Substrate?

[JBHerps]

Hello fellow cham lovers!!!! I come from the Beardie and leo world so particle substrate is a big NO NO. Is it a no no here in Cham world too?

I was thinking maybe eco-earth for substrate for a panther cham?


If particle substrate is a no no can I use tile?

I want to learn as much as a I can before august comes around.

Please and thank you!

 

[m1ndless]

Substurate is not needed, and cause impaction if eaten by your cham when he grabs a feeder.

 

[pedro92]

Substrate is not preferred but i guess it could work but you gotta think where is all that water going to end up. Mold? Mud? etc. On my custom cage i used a declined waterproof wood and a drain hole. But most people have those screen black or silver cage with plastic bottom and most or all keep the plastic uncovered and have holes to drain.

 

[JBHerps]

Ok so tile is a good choice or is paper towel the best?

 

[DarkRapture]

the bottom of the cage should be 'drainage oriented' and substrate will just make a big mess when it comes to watering (misting and dripper). it also is a great place to breed bacteria.

the tiles are a great idea! i built my own cage and used those bathroom vinyl floor tiles, but wish i would have used slate or ceramic instead (i had to seal all the seams cuz water was seeping underneath). some people use a thick plastic bottom which i think is brilliant, and its easy to drill holes in them for drainage as well.

 

[dodolah]

go with paper towel.
Easy to maintain.

 

[JBHerps]

some people use a thick plastic bottom which i think is brilliant

The cage i'm getting already has the thick plastic bottom....should I even bother with the tiles or any solid substrate?

 

[JBHerps]

Also...I don't mean to hijack my own post but is there a chat on here?

 

[dodolah]

naah.. just lay paper towel on it and change it once a week or more often.
(at least until you can set up a proper drainage system)

 

[JBHerps]

Ok....I'll start with the paper towels then.



I could add like a ficus...or hibiscus to the cage too right? Does it matter that there is soil in the pot( a clean pot...no pesticide or fertilizer etc...)?

 

[DarkRapture]

The cage i'm getting already has the thick plastic bottom....should I even bother with the tiles or any solid substrate?

plastic bottom is perfect. drill some holes in the bottom if you like. attach some screen over the top of a funnel and hot glue into place underneath. it will make a perfect drain and you can use tubing if you want to put the bucket further out of sight

if you want it to be more pleasing to look at, you could always add some smooth rocks on the bottom. just remember the more that's in there the more you will have to clean. most people do a full cage clean 1/month and spot clean everyday to 2 days... i think thats right i saw a poll about it in the forum.

 

[pedro92]

Ok....I'll start with the paper towels then.



I could add like a ficus...or hibiscus to the cage too right? Does it matter that there is soil in the pot( a clean pot...no pesticide or fertilizer etc...)?

Just use the plastic bottom yes there is a chat and if you get on quick i can chat and answer ??? fast

https://www.chameleonforums.com/index.php?page=live_chat

 

[JBHerps]

I can't wait to set up the cage!!!! lol.