Thinking about building my own cage

[Radix]

Hey all, I'm looking to start building and thinking about my first cham cage.

I have kept many reptiles and exotics before, and I currently have a tokay gecko and a saltwater reef tank.

I am planning the tank to be be 4.5 feet tall, with a stand that is 3.5 feet.
It will be 30 inches long, and I am unsure of depth at this time. Preferably a minimum of 2 feet.

I am planning on having the sides be mesh, and the back to be plywood with a fake wall background. I would like the front to be plexiglass. The top I am most likely going to make mesh.

I want the bottom to hold two 5 gallon buckets. One for a mistking system, which will contain RO/DI water, and the other to collect water.

Here are my concerns, questions, etc.

I like the look of a vivarium and the completeness with substrate, and planted bottom. Is It ok at all to add a substrate and plant it. I am planning on putting it in a PVC/Rubbermaid container and drill the bottom, and plumb it to the 5g bucket to drain the excess water.

Are there any good guides for a rockwall? I want to put some pots in it to grow plants, and make it look as natural as possible.

Would a juvinille be ok in this sort of set up with a feeding cup or being hand fed? Or should I get a smaller temp cage?

 

[ZPavDesign]

About your rockwall, you could always make a foam one. Look up 3d foam aquarium wall.

As far as to big of a cage, as long as you cup feed him I'm thinking it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Radix]

Anyone else?

 

[Chameleonkatie]

my boyfriend built this out of peg board for the 2 sides (good for hanging decorations and he can still climb! anddd the screen top and sides.

 

[Chameleonkatie]

I don't know why it posted sideways

 

[Radix]

That's actually a smart idea that I will consider

 

[NorCalAnthony]

Sounds like you have a lot of similar ideas as me lol. I just finished making a cage that is close to what you're describing only I built a smaller one for babies/juveniles and will be making a bigger version once my cham starts to outgrow this one. I used stained oak 1x2's for the frame (I wanted it to match our furniture) and did mesh sides and mesh front doors with a fake rock background. Here's a link to my thread that might give you some ideas https://www.chameleonforums.com/my-first-cage-build-84441/. I enjoyed making it and am glad to see other people giving cage building a shot. Good luck on yours