Setup for juv vieled reptibreeze + temp?

[kbenson]

Hello all- long time "lurker" 1st time post

I am getting ready to get my 1st Chameleon and have already purchased a reptibreeze size large.
The average room temp will be between 60-70 (day time) Night time is still close to 60.

One of my big concerns is cage temp. Obviously with an open style cage, the heat generated by a heat lamp or basking bulb will be lost (since heat rises). I was considering doing a couple of additional measures-

1- wrap 3 sides of the cage with plastic wrap (downside loss of ventilation)
2- provide a heat cable (although not sure how to properly deploy) - I know some say to wrap around decorations, but I would not want to harm the chameleon)

Would heat generated from a heat lamp be sufficient? or would I need to look @ 1-2?

I am open to any suggestions

Thanks!

 

[MDALE90]

I had the same problem. Got a screen vivarium last week and struggled to get the temp up ever since! I was supplied with a 60w bulb for the basking light and the uv tube light however the temp was only getting up to 22c. Since then I have had to buy a 150w basking light and a 60w ceramic heat lamp and I have built a lid for the top to go over the lamps and keep the heat in. The temp now gets up to about 28c which is about where it should be.

 

[FlChamMom]

Hi! I absolutely love my veiled boy- he has such a great personality. Here is a link for the caresheets for veiled chameleons, it gives you all of the important info for your new baby!

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

Your room temps are fine, they like it cooler at night and can handle 60 no problem. In the daytime you will need a UVB light as well as a basking bulb (most people use incandescent). I am using a 60w right now. Chameleons need a temperature gradient so only your basking area needs to maintain the warmer temp. I keep my veiled at 85 in his basking area as a juvenile. I would not use the heat vine but if you are in a drier climate many people cover areas of the cage with a shower curtain to maintain humidity. With the top and the front screen you would still have sufficient air flow. be sure to post pics when he arrives!

 

[kbenson]

I had the same problem. Got a screen vivarium last week and struggled to get the temp up ever since! I was supplied with a 60w bulb for the basking light and the uv tube light however the temp was only getting up to 22c. Since then I have had to buy a 150w basking light and a 60w ceramic heat lamp and I have built a lid for the top to go over the lamps and keep the heat in. The temp now gets up to about 28c which is about where it should be.

I like that idea- Obviously I will change to a lower output when warmer weather arrives.

Now I will just need to add a cover to prevent heat loss.

 

[kbenson]

Hi! I absolutely love my veiled boy- he has such a great personality. Here is a link for the caresheets for veiled chameleons, it gives you all of the important info for your new baby!

https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/caresheets/veiled/

Your room temps are fine, they like it cooler at night and can handle 60 no problem. In the daytime you will need a UVB light as well as a basking bulb (most people use incandescent). I am using a 60w right now. Chameleons need a temperature gradient so only your basking area needs to maintain the warmer temp. I keep my veiled at 85 in his basking area as a juvenile. I would not use the heat vine but if you are in a drier climate many people cover areas of the cage with a shower curtain to maintain humidity. With the top and the front screen you would still have sufficient air flow. be sure to post pics when he arrives!

Thanks for your reply. I am not too worried about the basking temp, but more so the ambient. I am fairly certain the critter will hang around the basking area, but the rest of the cage will probably be 70 or lower.

Would you suggest a ceramic heat element 100-150watt located near side or top of cage?