I am interested in creating a habitat for a panther ambiolobe chameleon and want to use an exo terra 36" x 18" x 36" glass cage. This would allow me to simplify drainage, allow the habitat to easily use a misting system, and sufficiently keep in humidity without covering three of the screen sides as most do with a screened cage. They are vented in the front and have a screen top but what I am curious about is if this is enough ventilation for chameleons? What else could be done that wouldn't look bulky or obtrusive as far as providing additional air circulation that could be incorporated into a glass side or screen top??? Or would this even be necessary?
Ventilation for glass cage
- Thread starter JGall75
- Start date
chimney effect
By "chimney effect" do you mean the warm air from the lights causing cooler air to be drawn in through the vents under the doors thus creating air circulation. If it isn't tempered, I am going to have the bottom drilled and install a bulk head for drainage into a bucket. Will also use hydroton on the very bottom for drainage, then mesh, then abg mix, and all will be covered with sphagum moss where plants arent' covering the ground which hopefully won't be much. I was just really scared to use the "unconventional" glass cage for a chameleon other than the pygmys but it seems everywhere outside of the US does it with success so why not try it. They seem so much more practical. Thanks for your response.
By "chimney effect" do you mean the warm air from the lights causing cooler air to be drawn in through the vents under the doors thus creating air circulation. If it isn't tempered, I am going to have the bottom drilled and install a bulk head for drainage into a bucket. Will also use hydroton on the very bottom for drainage, then mesh, then abg mix, and all will be covered with sphagum moss where plants arent' covering the ground which hopefully won't be much. I was just really scared to use the "unconventional" glass cage for a chameleon other than the pygmys but it seems everywhere outside of the US does it with success so why not try it. They seem so much more practical. Thanks for your response.
Be careful about substrates. Anything that can be accidentally (or intentionally, for that matter) ingested could lead to an impaction. IMHO its best to have no substrate for that reason and because some of them can result in a build up of mold or bacteria.
If the lights are placed on the screen properly they will create a circulation of air. I put the UVB lights along the back or front area of the screen and the basking light in one corner if possible. This leaves open space on the screen as well to create airflow IMHO.
If the lights are placed on the screen properly they will create a circulation of air. I put the UVB lights along the back or front area of the screen and the basking light in one corner if possible. This leaves open space on the screen as well to create airflow IMHO.
