What soil to use?

[MaineGuy72]

i am building a tropical forest in a 110g tank. i already have a bed of rocks in the bottom but not sure what is the best substrate to use in it.
i have heard to use eco-earth but that is a ton of bricks (no pun intended) to use. i also heard to use damp Cyprus.
what does every use?

 

[skully23]

NONE.

newspaper, papertowel.
Substrate is not good.

Substrate may cause impaction and allow food to hide if free ranged food. I use newspaper, much easier to clean.

 

[pssh]

A clean floor is easier to clean, cleaner in general, and the chameleon can't accidentally eat a floor Paper towels or nothing is best with chameleons unless you are getting pygmies.

By the way, tanks (aquariums or aquarium like ones) aren't really suited for true chameleons.

 

[MaineGuy72]

A clean floor is easier to clean, cleaner in general, and the chameleon can't accidentally eat a floor Paper towels or nothing is best with chameleons unless you are getting pygmies.

By the way, tanks (aquariums or aquarium like ones) aren't really suited for true chameleons.

the tank has been drilled for cross ventilation
i have been keeping my jacksons in an exo terra tank with eco earth for a couple years and have had no issues

 

[pssh]

A tank or terrarium? Tanks are a no-no, specially ventilated terrariums are different. Dirt and substrate can be accidentally consumed by the chameleon (or in the case of some species, purposely consumed) and builds up in the stomach. This build up can block the intestines (impaction) and can kill your chameleon or cost you quite a bit in vet bills. I only recommend nothing because of this, the fact that dirt is a breeding ground for bacteria, and feeders like to hide in it/die in it/ pupate in it.

Do you have a picture of what you have set up so far? I'd like to see this tank. What were you planning on getting

 

[MaineGuy72]

i do not have pictures yet. its a 110g tank
6ft long 20 inches high and 18 deep tank that we have drilled 2 inches holes in to use a ventilation and used pvc shower drain caps to plug it
have a 3 inch rock bed. going to place a m/f pair of jacksons, anoles, long tail grass lizards, red eyed tree frog, bumble bee arrow frog and a crested gecko
it will be stocked with live plants (pothos) and an active waterfall
to control it all a herpkeeper system

 

[Lizardlover]

i do not have pictures yet. its a 110g tank
6ft long 20 inches high and 18 deep tank that we have drilled 2 inches holes in to use a ventilation and used pvc shower drain caps to plug it
have a 3 inch rock bed. going to place a m/f pair of jacksons, anoles, long tail grass lizards, red eyed tree frog, bumble bee arrow frog and a crested gecko
it will be stocked with live plants (pothos) and an active waterfall
to control it all a herpkeeper system

uhm NO! Chameleons especially need to be housed separately, so no other herps with them and no more than one chameleon per enclosure. Mixing species is never a good idea, and the species you are listing are not all compatible, personally I dont mix species period.

Get your chameleon(s) proper setups please! Im sorry if I come across as rude but It is in the best interest of your chameleon(s)

 

[MaineGuy72]

i have never had an issue keeping my m and f jackson in the same enclosure. a friend of mine has been keeping his jackson, pygmy, and anole in the same tank for years without an issue

 

[Lizardlover]

i have never had an issue keeping my m and f jackson in the same enclosure. a friend of mine has been keeping his jackson, pygmy, and anole in the same tank for years without an issue

maybe you have had no visible problems but that can make chameleons go under SEVERE stress. how long have you had your Jacksons, if the enclosure is large enough it can be done, but it is not recommended, but I HIGHLY recommend that you do not mix species. Im here to give you advice, what you do with it is up to you.

 

[DragonLady]

i do not have pictures yet. its a 110g tank
6ft long 20 inches high and 18 deep tank that we have drilled 2 inches holes in to use a ventilation and used pvc shower drain caps to plug it
have a 3 inch rock bed. going to place a m/f pair of jacksons, anoles, long tail grass lizards, red eyed tree frog, bumble bee arrow frog and a crested gecko
it will be stocked with live plants (pothos) and an active waterfall
to control it all a herpkeeper system

Not to mention the fact that your Leuc dart frog will end up being lunch or dinner for one of those chams or lizards. I have kept many frogs, darts included, and you are most definitely NOT suppose to mix them. Seriously, you are setting up a buffet line for some of those critters. Also, dart frogs need a completely different set up than chams do. Please do some research first - for the sake of all the reptiles involved.

 

[dakotakleiner]

ya a big enough cham will defintely eat other lizards,frogs, almost anything that moves and will fit in its mouth..... not to mention your mini rainforst you are trying to set up sounds cool and everything but its not for chameleons..... good luck