How to setup a BIOACTIVE CHAMELEON ENCLOSURE!!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มี.ค. 2020
- #chameleon #bioactive #reptiles
Setting up a bioactive chameleon enclosure for veiled chameleons, panther chameleons, this is a universal method across all chameleon species. I'm keeping Bradypodion thamnobates in these tanks.
@TroyGoldberg
Links 👇
Merch: teespring.com/stores/alpharep...
Instagram: / graphicphoenix1
Facebook: / alphareptiles
Email: alphareptile.co@gmail.com
Twitter: / miketytula
Product links:
Foam: amzn.to/3aVqoE5
Wood used: tinyurl.com/t82dxdt
hydro balls: amzn.to/2TMTHmx
Window Screen: amzn.to/3b0HY9X
Jungle Mix: amzn.to/3aMS5iq
Coconut coir: amzn.to/2WbZeon
I hate it when people buy chameleons just to HAVE them! But they do nothing FOR the animal! Like, only putting one branch in it and that's it??!?!
It's awesome to see finally someone who puts his heart and love in it and wants the animal to feel safe and comfortable♡
I totally agree, as more and more people impulse buy chameleons, I hope I can actually show them how to setup a proper enclosure for their new tree dragon
Great video my friend! Still blows my mind that you build these enclosures from scratch! Well explained and well filmed! 👌🏼😎
Thanks for watching man! Any constructive criticism is much appreciated haha!
This was amazing. I love how they both turned out, and how the two terrariums blend together. This video turned out amazing, keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching Trent! Appreciate the continued support
Awesome DIY, and thanks for the Home Hardware hookup!
No problem
Can't wait until you can build some for me
I'll build the glass, you got the inside haha
Mike Tytula can you build my glass? 😂😂
Great video Mike! Lots of detail!
Hopefully the level of detail helps people build a tank for themselves :)
Nice vid mike love the setups
Thanks Coop! Long time no see!
This turned out so great ! I'll be sure to revisit this video when I build out my parson's new enclosure.
That would be really tough to do for a tanks for a parsons haha
Mike Tytula I was thinking about using your techniques for how you made the background look naturalistic 🍃
How big of a tank are you planning though? Because even the minimum recommend parsons enclosure would be really difficult to do haha
@@MikeTytula I have Calumma parsonii cristifers which are a smaller subspecies of Parson's so they don't need quite as much space as say a Yellow Lip Parson's. Males can do well in a 4x2x4 and females can do well in a 2x2x4.
I'd still say that's a bit small, but too each their own haha. Even at that size would still be a nightmare to build a custom background for it! I hope you do go through with making one though I'd to see how it turns.
This has been quite helpful. I'm beginning to fully establish my chameleons cage to a living cage. She already has potted plants but I'm looking to permanently plant them for her as well as providing a substrate she can lay in when necessary. You've given me a lot of useful information.
Glad you were able to take something from the conversation!
Amazing work dude! I’m setting up my first bio active vivarium right now. Been in the fish hobby for 14 years and am really excited to get into this hobby. I’ll be setting one up for a panther chameleon. Thanks for the great content
Nice! I have been a fish person basically since I started being a reptile guy too! Both are incredible hobbies.
I like that you don’t yell at the screen like so many people. Very thorough video with great steps and ideas. Thank you!
Yell at the screen? What do you mean by that? Literally yelling at the camera?? Thanks for the kind words!
incredible video, really great way to add a personal touch
Thanks for watching! Hopefully you watched the whole thing hahah
@@MikeTytula always!
0:09 preach!!! Couldn’t agree more
Thanks Perla! Enclosures are all too important to ignore :)
I was thinking of setting up my Retic this way - maybe I’ll Make a video of me doing so lol - it won’t be as good as yours but I’ll give it a shot !
Go for it man! Should look cool!
Love how this turned out! I’ll definitely have to try the drylock background method on a future build. I’m curious how you get the tank to ventilate enough for your little thams? Is it just through the top or did you build something into the sides as well?
Most chameleon species are good with similar ventilation to other animals, it comes in through the front and out the tank from a 4 inch gap in the top glass.
I just saw someone say they sand the foam, with sandpaper, instead of carving. Seems like a cool alternative. Using a dremmel tool to grind and shape it, add contours in anyway you personally find attractive, is another great method. Great terrarium, once again, Mike :)
Ya that definitely does work, but if you dont have a shop vac right next to the drill bit you are in trouble haha.
Thank you so much for this video!
Thanks so much for watching the video!
Amazing video
Thanks for watching!
You did a great job decorating.
Thanks Barb! Both the chameleons are doing great!
That’s awesome
Thanks for watching!
Lot of info great video
Thanks Eddie! Certainly tried to pack it into this video.
Love it
Thanks!
was waiting for this video :D
haha I think you have commented on every video since I mentioned the build
@@MikeTytula LMAO
@@paranorman1646 I don't think I'm wrong hahah
@@MikeTytula nope it sounds about right LMAO
haha exactly! And you watched it in the first 24 hours! Props to you!
Superb vivarium and superb Video about construction of the Vivarium.
Thanks for watching man! I appreciate it!
Mike Tytula you’re very welcome !
Hey man great content. Hopefully you still check the older ones but did you ever make the build for the enclosure?
I haven’t made the video of actually building the glass tank yet.
I was just wondering if the paints (for the moss and rock shadows!) are okay for reptiles and continual misting?! I’m hoping to revamp a few of my enclosures to a bioactive one and was just curious as to wether paints could cause any issues or if some clear material should be layered over top? Thank you so much! Such an amazing build!!
I had no issues. But you could always apply a varnish sealer to seal the paint away.
I use a glass enclosure for my female works great. The cold long winters in Canada let me keep her humidity with the forced air heating on in the house
Exactly! Glad you have a similar experience!
How do you clean a tank like this. I’ve seen some videos were they take out everything and sanitize it and replace the substrate. If the ground is dirt like that do you need to worry about cleaning it as much or is it almost like a ecosystem where it just goes to the plants? Also do you still clean all the plants and stuff like normal or do you not need to do that?
Similar to the ecosystem concept
Ahhh, nice. How does passiflora vine work in tropical vivs? I would love to use some of that. The flowers are insanely beautiful, and the fruits are delicioso
It works great! But might not get enough nutrients to flower properly. I know Bill Strand uses them in his out door enclosures and they flower and fruit regularly.
Troy Goldberg converted me too!!!
It works!
nice bro i like so muchs
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed.
can you show us how to build these glass terrariums?
Next time I build one I definitely will!
Sense you haven’t made a video on how to build the enclosure it’s self maybe like a blue print for those of us who wanna try? In terms of how to put the glass and stuff together ?
Next time I build an enclosure I will definitely show it. These tanks were only my second and third time building tanks haha
I might do a bioactive Dubia enclosure
That would be a cool idea!
Do you have a video on how to build the enclosure itself? Or any good sites where a custom enclosed could be made? I want to change from a screen tank to a glass tank for my chameleon
Depends where you are located! I don't have a video just yet, but next tank that I build I plan to make a video on it!
@@MikeTytula I’m located in miami and can’t find any good sites to buy from. All the sites I’ve seen have been either way over 7 k or just won’t do the dimensions I need. Can’t wait for you to post a video on tank building!
@@barbaracianciarullo9626 Shoot me an email and we can discuss it there! You could also send me a message on IG because depending how big you are looking for, will dictate the thickness of glass and stuff.
Hey mike! I am going to be getting a chameleon in the summer time and I was curious what type of tank you’d recommend? Glass or screened?
What specis are you getting? And where do you live?
@@MikeTytula hey just dropping in on the comment as I live in the UK I would like a panther chameleon abs am thinking about a glass but so many people saying it should be screen but as not hot much I thought screen maybe less effective here what are your thoughts many thanks :)
@@maskedangel1963 I would agree, in a climate like that a glass or even a hybrid tank would be the way to go.
Great vid. Curious what your running got uvb and basking bulbs ?
Basking bulb is 35 nano bulb, and arcadia 6% UVB
How do you maintain proper air flow in a glass tank? I have a small screened enclosure for my veiled but i want to know if it would be okay to put him in my old snake tank as its much larger
I would only recommend a large exo terra or other custom glass tank, a standard aquarium isn't suitable for a chameleon. th-cam.com/video/vtp6c0QtVao/w-d-xo.html
Did you mix the cement colorant with the dry lock paint or did you use it by itself?
Mix it with the drylok
Hello I just found your channel and I saw that you had a crestie in a separate video, I have one aswell and I was wondering when to feed her I'm feeding insects every other day and repashy crested mix every day I'm not sure if I can do anything else for her or if I could be doing anything better. Thanks in advanced 👌
Honestly, that is a ton feeding. If anything I would recommend reducing the amount of food. How old is it?
@@MikeTytula when I got her the person I got it from said about 4 months so I've had her for about 4 months so I'm going to say shes somewhere around 7 to 8 months old
Gotcha! You could probably start to hold back a little on the amount of food. But sounds good!
I want to make a vivarium build but it can be dismantled. :( any recommendations or advice how to even do this?
MAke it out of wood
Hey I was wondering what type of drylock I should get. Ther is multiple types including floor and wall, and cement dry lock and a couple others
Fairly certain I show the can that I used in this build.
Do you have a video where you update on this tank now that it's been a year or so? And maintenance of a bioactive tank after set up?
Unfortunately, I moved across the country shortly after I set these tanks up, and they haven't been resetup yet. But I can tell you that they grew in well and were doing amazing until I had to remove all the plants and such
@@MikeTytula hey thank you for replying on am old video! I am having a hard time finding resources for a maintenance schedule for bioactive set ups, any advice or resources you can point me to?
Shoot me a message on Instagram, and we can chat better there
Is it possible to house both a crested gecko or other types with dart frogs in the same enclosure/vivarium
I wouldn't recommend it
Hey man. I was wondering. . With just the spray foam directly on the glass. Was it strong enough in the long run?
I just sold both of the tanks, and they were still holding strong!
@@MikeTytula awesome. I really like what you did man. I'm gonna try this for our tank today. I appreciate the time you took to reply man. your great!
I'm curious as to how well the drylok barrier is holding up
So far so good!
Hi mike, you talk about sealant for acrylic on an other video but I'm not good in english earing. Why don't you seal it on this video?
I did, I just forgot to mention it in the video.
Does your bottom never fills with too much water? Do you have to renew it sometimes?
I've never had an issue with supersaturating the soil! That's why I have a drain in the back though, to make sure it never gets to that point
Good morning how to make a drain on a glass bottom without breaking it. thanks in advance😊
Just have to google how to drill through glass. Someday I will make a tutorial but it wont be any time soon.
I can’t find you on IG! Have you thought about putting certain orchids in the tanks? Most orchid are Epiphytic and are from tropical regions. You could get some wild looking flowers in there
Also, what kind of UVB do you have for that size?
I use the arcadia 6% proT5. I have thought about orchids but I don't think they would work in a tank for these guys. My instagram is alpha.reptile
Mike Tytula found it! Thanks! I’m gonna start building mine soon so this is a great video! Idk if I should use a stronger light bc of all the plants. That seems to have mixed reviews
What light are you thinking? The UVB is for the chameleons not the plants haha
Mike Tytula Hahaa yea I be knowing. Right now I have a reptisun 5.0 on my small enclosure but I’ve been seeing the taller your enclosure is, the stronger it should be, like a 10.0 so that it reaches the chameleon when it’s lower in the enclosure. I plan on it being about 36”+ tall. I’m just paranoid about MBD and keep coming across horror stories
With the taller tank, they should still be able to get the same distance away from the basking area (Heat and UVB) as in the shorter enclosure. Thus, the basking (specifically the UVB) shouldn't change, as you risk going too high.
Hey Mike I've been entertaining the idea of getting a Chameleon,which one do you recommend? The glass enclosures or Screen enclosures?
Kelsey long time no see! Totally depends on where you live, and what species of chameleon you are looking after
@@MikeTytula Ya haven't seen you doing livestreams in awhile,I'm thinking a Veiled.
@@kelseybordeaux9206 Where are you located??
@@MikeTytula North Carolina
Indoor or outdoor setup?
Where did you get your custom enclosure......
???.? It’s beautiful
Built it myself haha
@@MikeTytula that is absolutely amazing, do you have a video on how you did it and if not can you make a building video
@@debriannahampton6110 I have a video on doing the interior of the tank, but not of building the tank itself.
So do you prefer mesh enclosures or glass enclosures can you please answer this
Depends on the application!
I just built mine, I got a 58x18x36 and split it down the middle for both of my panthers and one of them is going crazy because of his reflection, what should I do
Change the location of your lights, and you are sure it is the reflection, not something else in the enclosure?
The black foam said wave check
Haha what?
Can you show maintenance on the bioactive enclosure?
There really isn't a whole lot of maintenance.
Curious would this work with a screen cage?
Would what? The background?
How are you going to keep enough airflow?
There’s plenty of ventilation through the front vent and out the top
Do you have any information on the build of the tank itself?
I believe you emailed me, and I replied there.
@@MikeTytula Hi I have the same question, is there a video on the actual tank build maybe? Awesome video btw, will defiantly refer to this when building mine!
What was the tank size where you using:O
This was 22x17x36
Hey man. .I'm back!lol. How can I send you a picture of my enclosure you inspired me to do myself.
Best place is definitely instagram hahah
@@MikeTytula damn man. I'm old school. Only fb.
I mean that works too. I have a facebook page that you can send them to
Do you have to put the foam on the back?
I'd recommend it, but you don't have to I guess
what plants have you planted specifically?
Depends which tank, but I had ficus microcarpa, ficus benjamina, a coffee plant, and some bromeliads
I wonder if using acrylic paint, to color the drylock, would work. Anyone have experience with this idea?
It never really colours up the way you want it to.
Where did you bought the branches?
reptilesrus.ca
Hey how did, build it and get the custom glass, i am also from canada
I just ordered the glass and put it together with construction grade silicone
@@MikeTytula could you link me where you order the glass?
I would just find a local glass shop to you
Do you have a local place where you buy hydroton?
I buy it in bulk (40 lbs bag)
3:10 You could easily get the same results way faster with a palm sander :)
Wire end on a drill is even better haha
Can that enclosure and setup work for a crested gecko?
Ya I suppose it could!
I wanted to ask, how do you clean the poo out?
A glove on my hand or a spoon work well
Could i please get a list of items you use or Are commonly used because i dont want to make a Mistake thank you for your time
Im Making my own list sure but i wanna be 100% sure
Why don't you share your list and I can add some things too it if need be.
@@MikeTytula
Hydrotons, umbrella Plant 1 other but i forgot the name,
Window net, some branches i use in my current setup , rocks, White Dwarf isopods or Purple dwarf isopods, springtails, leaf litter, Drylok, i forgot the Brand name but Its similar to what you used Foam, Acrylic paints And the substrate mix made by Snake Discovery (Its their How2 for bioactive they call it the Snake Discovery awesome mix And it looked like it works really well)
Like i said Its something i just wanna be 100% sure of And thank you for your time
I talk a lot....
Ya I looks like you are off to a good start
I live in The Netherlands and i don’t know where to find drylok :( is there someone that can help me with this?
Elastopur works wonders!
what tank did you use?
Custom built
Are those paints safe for animals??
Yup! No issues thus far!
how do you clean the poop?
Just keep an eye out for what the isopods and springtails miss
Why can’t you just stick the peat moss to the black foam?
You can, but most of it will fall off, and leaves a very unfinished look.
Can I put wax worms in my bioactive setup
Uhhh never heard of that being done
Show the tank build please
Of the glass actually?
Could I just use all peat moss?
For what?
Don’t use glass. It stresses them out. Mesh is the way to go. Plus it gives them more to climb
None of that stuff is food safe and loaded with chemicals. I’m disappointed that you don’t know that
What do you mean? And the glass doesn’t stress them out.
Show us the build!
Show you putting the glass together you mean??
2:24 that didn't sound creepy at all 😳
Hahah it definitely did!
Would this work with a tree frog?
Sure would!
Mike Tytula cool! Just wondering what size tank did you use in this build?
This is a 22x17x36"
Do you have to do foam?
I mean you don't have too but looks really nice
Mike Tytula and also does that foam stick to glass?
Most of the time yes
Mike Tytula ok
what are the dimensions of this tank? isn't too small? :S
Too small for what?
Panther chameleon how many times a day
How times a day for what?
So what will decomposition the poop?
Springtails and Isopods are what typically breakdown the waste.
@@MikeTytula do you have a video where you set up everything set by set
Uhh I believe I have a build on my channel.
@@MikeTytula I can’t find it on your
How did you get the drainage?
How much did this build cost ?
Total, everything including lights and all? or?
@@MikeTytula yes please! That would be really helpful in budgeting. This is a great build and I want to make a larger terrarium for my veiled, so I think I wanna use this video as a guide! And/Or, do you know a way to expand a mesh (i think thats what its called) terrarium?
Would you say this is cheaper than buying fake plants with a chameleon starter kit?
With all the proper lighting and such, no it's not. But the chameleon kit is a death trap, especially if you are unaware of how to set them up properly
@@MikeTytula ok on average how much do you think this would all cost, because if i end up getting a chameleon i want to do it the right way
@@MikeTytula where would you recommend i could get a good cage?
Like the entire glass tank and everything to go inside it, with proper lighting and such? What species of chameleon is this for?
@@MikeTytula a veiled
And what are you keeping? Which chameleon? :)
Bradypodion thamnobates
Mike Tytula Those are amazing species! I always wanted Trioceros hoehnelii. Perhaps sometime this year I will do a project for them.
I thought there was a coffee plant in it??????
There is haha! This was just the original video, I added the coffee plant after! I will be making an update video in the coming weeks!
Too bad I only have a screen cage
Can always purchase something different if your climate is made for the screen kinds.
A glass tank is very bad for a chameleon cause it has poor airflow and chameleons don’t like to see themselves in the glass. Also panthers need a much larger enclosure.
That’s not true. The air flow in a tank like this or an exo terra is sufficient for chameleons and has been proven to be for years. I myself never had an issue with reflections and several chameleon keeper that keep in glass have never had the issue either. You can build a solid sided enclosure plenty large enough for a panther
Mine works too. I used the Woodglut plans and performed it without any problems.
What did you use
Use a potato peeler next time 🥔
That would be smart!
Why the fuck are you using a glass tank
Allow me to educate: th-cam.com/video/vtp6c0QtVao/w-d-xo.html