A Warning on Waterfalls!!!

Hi All

Im sure the more experienced of you out there already know this so its really more for new owners!

I felt i had to post a warning!

Three days ago i bought home my new veiled cham - Kermy. She was sold to me, as was the set up, by a local reptile shop. Although i read alot of books about keeping chameleons i didnt read anywhere about waterfalls - but the shop owners recommended them as a great water source for Kermy.

Since joining this site i was advised to take it out as they can become a hotbed for bacteria!!

I removed it straight away and am now hand misting.

I have cleaned the waterfall and absolutly cannot believe how dirty it was!!!!!
After just one day aswell!!! There were dead crickets in it and the water looked slimey!!

They absolutly cannot be good and i am shocked that they were recommended by the shop!
Take the advise of everyone here - as i did - and do not use them!

Ok - rant over!

Thanks again to everyone who has advised me over the last few days!!

By the way - kerby is now (as far as i can tell) doing great!

Thanks so much for posting this warning.
This will help out a lot of people and that bacteria can be deadly.

Glad to hear your new cham is doing great!

Crickets are drawn to water and will commit suicide, hence why misting is important as well as cup feeding.

Glad you caught it.

Seminole

Question about waterfalls. I'm aware of all the potential pitfalls, but anyone have any experience with them for temporary watering. I will have t go out of town for 5 days and I'm looking for a temporary alternative to misting.

Seminole said:

Question about waterfalls. I'm aware of all the potential pitfalls, but anyone have any experience with them for temporary watering. I will have t go out of town for 5 days and I'm looking for a temporary alternative to misting.

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There really is no alternative to misting. A dripper may help but a friend or a neighbor misting would be best.

Ryan Jarosek said:

There really is no alternative to misting. A dripper may help but a friend or a neighbor misting would be best.

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Or an automist system right? That isn't a very economical alternative though if you are trying to save cash.

I would find a neighbor or local like Ryan said. Where are you located?

I would say get a dripper set up and see if someone can pop in and mist for you!

If i could post photos i would but it is broken! I wish i could show you how dirty it was after just 24 hrs - the waterfall that is.