The chameleon is a famous pet reptile, and there is a good reason for that. Besides being colorful and exciting, they make excellent companions. Can chameleons live in a paludarium or is it possible to keep a chameleon in a Paludarium? Chameleons are great candidates for Paludariums since they can adapt to many habitats and climates. However, they require a lot of space and specialized care.
Can You Put a Chameleon in a Paludarium?
A chameleon can be kept in a Paludarium. Considering the adaptability of chameleons, they make excellent candidates for Paludariums. Although they require a considerable amount of space, if they are given the proper care, they can be pleased and healthy animals.
Chameleons live in various habitats, including wetlands, savannas, and even the drier parts of tropical forests, to which they are native. They must be better suited for living in Europe or North America, where temperatures range between 18 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
The paludarium is an aquatic habitat used to house chameleons. The system consists of transparent tanks with water maintained at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the tanks, the chameleon can freely move around and see above and below the water’s surface. A paludarium provides chameleons with a stable environment to breed and live.
What Other Reptiles Can Live in a Paludarium?
The Paludarium is not just for Chameleons, as other reptiles can also live there. Aquariums are also good places for Anoles, bearded dragons, gerbils, lizards, and leopard geckos.
- Anole:
The Anole is a common lizard that can be kept in a Paludarium. The chameleon-like coloration of this species makes it a widespread species in Central and South America. Anoles in aquariums should be held between 85-90°F (29-32°C) on top and 75-85°F (24-29°C) on the bottom. Temperatures at night should range from 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Bearded dragons:
A bearded dragon can live in a paludarium, but it requires more space than a chameleon. In a paludarium setup, bearded dragons need at least six square feet (0.63 sq m) in each tank and 25 gallons (95 liters) of water per beardie to live comfortably. A bearded dragon’s paludarium should generally be 75-85°F (24-29°C). To prevent skin problems, bearded dragons need UVB light and regular misting.
- Gerbils:
The gerbil can live in a paludarium, but it needs a lot of space to play and can be pretty active. Paludariums for gerbils should have at least eight square feet (0.89 sq m) in each tank and 50 gallons (190 liters) of water per gerbil to be comfortable. Gerbils should be kept in a paludarium between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius). Gerbils require regular water changes and a diet of live insects or rodent chow every month.
- Leopard gecko:
Leopard geckos are common pet lizards that can live in paludariums. Its chameleon-like coloration makes it a widespread species in tropical climates. The paludarium setup for a leopard gecko should have at least 12 square feet (1.2 sq m) in each tank and 75 gallons (270 liters) of water per animal.
Can Chameleons Live in a Fish Tank?
There are better places to keep chameleons than the fish tank because they require a lot of space and a different environment. However, chameleons can live in a fish tank if provided with climbing surfaces and other enclosures that allow them to move. Having a chameleon live in a fish tank requires some basic guidelines.
- There needs to be at least a 20-gallon fish tank.
- Fish tanks should have a temperature of at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
- There should be a balance between live and dead plants in the fish tank’s water.
- Although the chameleon can live in a fish tank with other lizards, it must have plenty of climbing surfaces and enclosures to move around.
- If you provide a chameleon with plenty of climbing surfaces and enclosures, it can live in a medium fish tank.
Can You Keep a Chameleon in a Vivarium?
Vivariums can be an excellent place for chameleons. However, you must have a 2x2x3ft arboreal vivarium for a single chameleon. In vivariums, the temperature must be at least 78 degrees Fahrenheit. A vivarium should maintain humidity between 55 and 85%.
In addition to living in warm, tropical climates, chameleons are native to Africa. Although keeping a chameleon in a vivarium is possible, you must consider its specific needs and requirements. A small vivarium may not be feasible for keeping chameleons because they need a lot of space and sunlight.
Also, the chameleon should have access to food, water dishes, and a hiding place. Chameleons are very active animals and may require plenty of stimulation (including human interaction) to stay healthy.
What Kind of Tank Do You Need for a Chameleon?
First, chameleons can live in Paludariums, vivariums, and fish tanks. A chameleon can live in a small enclosure if it is provided with many climbing surfaces and sections. The following tank types are recommended for keeping chameleons.
- XL Zoo-Med Tank:
Zoo-Med’s XL tank can accommodate chameleons as large as 16 inches. A length of 12 inches and a width of 8 inches. A good choice for chameleons that live in small spaces or need plenty of climbing space. XL Zoo-Med Tanks have a lovely neutral color palette. They can be placed on the floor or on a tabletop surface to make moving around easier for your chameleons. Several branches and hiding spots are built into this tank, including an overflow basin for drinking water and a covered area for shedding skin.
- Medium Arboreal Vivexotic:
The Arboreal Vivexotic tank can accommodate chameleons up to 20 inches in length. It is 16 inches long and 16 inches wide. The enclosure is wide enough to provide enough space and climbing areas for chameleons. Live plants line the sides of the tank, providing a natural environment for your chameleon to explore. A built-in water dish makes shedding skin easy (and hygienic). Cleaning this tank is also easy, thanks to the removable top.
- Wooden vivaria:
Vivariums made from wood are the best option for chameleon tanks that can last for years. These wood tanks are naturally resistant to decay and insects, making them ideal for chameleons in humid environments. Typical wood-based chameleon tanks have mossy substrates and climbing structures designed to support chameleons.
Final Thoughts on Keeping Chameleons in a Paludarium
Overall, a chameleon can live in a paludarium. So, the answer to the question “Can chameleons live in a paludarium?” is already clear like water. However, it requires large-size Paludariumor ample climbing space. Therefore, if your chameleon only fits into some other categories, you may be better off choosing a vivarium instead of a paludarium.