Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a Jacksons that is being shipped to me this week. He is male and is approx. 1 year old. I set up a 65 gallon mesh enclosure for him in my basement where the temperature is 73F during the day and about 65F at night. I set up as basking light on one side that gets to be 85F. I have a dripper and an automatic mister set up for him.

My first question is substrate. There are so many opinions on what to use so I am quite confused. The most prominent opinion tends to be no substrate to limit bacterial growth. Now, I have a plastic tray that sits at the bottom of the enclosure so would I leave it just as the plastic? would I put reptile carpet down? or a large towel to help hold humidity?

Another question is live plant choice. I keep ficus in with my veileds and many sources said that ficus were also fine for Jacksons however I also read a source that said not to use ficus with Jacksons because it secretes a milky latex substance that causes eye infections and that hibiscus were a better choice. Comments here? I always wash and wipe my ficus before use.

Well that's it for now. Thanks for the replies!

KElly

First of all...I have kept/bred chameleons for over 15 years now, but I haven't had a lot of Jackson's...but I have had a few that have done well for me though. I have kept a few merus too.

You said..."My first question is substrate. There are so many opinions on what to use so I am quite confused. The most prominent opinion tends to be no substrate to limit bacterial growth. Now, I have a plastic tray that sits at the bottom of the enclosure so would I leave it just as the plastic? would I put reptile carpet down? or a large towel to help hold humidity?"...I never use any substrate or carpet or towels or anything else as substrate for any chameleon. The main reason is that any soil/bark/mulch/etc. type substrates can be ingested...either by accident or on purpose...and most of them can cause impactions. Cedar and pine contain oils that are toxic to chameleons too. (Cloth) towels and carpet can carry bacteria and mold and are too hard to keep clean.

To help with the humidity, I use real plants that are non-toxic (in case the chameleon or the insects that are used to feed the chameleon nibble on them) that are well washed (both sides of the leaves). I also run lots of water through the soil and cover the soil with small stones that are too large for the chameleon to ingest. I also use drippers and mist the cages a couple of times a day.

Re: plant choice...ficus does exude a milky product...but since I have never used ficus, I have no experience on whether it will cause harm to the eyes or not. Like you, I have heard that it can though. I have always used pothos and for brevs, a plant called china doll. Lots of people say that hibiscus are good plants to use.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the reply. So I guess it will just be a bare plastic bottom and I will have to track down a pothos or hibiscus plant. One more question regarding UVB lighting. Is it best to use a Repti glo 5.0 and a Repti Glo 2.0 combined to acheive the best results? thanks again

Most of the time I use Reptisun 5.0's. I have tried others but I like them the best.

Thanks for the info, haven't seen any repti suns around but will have to track one down. Thanks!

The one you have may be fine...I just haven't used them. When I find something that works, I just stick with it. It helps keep everything in balance.