Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it ok to have a a glass tank with a wired top? Someone told me a 5 month old chameleon is too old for a glass tank. But, the reptile specialist said it was fine. Or should i have a wired cage for more ventalation. The specialist said it was fine to have a glass tank with a wired top. Please tell me what i should have.

PS: i have a 30 gallon high reptile tank. My chameleon is a veiled chameleon.

For a veiled chameleon, glass tanks should not, and can not be used over the age of 5 months, just before sexual maturity. When your chameleon reaches sexual maturity, he will be MUCH more aggressive and territorial. The glass tank provides a wonderful reflection for him to get angry at and get stressed out about.

Glass tanks are never good because they don't provide ample ventilation, the only case when they should be used is for babies/juveniles.

There are numerous species of chameleon that do decently in glass, and they are the (usually) smaller species that can live in groups without harassing each other, or can see their reflection without attacking it or getting stressed. There is still the ventilation (or lack of it) aspect of a tank.

Please make or buy a screen cage that is 2'x2'x4' (4'high) for your little guy, you can check out a couple of the sites listed on kingsnake for cages to buy, but they run quite a bit of money. You may want to make a cage to save some green, check out Adcham.com for some cage designs, I hear they are very good.

Thanks but where can i find a tank like that.

There are many websites available on this forum that sell cages and supplies.
If you go to the top of the forum page there is a link (first one basically) called "Breeders/Dealers/Stores"
That page has many websites for reptile supplies. Im sure you can find a cage there.

If you want to build your own cage I would check out this website.
http://www.chameleonparadise.com/2x2x4DIYCage.htm
He has detailed instructions to building a 2x4x4 cage. It says for outdoors but can be used inside as well.

LLL Reptiles has a good selection of cages as well. I am not sure on pricing but I found both my cages there and are wuite happy with them. I personally use Reptariums. They are PVC tube cages with a screen mesh cover. I have 2 and have been wuite happy with them.
http://lllreptile.com/v2/content/catalog/?section_string=cage-supplies

I would recommend at LEAST a 100 gallon reptarium or larger. The bigger the better since he will grow into it. I have my male in a 175 gallon and he loves it.

You can buy whole cage packages from them or just the cage by itself depending on what supplies you want.

Also be sure to check eBay, I have seen people selling reptariums on there lately for a decent price as well.

Look around the breeders/dealers/stores page though, im sure that you can find somewhere that has the perfect cage your looking for!

Good luck and hope this helped!

Erin

i got a great 2'x2'x4' screen aluminum cage off ebay for $100 (shipping included) Brand New...

people say that u shouldnt use glass tanks because of poor ventilation! i use a glass tank for a adult and i also use a screen tank in the glass tank i have a small comp fan for the ventilation but i also let my cham come out and free roam because its just not enough room for it to live in,the glass tanks are easier to clean and to keep humid,but the screen tanks are good also they have more room no need for fans
just remember that you are trying to make your cham as comfortable as possible!