Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

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The Viv is a custom built one not a ready made one,having 2 x 8inch round vents in the sides and a mesh top i was informed this would be enough but if need be i can replace one of the doors with a mesh one.

I am having trouble with the powersun with regards to keeping the temps right,having just uprated to the 160watt i still find that the temp under the beam is 46ish but in the middle IE 18inch below the temp is 20-24 depending on the time of day and 1 inch above the bottom reads 18-20 again depends on time of day,

Have looked at the possibility of converting to 2 spots and a uvb tube but would this still maintain temp better and would 2 dimmers be required?

The substrate was something i hum-ed and ahh'd about but if it can cause probs it will be removed tonight.

1 last question is greens to feed,they do get gem lettuce leave along with the ficus itself but what is really best for them?

Thanks to those who have already replied and commented.

Regards

Gary

[unbreakable]

i maintain an ambient temperature using a ceramic heat lamp on a thermostat then you have the spots as basking areas, unfortunate that you had to find out the powersuns were not really suitable, like me! i know they are not cheap. I would get a 100watt basking lamp which will be compatible with the wiring from the powersun, just switch bulbs. You could create another basking area also, i did the same and got change from £20. Obviously you will need some sort of uvb output as well i think the smaller power compact units will be up to the job, at least that is what i am using and have experienced no ill effects. sorry for trying to change a few bits and bobs for you but it will make life easier in the long run!

[Ailurus]

that is a great viv
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Tom

Snakes: :Pantherophis: :Coelognathus: :Lampropeltis: :Heterodon: :Antaresia:
Lizards: :Rhacodactylus: :Pogona: :Goniurosaurus:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ailurus27

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[gb]

[unbreakable]

it is a lovely viv we are just trying to make it better lol, erm my vivs are a lot smaller so i dont have a problem with making sure they get enough uvb, may be a case of getting two or investing in a reflector, also i would recommend it being no further than a foot from the chams to make sure they get the required amount, care full they do get fairly warm though. I remember Rick mentioning about the bark as well, i would recommend you bin it for many reasons, cleanliness, impaction, crickets hiding and ease of cleaning, it does look nice but it will give you more bother than its worth. Hopefully we are steering you towards a better and easier to care for environment for your chams and one that wont allow for many mistakes. Good luck.

[gb]

[redbelly]

Amazing set up!!!! as said lose the substrate

You'll have fun cleaning that! but im sure you will do a great job!!!

Welldone
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I feed your eyes with chameleon pics!!!!

[Rickeezee]

Hi again,

I wouldn't use a compact uv for a cham there has been some indication that the higher strength compacts may cause damage to herps. Suggest using a long uv/b tube housed in a reflector.

As for basking areas; all chams enjoy and need a bright light source they enjoy this, so for basking areas use a spot bulb tight beam or other, housed in a reflector dome mounted externally on top of the mesh, a twin channel dimmer stat can be used to operate two basking lamps. Set the basking areas approx 8-10 inches away from the bulbs, place the temp probe at the actual basking area. If the basking spots are placed off centre to the rear of the viv this will create a natural thermal gradient and you should achieve a lower ambient temp as required. I double check both basking area and ambient temps with two way in / out digital temp gauges. I never use any other heat source for any of my chams as long as the night time room temps dont go below approx 67f then no need.

If possible I would still increase the ventilation. Yemens really do need a lot of ventilation and the small circular vents dont really do the job for that species. As a minimum I would suggest; complete top of the viv meshed, as you already have, and at least one third of the lower front of the viv meshed, ( thats how my panther set ups are and they require less ventilation than Yemens) this allows hot air to rise out of the top and draw cool air in from the front lower section thus creating a good cross air flow. Even better to have more ventilation that that if possible. Lots of Yemen keepers use 100% mesh set ups. Sorry if I sound as thouhg I am being picky. Its great to see you want the best for your chams!
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www.rickslivefood.co.uk

[gb]

Thanks for all the tips,hopefully things will be changed for the better this weekend after i have ordered the equipment needed to put things right.

Gary