Dwarf Caiman setup

[Wfox404]

Hi guys. First post. Just wanted thoughts and advice on my dwarf caiman setup. Hes small right now, and I understand he cant stay in this tank for long. Working on indoor pond right now, but want thoughts and advice on his current home.

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[Viridis]

As you mentioned, you're definitely going to need a bigger enclosure (something in the way of 8'x15' ATLEAST) once it's full size; and as it grows. Some countries also have minimum requirements, so check that.
I'd personally give it a bit more land, and deeper water. Paleosuchus spp. tend to be more terrestrial compared to other genera/species. I'll see if I can find pics of how I used to keep newborn palps.

What are you feeding it, and how often?

Also, while gravel is nice, crocodilians can be REALLY messy, and you'll have to do really deep gravel vacs frequently (which can get dangerous as it gets bigger). You're going to eventually regret using substrate as it grows. Simple really is the easiest and safest with these.

I'd also invest in a temperature gun; the commercial analog thermometers/hygrometers can be quite unreliable.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

I would building a easy to clean exzibit , with some fish to snack on, and some water hyacinth or other floating plants for cover, make sure the haulout area is sufficiently warm and easy to access.

I also don't recommend hand feeding, as you don't want them to associate hands with foods (while not known to be deadly, their bite still has plenty of potential for harm)

 

[krichardson]

If you want some ideas for an enclosure build there was member by the name of L Lepisosteus platyrhincus who made quite a few threads on his caiman and the set up that he built for "Claudia".....Lep seems to have stopped posting here quite a while ago but look him up and check out his threads.

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

If you want some ideas for an enclosure build there was member by the name of L Lepisosteus platyrhincus who made quite a few threads on his caiman and the set up that he built for "Claudia".....Lep seems to have stopped posting here quite a while ago but look him up and check out his threads.

I'm honored you remembered me krich.

OP, it's an easy species to keep but get used to empty tank syndrome. No matter how much plants you use, pretty good chance (depending on individual) that it will be completely or mostly hidden. More land than water as a general rule with this species. I have put plenty on here about my experience with this species. I doubt I will be on much to answer questions, I don't keep much these days.

 

[krichardson]

I'm honored you remembered me krich.

Sir,you're too kind,the pleasure and honor was all mine.
So,what are you keeping these days?

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

Sir,you're too kind,the pleasure and honor was all mine.
So,what are you keeping these days?

Honestly, diddly. Dogs and cats is all. With 3 kids now, remarried and work I just don't have the time needed to devote to animals. Hoping to fire up a new salt tank in a few months and hopefully some more stuff once we buy a new house. But for now, I'm boring again. Lol!!

 

[krichardson]

Honestly, diddly. Dogs and cats is all. With 3 kids now, remarried and work I just don't have the time needed to devote to animals. Hoping to fire up a new salt tank in a few months and hopefully some more stuff once we buy a new house. But for now, I'm boring again. Lol!!

Haha,well understood bro.