I never do this, should I give up before I start

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You guy's are really intense over here ;-) thanks for all the input and links, I guess it can be done and now is the time to sit back and start reading up and researching properly.


Thanks for the info I'll post back with the plan, shhh don't tell the wife ;-)
 
Ok first of forget about all the geckos and most lizards. You want a animal that is able to live in a semiaquatic evoirement, and it aint many cheap lizards that fit the bill. For most such as basilisks and water dragons you would need a bigger tank because even if they like it moist they also need to stay dry most of the time (if not blisters is the next thing it will happen and its not pretty) and unless you are able to build a really large above tank tall habitat for them to climb and hide, it wont be a good idea. Its important to remenbar that there are very few true aquatic lizards, most like sailfin dragons, water dragons and basilisks only swim a bit every day, the rest of the day its spend basking in the sun and climbing braches, like normal lizards. Also keeping this guys with a big permanent water container aint practical because they tend to defecate in the water all of the time and I recomend to change it at least every other day if not daily. So a big powerfull filter its a must but even then they are very susceptible to some bacteria the filter medium has. The few species of lizard that I can see in your tank are the crocodile skinks, the chinese crocodile lizard or one of the caiman lizards, all of wich need a very expecialized care in order to trive and none is recomended to begginers. I think you should set another terrarium apart for a much more easier lizard to take care of like a bearded dragon or a leopard gecko, and dedicate this tank for some hardier species like aquatic turtles or frogs:)
 
coura;2432269; said:
Ok first of forget about all the geckos and most lizards. You want a animal that is able to live in a semiaquatic evoirement, and it aint many cheap lizards that fit the bill. For most such as basilisks and water dragons you would need a bigger tank because even if they like it moist they also need to stay dry most of the time (if not blisters is the next thing it will happen and its not pretty) and unless you are able to build a really large above tank tall habitat for them to climb and hide, it wont be a good idea. Its important to remenbar that there are very few true aquatic lizards, most like sailfin dragons, water dragons and basilisks only swim a bit every day, the rest of the day its spend basking in the sun and climbing braches, like normal lizards. Also keeping this guys with a big permanent water container aint practical because they tend to defecate in the water all of the time and I recomend to change it at least every other day if not daily. So a big powerfull filter its a must but even then they are very susceptible to some bacteria the filter medium has. The few species of lizard that I can see in your tank are the crocodile skinks, the chinese crocodile lizard or one of the caiman lizards, all of wich need a very expecialized care in order to trive and none is recomended to begginers. I think you should set another terrarium apart for a much more easier lizard to take care of like a bearded dragon or a leopard gecko, and dedicate this tank for some hardier species like aquatic turtles or frogs:)
Thanks for the extra input, I'll take some more time out and think about the idea of scrapping the half and half approach and maybe lose the water all together, time for some more reading.
 
yeah i forgot turts! a couple little musks would be cool in there and you could keep them with convicts or somthing in a community with the turts

nerodia sp. of snakes are semi aquatic and males dont get too big
 
i dont know if its wide enough, but at that size, and especially if your scrapping the water, why not get a bearded dragon or a, eastern collared lizard :D?
 
Jfitz;2436327; said:
i dont know if its wide enough, but at that size, and especially if your scrapping the water, why not get a bearded dragon or a, eastern collared lizard :D?
But only if he is loosing the water;)
 
i would NOT recommend a beardie for a tank that is so narrow. beardies need a wide tank, at least 18"-24". i'd highly advise against them for that tank.

they are great lizards though, great for beginners and your wife would fall in love with it QUICK. but you'd need a tank size of at least 40-48L x 18-24W.

i cant really find much that would be sensible for that tank, small turtles if you want it aquatic. crested geckos, house geckos, day geckos or anoles would also be ok if you want some sort of humid jungle setup.(..i'd recommend cresteds..)
 
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