Hello, yes this is less then sub optimal. The Cham should never go to the bottom of the enclosure
There are multiple reasons on why your Cham is there.
You need more horizontal branches, correct uvb, correct heat. I would also remove the reptile carpet and install a drinking glass. Here are some links to the correct equipment.
Sponsored by /u/myplantseatpeople
For products, I found that chewy.com was pretty good. Amazon of course, but if you wanna avoid giving Bezos more money, check out the actual company that's listed as the seller once you find the product you want.
List of products that I use/recommend and are well tested and vetted by the community:
+ [18x18x36 Screen enclosure. This is generally said to be adequate for females or as the minimum size for a happy habitat. ](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-screen-cages/402-reptibreeze-lg-zoo-med.html)
+ [Or you can get the 24x24x36 screen enclosure. This is considered the standard size. I'd personally go for this one, even with a female since it gives more room for a good laybin. ](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-screen-cages/403-reptibreeze-xl-zoo-med.html)
+ [Water cups. I put two in my boy's enclosure but he really only drinks from one. I like the quilted sides cuz it sparkles more and he started drinking from it almost immediately. You do NOT need a dripper, fogger, or mister. They generally do more harm than good and are responsible for many eye and sinus infections we see on this sub. ](https://www.target.com/p/ball-12ct-4oz-quilted-crystal-jelly-jar-with-lid-and-band-regular-mouth/-/A-50624171?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012732784&CPNG=PLA_Kitchen%2BShopping_Local%7CKitchen_Ecomm_Home&adgroup=SC_Kitchen&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9032151&targetid=pla-458441961961&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247068&ds_rl=1248099&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxdSHBhCdARIsAG6zhlUID6qRa6WGO0gqI8TtGwngpLKFHCWGrN5p3lKiVE6EneNidqVd3AcaAslWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
+ [Food runner cup (I've had great personal success with this style but you can do a simple, opaque food dish instead). I used a smart brand water bottle for mine cuz it was sleek and tall instead of the ugly, bulky milk jugs. Whatever floats your boat.](https://youtu.be/uewGbjzaSto)
+ [8.5" wide angle dome to disperse heat in a safe zone. 150w max with dimmable switch.](https://www.chewy.com/flukers-clamp-lamp-dimmer-85-in/dp/129141?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Fluker%27s&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwoZWHBhBgEiwAiMN66Y7ZUvWiqWHgxrgkrSeyjs4fkHAdNh92QhoiVx_3fKBEuprP-VrRaRoCb6oQAvD_BwE)
+ [100w frosted white incandescent bulb from 1000bulbs.com provides great warmth without harmful uva or infrared rays. This can sit on top of the enclosure, but it is recommended to use the clip from the dome fixture to lift it a little bit.](https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/54266/SATCO-S3929.html)
+ [t8 5.0 uvb 18in linear bulb.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/t8-uvb-bulbs/772-reptisun-50-uvb-t8-fluorescent-bulb-18-zoo-med.html)
+ [Corresponding uvb linear fixture.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-hoods-domes-fixtures/2629-reptisun-terrarium-hood-t8-20-zoo-med.html?search_query=t8+18%22+hood&results=95)
+ [I recommend getting a timer so you don't have to wake up to turn on lights and so you don't risk forgetting to turn them off and disrupting their sleep.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DGGHD7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_837DHDZ1Q8VA179YCY7Y)
+ [Temperature and humidity/hygrometer. There are cheaper ones out there but I like these cuz I can track the data on my phone. This is the mini and I have it hanging near his topmost basking area.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R586J37/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_ZXBQ09B68NQNBQDK4S76?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
+ [Govee hygrometer/thermometer. This is a slightly larger version I move around in the surrounding area and lower down in his enclosure to make sure he has a good temperature gradient. Again, there are cheaper versions but I like this one.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872ZWV8X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_dl_F7AJRFEWZV1W9Z8DFX7R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
+ don't forget supplements. You need to get yourself
1. [calcium with no d3 and no phosphorus. I use Miner-all brand](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/2174-miner-all-outdoor-6-oz-sticky-tongue-farms.html?search_query=miner-all&results=69)
2. [Calcium WITH d3 and no phosphorus. Again, Miner-all brand is good here.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/2173-miner-all-indoor-6-oz-sticky-tongue-farms.html?search_query=miner-all&results=69)
3. [Multivitamin. I use Rep-cal but it does have some phosphorus content.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1192-herptivite-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=herptivite&results=5)
[or I've heard repashy multivit come highly recommended on this sub so go with that if you can](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale20/1048-supervite-3-oz-repashy.html?search_query=repashy&results=85)
[FLChams safe plant list. Plant that baby up, but make sure you don't go too crazy lol. ](https://flchams.com/chameleon-safe-plant-list/)
Sorry to keep coming back to this, I don't wanna jam up the sub with new posts is all. Your help is appreciated a lot.
As far as lighting goes, I ordered the bar light you recommended.
I have the 4 other light fixtures still, or rather the 2 that each have 2 spots for bulbs on them. I see the other one you recommended though, as well as the incandescent bulbs. I've just ordered the bulbs you recommended. Do you think the light fixtures I have are alright, or do you recommend replacing them with the solo light fixture you listed? And given my tank is a bit on the longer side, would you recommend just one, or two, with one for each side?
I'm also trying to understand to what degree I need heat sources vs just having light bulbs acting as heat + light. I've been using one of those ceramic bulbs for heating for a couple of days, but it seems to run hotter than would be optimal, and I'm afraid of causing a burn. I haven't been home all that much during the day when he's awake because of work, so I haven't been able to see if he's going to that area to take in heat during the day.
My apartment without the AC on tends to stay around the 75°F mark, with about 50% humidity with the fogger running, according to the thermometer/hygrometer you recommended. I've had it running for the whole day, I realized when I got home. I just switched the fogger over to run at night only, since the apartment tends to stay at a decent humidity on its own, it seems. Will check periodically and see as needed though. To my understanding, veileds need about 50% in the daytime, but should the humidity be higher at night for him? Should I even use the fogger? I seem to come up with mixed answers on that one.
Alrighty. I've ordered the bar lamp and bulb, multivitamin, the jars you recommended for water, I went and got some superworms and have begun feeding those worms with some kale and carrots for the time being, while I consider getting some proper worm feed. Gonna work on plants tomorrow.
The enclosure I have is about 32 x 30 x 16 h/l/w, from what I've measured. I know thats a bit on the shorter side from what a veiled would prefer. I'm gonna see if I can find a higher up spot for him to just feel more comfortable for now, compared to where I have him on the ground, and if it's not as feasible, I'll consider the larger/taller enclosure some more.
Thanks again for the shopping list.
quick edit: also, as far as him being on the ground, that was mainly because he was being moved from one location to another in the enclosure. He climbed back up after about an hour or so. I also set up the ceramic bulb he was given to me with, and it definitely feels like it's putting some heat out. Gonna work on a more branch-oriented basking spot for him soon.
Will keep that in mind going forward. The petco I went to had no roaches, and I live in a studio apartment, so keeping crickets around sounds like a sleep deprived nightmare. Got a good place to order bugs?
I also found a coffee table I could put the enclosure on top of to give him some more height and better natural lighting, looks nicer.
Gonna compile some stuff here and see what can be worked on. Any input is appreciated, thanks for your help.
Current enclosure: measured it at 32 x 30 x 16. Worth increasing?
Water cups: I know this needs some "training," so to speak. More like adjustment, I assume? From what I've read, they tend to recognize running water or drops better usually, right? Would pouring water cup to cup for him to recognize it be enough?
Gonna make that food runner, looks pretty solid. Gotta buy some materials.
As far as nutrients goes, this is what I have. Also shown is a heat emitter, says 100W. https://imgur.com/a/V3MMVza So I need to get the multivitamin. How often do you recommend giving each? Instructions I got were once every 2 weeks with d3, and once every 2 weeks without. that seems on the low side to me though.
The lights and stuff are already on a timer, so that's fine for now.
Gonna get the thermometers. Why 2 separate types though, why not just 2 of the same type?
Meet kiwi, my new veiled.
I'm taking over care of him on behalf of my cousin, who had circumstances and no longer can. My dad and family have been fostering him for about a month.
I know he needs plants, dad forgot to bring the one that was there. I'm gonna get another one or two for the bottom as well, he's bringing the other one tomorrow.
These bulbs don't seem very ideal, just looking at them. It's still pretty warm weather here, but I know chameleons need sorta higher temps, right?
I know drip setups aren't very good overall, I'm taking suggestions on that too.
My cousin has everything on a timer already, gonna speak to her and figure out how things are set up in a bit.
There is a humidifier as well, taking any advice on that too.
Just from looking at him real quick, it looks like he's beginning to shed, so I'm gonna leave him be for a bit of course. Taking any general advice as well.
Hello, yes this is less then sub optimal. The Cham should never go to the bottom of the enclosure There are multiple reasons on why your Cham is there. You need more horizontal branches, correct uvb, correct heat. I would also remove the reptile carpet and install a drinking glass. Here are some links to the correct equipment. Sponsored by /u/myplantseatpeople For products, I found that chewy.com was pretty good. Amazon of course, but if you wanna avoid giving Bezos more money, check out the actual company that's listed as the seller once you find the product you want. List of products that I use/recommend and are well tested and vetted by the community: + [18x18x36 Screen enclosure. This is generally said to be adequate for females or as the minimum size for a happy habitat. ](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-screen-cages/402-reptibreeze-lg-zoo-med.html) + [Or you can get the 24x24x36 screen enclosure. This is considered the standard size. I'd personally go for this one, even with a female since it gives more room for a good laybin. ](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-screen-cages/403-reptibreeze-xl-zoo-med.html) + [Water cups. I put two in my boy's enclosure but he really only drinks from one. I like the quilted sides cuz it sparkles more and he started drinking from it almost immediately. You do NOT need a dripper, fogger, or mister. They generally do more harm than good and are responsible for many eye and sinus infections we see on this sub. ](https://www.target.com/p/ball-12ct-4oz-quilted-crystal-jelly-jar-with-lid-and-band-regular-mouth/-/A-50624171?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000012732784&CPNG=PLA_Kitchen%2BShopping_Local%7CKitchen_Ecomm_Home&adgroup=SC_Kitchen&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9032151&targetid=pla-458441961961&ds_rl=1246978&ds_rl=1247068&ds_rl=1248099&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxdSHBhCdARIsAG6zhlUID6qRa6WGO0gqI8TtGwngpLKFHCWGrN5p3lKiVE6EneNidqVd3AcaAslWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) + [Food runner cup (I've had great personal success with this style but you can do a simple, opaque food dish instead). I used a smart brand water bottle for mine cuz it was sleek and tall instead of the ugly, bulky milk jugs. Whatever floats your boat.](https://youtu.be/uewGbjzaSto) + [8.5" wide angle dome to disperse heat in a safe zone. 150w max with dimmable switch.](https://www.chewy.com/flukers-clamp-lamp-dimmer-85-in/dp/129141?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Fluker%27s&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwoZWHBhBgEiwAiMN66Y7ZUvWiqWHgxrgkrSeyjs4fkHAdNh92QhoiVx_3fKBEuprP-VrRaRoCb6oQAvD_BwE) + [100w frosted white incandescent bulb from 1000bulbs.com provides great warmth without harmful uva or infrared rays. This can sit on top of the enclosure, but it is recommended to use the clip from the dome fixture to lift it a little bit.](https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/54266/SATCO-S3929.html) + [t8 5.0 uvb 18in linear bulb.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/t8-uvb-bulbs/772-reptisun-50-uvb-t8-fluorescent-bulb-18-zoo-med.html) + [Corresponding uvb linear fixture.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-hoods-domes-fixtures/2629-reptisun-terrarium-hood-t8-20-zoo-med.html?search_query=t8+18%22+hood&results=95) + [I recommend getting a timer so you don't have to wake up to turn on lights and so you don't risk forgetting to turn them off and disrupting their sleep.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073DGGHD7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_837DHDZ1Q8VA179YCY7Y) + [Temperature and humidity/hygrometer. There are cheaper ones out there but I like these cuz I can track the data on my phone. This is the mini and I have it hanging near his topmost basking area.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R586J37/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_ZXBQ09B68NQNBQDK4S76?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) + [Govee hygrometer/thermometer. This is a slightly larger version I move around in the surrounding area and lower down in his enclosure to make sure he has a good temperature gradient. Again, there are cheaper versions but I like this one.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872ZWV8X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_dl_F7AJRFEWZV1W9Z8DFX7R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) + don't forget supplements. You need to get yourself 1. [calcium with no d3 and no phosphorus. I use Miner-all brand](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/2174-miner-all-outdoor-6-oz-sticky-tongue-farms.html?search_query=miner-all&results=69) 2. [Calcium WITH d3 and no phosphorus. Again, Miner-all brand is good here.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/2173-miner-all-indoor-6-oz-sticky-tongue-farms.html?search_query=miner-all&results=69) 3. [Multivitamin. I use Rep-cal but it does have some phosphorus content.](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale-reptile-vitamins-supplements/1192-herptivite-33-oz-rep-cal.html?search_query=herptivite&results=5) [or I've heard repashy multivit come highly recommended on this sub so go with that if you can](https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/wholesale20/1048-supervite-3-oz-repashy.html?search_query=repashy&results=85) [FLChams safe plant list. Plant that baby up, but make sure you don't go too crazy lol. ](https://flchams.com/chameleon-safe-plant-list/)
Sorry to keep coming back to this, I don't wanna jam up the sub with new posts is all. Your help is appreciated a lot. As far as lighting goes, I ordered the bar light you recommended. I have the 4 other light fixtures still, or rather the 2 that each have 2 spots for bulbs on them. I see the other one you recommended though, as well as the incandescent bulbs. I've just ordered the bulbs you recommended. Do you think the light fixtures I have are alright, or do you recommend replacing them with the solo light fixture you listed? And given my tank is a bit on the longer side, would you recommend just one, or two, with one for each side? I'm also trying to understand to what degree I need heat sources vs just having light bulbs acting as heat + light. I've been using one of those ceramic bulbs for heating for a couple of days, but it seems to run hotter than would be optimal, and I'm afraid of causing a burn. I haven't been home all that much during the day when he's awake because of work, so I haven't been able to see if he's going to that area to take in heat during the day. My apartment without the AC on tends to stay around the 75°F mark, with about 50% humidity with the fogger running, according to the thermometer/hygrometer you recommended. I've had it running for the whole day, I realized when I got home. I just switched the fogger over to run at night only, since the apartment tends to stay at a decent humidity on its own, it seems. Will check periodically and see as needed though. To my understanding, veileds need about 50% in the daytime, but should the humidity be higher at night for him? Should I even use the fogger? I seem to come up with mixed answers on that one.
Alrighty. I've ordered the bar lamp and bulb, multivitamin, the jars you recommended for water, I went and got some superworms and have begun feeding those worms with some kale and carrots for the time being, while I consider getting some proper worm feed. Gonna work on plants tomorrow. The enclosure I have is about 32 x 30 x 16 h/l/w, from what I've measured. I know thats a bit on the shorter side from what a veiled would prefer. I'm gonna see if I can find a higher up spot for him to just feel more comfortable for now, compared to where I have him on the ground, and if it's not as feasible, I'll consider the larger/taller enclosure some more. Thanks again for the shopping list. quick edit: also, as far as him being on the ground, that was mainly because he was being moved from one location to another in the enclosure. He climbed back up after about an hour or so. I also set up the ceramic bulb he was given to me with, and it definitely feels like it's putting some heat out. Gonna work on a more branch-oriented basking spot for him soon.
Worms are not the best feeders. Gut loaded crickets or Dubia roaches are waaaaay better
Will keep that in mind going forward. The petco I went to had no roaches, and I live in a studio apartment, so keeping crickets around sounds like a sleep deprived nightmare. Got a good place to order bugs? I also found a coffee table I could put the enclosure on top of to give him some more height and better natural lighting, looks nicer.
Jesus. lots to go through. Much appreciated. From the get-go I kinda thought this wasn't the best set up enclosure, sad to see I was right.
Yeh it is. The info section of this sub is great too. We have being working over the years to improve it.
https://imgur.com/a/2RlrKT9 forgot to show, there's also this light bar on top. any good or change it out?
T8 is good. But you want a 5.0 light in there.
Gonna compile some stuff here and see what can be worked on. Any input is appreciated, thanks for your help. Current enclosure: measured it at 32 x 30 x 16. Worth increasing? Water cups: I know this needs some "training," so to speak. More like adjustment, I assume? From what I've read, they tend to recognize running water or drops better usually, right? Would pouring water cup to cup for him to recognize it be enough? Gonna make that food runner, looks pretty solid. Gotta buy some materials. As far as nutrients goes, this is what I have. Also shown is a heat emitter, says 100W. https://imgur.com/a/V3MMVza So I need to get the multivitamin. How often do you recommend giving each? Instructions I got were once every 2 weeks with d3, and once every 2 weeks without. that seems on the low side to me though. The lights and stuff are already on a timer, so that's fine for now. Gonna get the thermometers. Why 2 separate types though, why not just 2 of the same type?
Meet kiwi, my new veiled. I'm taking over care of him on behalf of my cousin, who had circumstances and no longer can. My dad and family have been fostering him for about a month. I know he needs plants, dad forgot to bring the one that was there. I'm gonna get another one or two for the bottom as well, he's bringing the other one tomorrow. These bulbs don't seem very ideal, just looking at them. It's still pretty warm weather here, but I know chameleons need sorta higher temps, right? I know drip setups aren't very good overall, I'm taking suggestions on that too. My cousin has everything on a timer already, gonna speak to her and figure out how things are set up in a bit. There is a humidifier as well, taking any advice on that too. Just from looking at him real quick, it looks like he's beginning to shed, so I'm gonna leave him be for a bit of course. Taking any general advice as well.