Large Vivarium Construction - Page 66

Energy · #**651** (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathan

Chameleons do get VERY stressed in non screen aquariums. While you may have good air flow, you still will have reflections that will cause stress on the chameleons . . . just something to think about.

Good point- I wonder if acrylic reflects the same as glass? I can't really stop or control the reflective qualities of acrylic without major modifications. This may be an issue that I haven't looked into yet. The space between the acrylic and the chameleon would be about 2-3 feet. I wonder if that would make a difference to lesson reflection aggression.

nathan · #**652** (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 02:03 AM

I would probably avoid chameleons , as acrylic still has reflections. Chameleons have great eyesight so 2-3 feet is nothing really.

If you want something that will be out during the day , maybe consider some day geckos, a species that stays on the small side, or a group of electric blue geckos, they are bright and stay small and will feed on fruit flies

EverettC · #**653** (**permalink**) 03-09-2010, 03:05 AM

The day geckos are a great option, they'll crawl on the sides of your enclosure and the high-activity levels of the tank won't bother them. I've never had any, but I've always loved the madagascar day geckos, great looking reptiles.

seamonkey84 · #**654** (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 03:06 AM

The only chameleon i would consider for a non screen enclosure would be the pygmy chameleon species. though not very large or colorful, they are one of the hardiest, and full of personality. as long as you dont have multiple males (well in your case you prob could) you could have them communally, as unlike most chams, they tend to be social. they could eat fruit flies like the frogs, or small crickets (1/4in size) and roach nymphs. they prefer the micro climate created in a terrarium with sufficient ventilation. Down side is almost all of them are still wild caught, but easy to breed in captivity. another good choice may be the electric blue day geckos, again small, but very colorful. a few breeding pairs/trios would probably be very happy in a jungle like yours, eating spring tails, fruit flies, and baby food/ nectar. either/both of these would provide excellent "hide and seek" critters to keep you looking and wondering as you stare into your little piece of the tropic, without having to worry if your pets are going to end up eating each other. however, the anoles may out compete most for food.

Energy · #**655** (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 03:33 AM

I like the idea of day geckos but I have heard they are extremely territorial and aggressive toward each other. I have seriously considered the pygmy chams before and may have to go back to that route.

What kind of day geckos could I keep together without aggression?

seamonkey84 · #**656** (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 03:45 AM

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/commu...williamsi.html

Energy · #**657** (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 04:12 AM

Thanks for the link, unfortunately it says they should not be kept with other day geckos-as I thought. It seems they will also need a UVB light as well.

nathan · #**658** (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 05:14 PM

Most day geckos species can not be mixed due to agression. But in a viv your size you might be able to put lets say a trio of gold dust and a trio of peacock. i have housed these before in the same enclosure with no problems, As long as you keep only one male of each.

The electric blue geckos are tiny but BRIGHT ( dominant males anyways) And with your viv you would be able to have a decent sized group in there.

Another route would be Neon yellow headed day geckos ,Phelsuma klemmeri
These guys are awesome ! And you would be able to house them in a group.

Energy · #**659** (**permalink**) 03-10-2010, 09:36 PM

Alright a new plan on the stocking list:

5 pygmy chameleons
2.3 electric blue day geckos
ands may a 1.2 of some other day gecko variety.

Sound feasible?

seamonkey84 · #**660** (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 08:03 AM

that sounds good to me, depending on what the other geckos are. with the pygmies, you could have two males and still have their own territory. what do you have for a cleanup crew, or have i read over that and missed it...
with a setup your size though, you'd have to be very vigilant looking for those babies or eggs, as hatching would probably have a hard time foraging for food in such a wild setting. or keep it stocked with enough spring tails i guess and hope for the best as nature does. daily dusted fruit flies and you could most likely get the chameleons to feed out of a cup/deep bowl for the small crickets.