considering i know nothing about reptiles, as of right now that is, i thought i might entertain the option of using this 400g tank for one. dims are 5x33x48, thought it would be good for a descent sized climbing reptile. the question is what would be suitable in a tank this size, and yes i know tanks typically arent best suited for reps, but i could add ventilation if needed.
You're asking about using a 400g tank for reptiles HERE?
Sacrilege...
Actually, I'd go for a dwarf caiman. Females top out at 3-4 feet, though captive specimens don't get as large and grow very slowly. Or maybe some kind of tree boa... I personally don't get why people own reptiles. As a rule they aren't active, they smell bad, you only get to see them eat once a week tops, and many larger species are happy to bite your hand off and would happily devour you if you slipped on their cage floor and passed out (though your housecat may do the same thing if you're out too long ).
Unless you're picking up an aquatic species, I recommend using the 400g for fish. My brother-in-law had a huge iguana in a huge aquarium a few years ago and it stank to high heaven because there was no ventiliation. With great filtration and aeration for an aquatic specimen, it would be very cool. Plus you can add all kinds of tetras and platies and tiny fish too small to eat. The San Antonio Zooh does this with all its reptiles. There's a bunch of rays in its 20' anaconda exhibit now because the anaconda never moves. You can make a proper reptile cage in an afternoon for $50 worth of 2x4s, grating, and a little plywood. Not worth burning a $3,000 tank on a reptile unless you plan on an aquatic one IMHO.
A tank full of bichirs might fill some of your reptile itch (they're kind of snakelike)... the Houston Aquarium has an AWESOME bichir tank near the entrance with about 50 of them-- they're really cool when given enough room.
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