Image Credit: Amazon
IS A GLASS ENCLOSURE ESSENTIAL TO KEEPING CHAMELEONS?
Recently, there has been some debate about glass versus screen, and some have implied that this site is not in favor of glass.
In the past, that was true, but Dr. Anderson's work taught us that that wasn't the case - we learned, we adapted, and now we would like to share with you some considerations when selecting the enclosure type:
Firstly, you can use glass - it is not prohibited here. However, it should be done correctly. There is no need to buy the tiny gecko cages that pet stores sell as the perfect thing for your chameleon. How do you determine if something is "correct"?
FLOW OF AIR
In comparison to screens, glass cages limit airflow because of their very nature. Enclosures for chameleons should be able to provide gradients of cool-to-warm temperatures.
However, given that a screen provides less airflow than chameleon enclosures, this is not always a simple task.
To do this, you need a lot of space! In particular, glass enclosures should meet every size parameter. The pricey 18x36x36 terrarium is best suited for chameleons like the Veiled, Jackson, and Panther. It's a terrarium, not a fish tank.
Adding plastic panels to screens allows you to control the airflow and reduce it, making it more flexible than glass.
FEATURES OF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM
Glass terrariums for reptile keeping also have bottom-to-top airflow through ventilation ports under the door, and a screen top so that as warm air rises through the screen, fresh air is drawn into the ports under the door.
The result is fresh air flow, evaporation, and heat exchange. There is no such feature in fish tanks. In addition, a fish tank on its side does not allow proper UVB lighting, so they are not recommended for common chameleon species.
BIOACTIVE
Typical glass enclosures do not come with drains; installing two in a proper-sized cage would amaze, but using a bioactive substrate would be even more effective. This doesn't mean throwing some coir in the bottom and calling it good.
Bioactive here means a three-layer living system that includes drainage at the base (your drainage layer), a screen to prevent dirt from getting into the drainage, a cleanout port if there is no drain, and a deep layer of soil for the plants.
A living layer of clean-up crew (the author prefers leaf litter for its safety and to keep isopods happy) makes for a living layer that doesn't promote harmful fungus, bacteria, or protozoa. Keeping glasses clean requires a complex (but worthwhile) practice.
There's little to no chance of standing moisture in a properly established cage, so a screen can be done bioactive; this is especially useful for first-time chameleon owners who are trying to establish a micro-environment.
HUMIDITY
Since some species do not require constant humidity and in-home air is by its very nature much more stagnant than outdoor air, most species do better under screens.
Most beginners come to the hobby with the belief that chameleons need misting all day long. Mist-heavy husbandry can be a very unhealthy environment with glass enclosures.
The screen is more forgiving because there is a greater chance of evaporation.
TRANSFERRING YOUR ENCLOSURE
Glass enclosures - weigh a ton and are fragile, which makes them difficult to move. Screen enclosures can be moved to clean, change locations, or move during a move. These enclosures can be fixed and left alone. Deciding should take this into account.
