through standard aluminum window screen material... If you have a t5HO fixture and a 6% or 5.0 bulb you want a total distance from bottom of fixture to the branch of 8-9 inches to get a 3 UVI. If you have a t5HO fixture and a 12% or 10.0 bulb you want a total distance from bottom of fixture to the branch of 11-12 inches to get a 3 UVI.
If you have a T8 fixture and a 5.0 bulb you want a total distance from bottom of fixture to the branch of 3-4 inches to get a 3 UVI. If you have a T8 fixture and a 10.0 bulb you want a total distance from bottom of fixture to the branch of 5-6 inches to get a 3 UVI.
So if you have either of the T5HO options and only are dropping 6 inches from the light you end up in the very high end of the UVI levels because of where the chameleon rises even higher. THis would put a chameleon above a 6 UVI.
TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
Ok thanks
elizaann2
Chameleon Enthusiast
Wow you are smart. Thats what I love about this forum, I learn something new every day. Thank you Beman!
TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
I am planning on putting a diagonal branch right in front of the door, but besides that is there any other places?
TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
Thanks so much!!
elizaann2
Chameleon Enthusiast
You are very welcome
TheMotherChameleon
Established Member
Ok thanks for the advice, I am planning on putting in an umbrella plant and some pothos are there any other plants that you recommended?
Andrew1283
Chameleon Enthusiast
I’ve put in a lot of branches and then I can’t hang my plants. Or I hang my plants and now it’s a pain to reach around them to zip tie branches. It’s good to do some big structural branches, then hang plants, and add the medium diameter branches. Varying the size and directions of branches gives it a more natural look but it’s also good for their exercise and feet.
