 Ventilation
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Chameleon viv built in to an alcove tall and wide just
the thing for a climber of trees.
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 Top HeatThere are three sources of heat in this setup. (2) ThermoTube This is basically a greenhouse heater in a wire cage located at the bottom of the vivarium. I chose this form of background heat mainly for it's low energy consumption and relatively cheap cost. The ThermoTube also fulfills another purpose as on top of the wire cage I have placed six shallow dishes that are filled with water this helps to maintain a good humidity. (3) Heating Panel The heat pad screwed to the left hand wall has the job of giving the vivarium a heat gradient which can be checked by the duel thermometer, this gives a temperature reading for both hot and cold ends and as a bonus can also give me the relative humidity. Both the ThermoTube and the Heating Pad are controlled by the (1) Master Thermostat which is manualy ajusted for day and night. (7) Spot Light Last but not least is the 40w mini spot light which is on permanently during the day giving the chameleon a basking spot. |
| Top Light Light is very important to Chameleons for finding food and more importantly hitting the food from a distance with that amazing tongue. So I have provided three sources of light which are all switched on and off independently, this allows me to simulate dawn and dusk. (4) UV Flor Lighting In this setup I have incorporated two Flor. light units one three foot located at the front of the vivarium and one 18 inch unit located near the basking light. Both supply UV which is required for good bone growth. (7) Spot Light The basking light apart from giving of heat adds to the amount of ambient light. |
Natural Ventilation is provided through the front of the vivarium through holes 2 inches in diameter these drilled holes are backed with aluminum mesh brought at a car parts shop ( used for car body repairs ). (6) Extractor Fan The extractor fan located at the cool end (right) provides extra ventilation and comes on at regular intervals throughout the day. |
All actions, Light, Heat and Ventilation are controlled by four timers located at the top of the vivarium this automation allows the Chameleons days and nights to be uniform. Saying this I do change the length of day time to simulate the seasons (longer summer days shorter winter days). |
