The Exo Terra Screen Terrarium Large/X-Tall is a corrosion-resistant black anodised aluminium mesh enclosure, 90 x 45 x 90 cm — the size for an adult chameleon or other large arboreal species.

Why Mesh Rather Than Glass

This is the central point, and it is species-specific rather than a matter of taste.

Chameleons need moving air. They are unusually prone to respiratory infection in stagnant, humid conditions, and a glass terrarium — however well ventilated — holds air far more than a mesh one. Veiled and panther chameleons kept in glass develop respiratory problems at a rate that keepers in mesh simply do not see. The same applies to many other arboreal species sensitive to still air.

Mesh also gives a broader temperature gradient: heat escapes rather than accumulating, so the animal can find genuinely cool air, and the risk of overheating drops sharply.

The trade-off is humidity. Mesh does not hold it, so humid-climate species need regular misting or an automatic system rather than a sealed box.

Key Features

• Corrosion-resistant black anodised aluminium
• Maximum ventilation — prevents stagnant air
• Substrate tray included
• Swivelling bottom door for easy tray removal
• Large hinged door giving full access to the interior
• Sturdy nickel-plated latches to keep reptiles secure
• Screen mesh passes UVB from bulbs or natural sunlight

Specifications

Setting Up

• Assembles with a single screwdriver.
• Add an Exo Terra Background (optional) to raise humidity and collect misting water — chameleons and day geckos drink droplets from leaves rather than standing water, and many will not use a water bowl at all.
• Mount a basking lamp above the mesh, never inside — a chameleon that climbs onto a hot bulb will burn badly.
• Mesh filters UVB. Position a UVB bulb close above the screen, or use a high-output bulb.