How to setup a bioactive Panther Chameleon terrarium. Self-Cleaning & Maintaining.

I would like to thank Tommy for providing such beautiful Panther Chameleons and even a Veiled Chameleon for this video! In this video the Bio Dude goes over step by step on how to setup your Panther Chameleon bioactive kit as well as what each component does, how it works and overall maintenance and care of this awesome species. The Dude utilities his one of a kind, hand crafted Terra Firma substrate that utilizes the Dude's bio shot to drive the natural, organic processes that create the bioactive ecosystem. This is a fully self cleaning, self maintaining bioactive terrarium. The brand terrarium is an Zoo Med screen cage that is 2' x 2' x 4'.
Panthers are chameleons with HUGE personalities! In this video we will discuss the care, what makes them unique, their strict husbandry requirements, diet and more! If you have more questions feel free to ask and we will get back with you to answer them as soon as we can.
These animals are simply beautiful, I can't wait until my male at home gets to the sizes of some of these bad boys in the video. We are very excited to do the Veiled Chameleon setup video in a few weeks featuring Tommy again with his expertise with Chameleons.
www.thebiodude.com/pages/sear...
- Website: www.theBioDude.com
- Facebook: / thatbiodude
- KZbin: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
- Instagram: @TheBioDude
- TheBioDude Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston 15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4 Webster, TX 77598 Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
The Dude Abides

[@riffsandreptiles9349]

Thanks for this video. You guys did a great job! Been looking for a different approach to the cage! Rock on! 🤘

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@Kikibear]

That’s an amazing cage you guys built for the chameleon.

[@nionixsorino8778]

I close my eyes then I heard hiccup from how to train your dragon!

[@KC6111]

2 weeks ago i started following these Bio Dude videos... this about the 6th I have seen now, because it is best education i have ever seen! Funny thing is, as Tommy the guest pro chameleon expert says... he got into bug breeding from his Chameleon. And this video Josh scoops up a lot of neat bugs.... i love that infestations is not a concern in our homes... so it is really neat learning how to be good reptile moms and suddenly discovering a love for bugs now too. Thanks for another awesome video!

[@timsparkes804]

love the setup!

[@amanda8777]

Thanks dudes, glad I stayed til the end because I was one phone call away from ordering the XL cage for my anticipated 3-4 month old chameleon because why buy a set up twice when I could go big off the bat but that makes sense!!

[@fracturedfingers]

Why did I search for and why am I now watching this and totally into it?

[@KC6111]

Cool!!!! Whoa!!! That was neat! Every chameleon owner or want to be owner will love seeing all the species shown here!!!!! Best video!!! The video gets fun and exciting... in so many spots!

[@Coral_dude]

This is the best video for beginners I have found, I am not ready yet not bc I can’t do it but bc I need more stuff and a smaller cage. I am super happy to have found this long form conversation. Thank you, thank you.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! glad it has helped, please let us know if you have any questions!

[@theoschannel7114]

So much valuable information! Thank you 🙏

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for watching!

[@avantigaming1627]

Definitely one of the best explaining videos out here. Keep up the good work buddy!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@mattfiocchi8695]

Respect for what you do. Thank you this video was really helpful.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@candymanAM]

Awesome video great info on chameleons agree with everything said about panthers.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for the viewing and sharing!

[@jugithunts870]

Look I've seen so many set ups on KZbin but you are by far the best at what you do. Hands down I study your videos bro keep them coming!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks Dude!

[@BryanGarcia-er1mw]

Dead ass huh I learned a lot in 43 min 😊

[@Lakenxgrace]

found this video while just looking for ideas for my chameleon and realized you’re just 15 minutes away from me. will definitely be making time to come by there

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We look forward to seeing you!

[@romario11star]

I had it before, but I wanted to keep it again. Chameleon is very cute.

[@michaelfabregas3496]

awesome video!!!

[@tiffanye6138]

Hi thanks for the tip!👍😁

[@antoniobarbera6909]

Good job!!

[@CanineTutors]

BioDude, Great name

[@mrd.j.2303]

I love it. I was getting a lot of heat for using substrate. Lol. But I need to get a nice screen cage like that.

[@lisahudgens3996]

We have been considering adopting a panther chameleon for quite some time now. Repticon is coming to Atlanta in January and we are researching everything we can about Chameleon husbandry. This is by far the most educational video we have seen. We will visit your website and support your business.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you so much! We are glad to help you : )

[@lisahudgens3996]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Hi Josh. If I request a ficus tree free of pesticides in your starter kit, is that possible? I want to have my environment set up for at least two weeks before I introduce my animal.

[@lisahudgens3996]

I like the ficus as opposed to the other options :)

[@chondahoskin183]

Tree pouches, GREAT IDEA!!!! This with the window film idea I found to cover the sides of the enclosure, I can make it a bioactive hybrid!!

[@jesseehlen6486]

Great video! I loved the info on the different types of insects.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you for sharing your appreciation!

[@thomasmilburn199]

Thanks for the Info yall! Great video

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad it was helpful!!! thank you!!

[@fatnakedjimmyneutron]

Awesome as usual! Wouldn't do anything but bioactive for my herps! Was wondering though if in the future you could do a setup for a chinese water dragon. I havent found any good ones on the internet especially not bioactive and I think these creatures deserve a lot more love! Keep up the awesome vids man and the great work!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you very much!!

[@RONPEE-STINGER]

U got herps?

[@_alvarovalencia]

I like how very authentic this video is 👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I am glad you think so!

[@curtism1741]

Hey Josh, great video hope to see more videos coming. Thank you 🦎🐍🐸🐢🐊👊🏼

[@curtism1741]

I would like to see an updated Crested gecko enclosure and one on tortoises. Thank you

[@brentonjones1645]

Love the super long information video!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Excellent, thank you!

[@jackallredexotics9431]

That is the second largest zoomed cage but never the less a good set uo

[@Jay-gb5qw]

I’ve been waiting for you to do one of these videos. Love it and even better is we buy our insects from TCs such an awesome video

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!!!!

[@scottsweet501]

This references the ad at the beginning of this video. Glad to hear someone put it out there that hydroponics is crap. I’ve known for many years it’s failings. All it takes to know this basic fact is to buy the tomatoes in any grocery store. They are flavorless bags of water. Case closed.

[@vanessarangel2713]

Subscribed to your channel and signed up on your website! I can't wait until i get my Panther Chameleon. I will be ordering from you. Best video on explaining everything you need to know.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you very much for the support! If we can be of assistance with your build or maintenance, please let us know!

[@ajm0208]

Could you do a set up video for a red eye crocodile skink? Those are really cool.

[@MissKelleLawson]

yes yes yes i second that

[@elvirahkershaw]

so many terrible KZbin videos. thanks for being a savior .!!!! incredibly informative

[@silver_surfin7270]

So many videos lately! Loving them all keep it up.

[@michaeloyler6503]

I was just about to say that. I have to stop watching or im gonna end up with an expensive Hobby

[@sethteske5906]

Great video! I have some questions about setting up the lights and the mist machine. So informative, but I wish the video would have gone through the entire cage setup. Is the light on top of the cage the UVB light? You say this one is better than the ZooMed UVB because that one only provides 4 inches of sunlight, does this one provide enough for the full cage if it's sitting on the top, or does it need to be mounted along the side of the cage? I get that the basking light is at the top, and you said there were holes in the screen on the top for the mister as well. Would love to see mister setup too! Wishing the video went through all that setup...

[@nonodaclown9033]

Can't believe I'm just now discovering this channel

[@scottiesnipes]

Loving the vids josh! Your cranking out awesome reptile enclosures! Would love to see some more large terrariums, especially a green tree monitor! Water dragons, caiman lizards, iguanas would be dope as well!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would love nothing more than to do a GTM - Ill own a pair one day, when I can keep them outside. Water dragons are another one, a big one. They get the crap end of the stick (like iggys) in the hobby and I hope I can one day figure out a way to get the cages they need for the everyday consumer, but honestly, if you have a CWD, IGGY etc your end game should be outside, if you are able. I love Caiman Lizards too....One of my favorites.

[@mikehughes6733]

Love the new posts. You should do anoles 🤔

[@sKKKKKKKKK]

Cool video man, any update on the clean up crew on the site? Everything is sold out, please keep us updated.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Not yet. We had over 100 culture up for about half an hour and sold out. The next shipping window will be in the fall. You can always start your bioactive set up now and add the bugs later since all of our kits come with The BioShot which does everything the bugs do on a microscopic level.

[@sKKKKKKKKK]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter Thanks man, and your team is top notch, especially Keyy and Amber, very polite and professional. Earned a loyal customer!

[@ajm0208]

could you do a set up video for one of your salamander kits? I think you had tiger salamander and fire salamander on their so maybe one of those?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

More videos will come soon!

[@rachelc4477]

Hi there! Very good video thank you for explaining it so well. Can I ask where would I get one of the pouches you put in the bottom? I'm setting up a bioactive for gargoyles and have a mesh viv so need to keep the dirt and roots in😁 Thank you in advance!

[@mrlollipoplicker14]

on his website! just google the bio dude

[@nanettebarling1222]

My sons in-laws live in southern California and for the past 4 years they have a wild Veiled Chameleons in their yard. Nice video!

[@nathanielschreiber1971]

Chameleons aren’t able to live in California because of the climate

[@dr.mantistobogganmd1861]

How do you personally jump start your terra firma??

[@0tto777]

My mum is in a hospital magazine because she went so orange from eating carrots. She got addicted to them when she was pregnant and was eating about 15 carrots a day lol.

[@user-kw1vf3ef3s]

What other substrate can i use for ficus tree except for terra firm? something like exo terra plantation soil is good for the tree and the female to dig and have her eggs? and what other live plants are safe for chameleons?

[@khiegel3811]

What do you do about access water I have your tree bag and everything has been doing well until I noticed water sealing out from the bottom of the bag. If you have to spray it daily plus fog at night that’s a lot of water

[@ABBADABBS]

We found a female panther chameleon a few weeks ago. We live in NJ so it was really strange to find her. We have an entire set up for her and she is doing really well but how can we figure out her age? Her body is almost the size of my hand in length.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

If you send us a picture, we can help you. [e-mail]

[@ericlin4154]

audios kinda broken

[@jesseserna4490]

How can I get the kit I started artificial tank this weekend and ordered ficus and pathos for the tank I will hang and plant the same way but I like the soil and the chameleon will love the natural meals as well ingenious please let me know what I can do I have most juts need soil I ordered bags as well

[@zackfox5222]

I just have a fogger that I run at night, no misting. The fogger does drip water because of the way it's setup, but should a proper mister be added? It's the only thing I haven't pulled the trigger on.

[@clownfish7014]

When using a mister with a screen cage . Does the mist get all over everything around the outside the cage.. How would you keep it dry outside the cage.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there Fish, yes, a fine mist, very little, but not an amount that will damage things. i like to put plants around the outside of the enclosure or put it in an area that can be easily wiped up if the misters get a bit too excited. Hope that helps!

[@lacerobinson23]

The liner you put in for the dirt and tree how does that hold water or will it hold excess water? Will it be leaking over time?

[@josephschultz8656]

My only concern watching this was the spag moss outside of the pouch. It is put in dry, but will the bioshot/springtails take care of the mold that will grow in the spag moss as a result of the heavy misting? Great video by the way!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I've never had an issue with mold on the spagmoss on the outside because of the ventilation of the screen, but the BioShot and springtails should if it occurs. Keep in mind the BioShot will manifest as a growth that one could confuse for mold, but most often it's mycorrhizae and mycelium.

[@MrHunnitYardHimself]

If I use this idea what would I use for drainage at the bottom?

[@barnsley-ph9rn]

Hi could the dried sphagnum moss put down the sides of the enclosure grow mold due to it getting damp etc?

[@jukesngambits]

No sphagnum moss will not mold, if anything it may revive and continue to grow

[@jonathancano1416]

Can you tell me what is the product you are holding at minute 20:40 ? I cant understand it and the caps are not showing it either.

[@mrs.rosewilkins358]

I have the biggest exo cage and was wondering what tree to use ? I dont want it to outgrown the cage ... how often do you need to change the tree do to outgrowing ??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I recommend a Ficus Tree. When it looks like it's going to outgrow the environment, you can prune or trim it back. Ficus can be bonsai, so the roots should be fine in the bag.

[@josevaldivieso5596]

Should that bottom substrate layer ever be cleaned out or replaced at any interval?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

No.

[@michaelpoveromo8617]

Do the iso pods and spring tail clean up crew come with the bio kits for example the leopard gecko kit

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Nope. My kits include the Bio Shot instead.

[@anthonymalave3035]

What are the names of the small plants they are using in this video again?

[@ScalationNation]

Ive tried umbrella plants and ficus with this method. They both grew to a point that was too much for a large reptibreze and they died. And when they started dying they died quickly. Tried to alter the amount of watering and that didn’t help.

[@johnsonandson7772]

Loose the flimsy bottom piece of plexiglass and attach the enclosure to a large square plantar or flower pot. Way more efficient use of space.

[@Thatoneninja22]

Any recommendations on cage size for starting off possibly with a baby

[@beckstr1616]

QUESTION PLEASE: How often do I need to add more substrate to the bio bag/pouch? Also won't the dripper make the substrate soggy?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! adding more substrate will be every so often as the clean up crews take care and biodegrade everything slowly ovdr time. it will ot be OFTEN but it is in a case by case basis. Kinda just when you notice it needs more, add it in and fliff it around mixing it. when you add the soil, add more biodegradeables and leaf liitters with it. Hope this helps!

[@tomfasano9082]

What is the odor level with this system? Is it ok for a child’s bedroom?

[@haileyseidner7084]

Chameleons are an advanced species to keep. I’m sorry if you were set on it but they’re really not a good reptile for children or to be kept in a children’s room. They’re very delicate, require specific care and can be aggressive. Stress can kill this animal very easily. Please make sure you do your research.

[@th_ant]

How many quarts of Firma do you recommend for a cage this size?

[@bestbuddydogproductsllc8703]

You said you prepared the dirt first? We have a ton of dubia roaches and super worms. Would the dubia roaches do well in the terra firma?

[@ivceballos]

I have a problem with my chameleon's cage. The water accumulates in the bottom. I have to be draining it every few days. Is this a problem with the biopouch? Is the biopouch permeable, menaing the water stays inside of it or will it leak out? If you can answer me these questions it will be forever greatful. thanks.

[@JTMZCLAN]

Was just looking at the website for chameleon starter kits and this nothing advalible I have a veil now and was looking into doing a set up like this for a panther chameleon I'm looking into getting

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Go ahead ands end our [e-mail] an email so we can get you a quote for a kit!

[@Ramennchan]

Hi!! I just bought a Schefflera tree from you guys, I love your videos and I got this tree for my crestie. Now she’s in a 18x18x24, is the tree going to be too big for the tank?? Or will it be fine if I keep it trimmed? Your videos have so much information and I learned so much from your channel, all of my terrariums are bioactive!! Love what you do and hope to see more videos!! Thank you so much!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It might be a little on the tall side, especially if you are using a drainage layer. you can always trim it back though. Scheffleras have a relatively small root system and are able to be a bonsai, so I don't think you'll have a problem long term, just the occasional trim job.

[@nazblack6771]

I see its a screened enclosure. What about the water that builds and goes thru the bottom of the substrate onto the table?

[@alyssastapley1670]

How much TerraSahara dirt/Quartz do I need to fill a 20 gallon terrarium 30"long by 12"wide? Thanks l!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Alyssa. I recommend 4- 6qt bags of Terra Sahara along with BioShot and biodegradables to be bioactive. We have a substrate kit available here: www.thebiodude.com/collections/terra-sahara-bioactive-kit

[@Photron52]

You didn't mention what you think is made better by using that Bio-bag instead of just putting the substrate directly into the tank. But I have a question about the springtails. I have bought culture after culture. I made a container for them out of what I think is a plastic cake cover that I just use up side down. I filled it within 1.5-2" with the charcoal and keep 3/4 inch of water at the bottom for humidity. They do great in there. But no matter how many times I transfer some to my terrarium I never see any in there after the first day. They get fed Joshfrogs springtail food twice a week and either dry rice or dry oatmeal between those feedings. My terrarium is bio-active and has a substrate made of one part peat moss and two parts top soil. I close the vent at night and by morning the inside of the glass is wet. But if I don't add water the sub still dries out, but never has completely before I found it needed more water.. Is there some reason I never see the springtails in my terrarium ?

[@albertomaldonado1798]

Hi was wondering where I can find this cage or if u can put it in the link

[@joshw9785]

Can I use wax forms in my bioactive setup

[@seskovincent5533]

Good morning I wonder about the pool effect. I make a terra to put parsonii in it, which requires a lot of humidity and spraying. In addition they need a lot an essential factor for its maintenance. So it can quickly make a swamp. Thanks in advance PS I want to make a black glass terra and of course proportionate mesh walls. 😊

[@KyleMcClellan-yh6xr]

Ive heard that the tree pouches are not water tight so how do you deal with drainage when using one?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Great question? I usually use a shallow tub under or plastic water catcher they use for pots JIC :)

[@toadpope2522]

Just wondering what the point of the bag is? Why not just plant the tank with a drainage layer and substrate? Very informative video, thanks!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It prevent rust particles, help retain humidity and to help your roots grow inside the cage, not out. It also helps with maintenance especially with girls that get gravid.

[@toadpope2522]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter cool! Thanks for the clarification

[@candytroutman6977]

Does drainage become an issue? Just wondering. I am getting ready to order this set up from your site for my panther chameleon I am getting this month.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We have not had any issues, but we keep close attention to ensure it doesn't by consistently checking the moisture content in the soil.

[@TheeHolyFather]

Do I need a drainage setup if I’m using a mist kind with your products?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! nope, not with these, just keep a watchful eye on the humidity levels. i will link the kits we have in stock at the moment for chams here - www.thebiodude.com/collections/terra-firma-bioactive-substrate-kits

[@camaleonesespana9430]

What kind of bags have been you used?

[@gillhamsters2048]

Can I put isopods and springtails in a tank that doesn't have a glass door?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes, if it is a screen cage they may escape though, depending on the species.

[@jessicasacco2759]

How many watts should the LED light be?

[@Bavarian_Barbarian]

Do you have any tips for chinese water dragon bioactive enclosures? Clean up crew, plants etc?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We can help - due to the size of the enclosure I would recommend emailing us and we can help you get sorted out : ) [e-mail]

[@beckstr1616]

what is in that glass terranium directly behind you it's beatuful

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! please send a screencap of it to our [e-mail] team so we can get this addressed for ya!

[@theprelovedpixie1255]

How many litres of substrate does that bio pouch hold please?

[@cochiseaz1]

need instructions on, how do I add the Bioshot?

[@johnsm3568]

Really nice video, but maybe you could do the hardscape first next time?

[@byronwiltshire5259]

So i bought a male veiled chameleon at about 6 months old, he's been in a Extra Large Glass Exo terra 90x45x90 for 2 moths with a Exo terra monsoon misting system set to 3min every 4 hours, Duel fan system, UVB Tube light and basking lamp, Exo terra large waterfall with fogger ( That iv learned from watching this video needs to be cleaned much more often and the fogger makes the water hot) and i followed your substrate advice from one of your other videos and added it to my terrarium, my questions are : 1) Am i over misting him as my average temp is 28°C / 82,4°F with humidity at 40 to 50% 2) Do i have to drain this tank as i cant see any water build up yet, but concerned, 3)Do i have to buy another enclosure ? 4)He dug under his water bowl the other day (2 weeks back) but he's a male so not sure what that means. 5) He's mostly brown during the day when i see him, and goes super green when he sleeps, and 89% of the time he's an A$$hole toward me.

[@aidenstowell9555]

Byron Wiltshire I am no expert but most sites and owners claim that scream cages are a must. It helps the overall health of the chameleon

[@carlacardenas3983]

Can you recommend breeders in texas? I'm from San Antonio but i'd be willing to go to Houston or Austin.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I know that TC insects breeds them, Ty Dye Exotics also breeds them, They are both out of Houston. You can find them on FB.

[@kahldris1228]

The bag thing is minda cool dude, but what about drainage?

[@jackmurray2529]

Yeah there’s gonna be mold down there with no drainage

[@theycallmewootang3164]

Won’t mold, that’s what isopods and springtails are for

[@haileyseidner7084]

No mold except for the healthy fungi. The clean up crew ensures that. The soil he’s using allows for good draining and the various worms, beetles and isopods in the soil to create aeration.

[@alcommander3131]

I'm getting ready to really get into the chameleon reading as well as raising I need to know where I can buy this exact same setup and get the bag that you're talkin about if you sell it please let me know where I can purchase ears I want to do the best I can I don't want to cut any chords I want to have the best for my animals thank you

[@jorgeh8325]

If you find out the stuff please let me know I want to get a vailed chameleon and have it in a nice setup for the lowest cost possible

[@lunabell71ward76]

In a larger tank you can put a micro aquarium in it with a filter. And a bubbler. Would knock out two birds with one stone. Or just a small bowl with a micro filter in it I have a hyacinth bulb jar with two plants in it and a filter. Id think if you covered it so nobody could get in it and drown or fill it with pothose so if they do fal in there’s something to get back up and out with Random thoughts heh 😅

[@lesliecroft9557]

Can this kit be used for tree frogs, or do you have a different video for them?

[@xxpowwowbluexx]

What do you mean by “clean” and “dirty” hibiscus?

[@spaghettijay3172]

you think silk worms could damage the tree if left unsupervised?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

They might... I'm not sure. My guys have never left them long enough lol

[@joemartinez2996]

What about Madagascar vanilla orchids? I live in Central valley CA and was told this area is just brutal for chameleons because of the existing environmental conditions. Also some recommendations for cricket replacement, since the vet said that the exoskeleton of these can cause binding leading to prolapse. My veiled just passed 2 nights ago after 2 weeks of trying to heal from a prolapse which was contributed to the main staple of a cricket diet.

[@jillianneely5374]

Can you do the same type setup for veileds?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes : )