Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hmm I have been entertaining getting a chameleon for several year, and since I am getting leopards I might as well go for a variety and try something I have wanted for a long time...

First of all I want a really colorful guy, so any species reccomendations would be nice...

So I guess my top questions are...
1. How big does the tank need to be?
2. What kinds of plants should I use?
3. Can I keep them indoors, if so, what would I need?
4. Do those screen tanks work well? I imagine a larger size tank would cost a few hundred dollars, which I really cant afford right now

Type in "chameleon care" in your search engine and you will get lots of info from a variety of care sheets.
Your questions are good and should be asked but are vague in the sense that there are many chameleons and most different have different needs.
Just do research and you will find what suites you..

http://www.exoticlizards.com/chameleon-cages.html

this will save you alot of Money. You can buy the whole set up. Go for the 36"24"24" or the 48"24"24". that whole set up is nice and cheap. you will still need to buy the plants.

http://www.exoticlizards.com/chameleon-cages.html

thier are some cool chams to get. Panther are the most colorful in bright colors. those and Veiled are the easyest for first time cham owner. Veileds are pritty cheap look in classifieds up above on this website. You can find great deals thier.

Chameleons do not do well in tanks screen cages are better.
24x24x48 tall is a good size.
You will need a UVB light like reptisun 5.0 or a Mercury Vapor light.
Plants like Pothos, or non toxic tropicals work well.
Climbing and basking vines.
You can also add plastic vines but use real plants too for added humidity.
A good Calcium suplement with D3 like Rep-Cal
A vitamin supplement like Herptivite
A humidifier is a good idea. I use a small one to two gallon one made for peoplev (ultrasonic) that will fit in the bottom of the cage.
If you get a misting system that can work instead of the humidifier but ismore expensive.
A dripper or IV type water dripping system (they only drink dripping or moving water)
A basking light and a way to measure the temps like a temperature guage or digital weather center from Radioshak or Walmart
I think Panthers and Veileds are the best for beginners but you should do lots of research because none are considered an easy animal to care for and all are very time consuming if cared for properly. The owners must take a lot of time troubleshooting and making sure the animal is eating and drinking properly and acting normally as usually when a problem arises the animal may need some kind of husbandry adjustment or may need to see a vet in a timely fashion since things can go downhill quickly.
Good luck and I hope I helped.

Thanks guys, I really don't think I am ready for these guys yet then. Guess I'll wait until I have more money, time, and room for them.