tandemcartshrimp Posted January 2, 2015 Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 Hi everyone, Im looking at getting a lizard/gecko to keep in an old (still water proof) fish tank I have. The tank is a 60x30 tank (about 20 gal I think), from a quick read on the forums this is really only ideal for young small lizards. Is there a native breed that is available and stays small? I am happy to apply for, and wait to get the required license from DoC as well as pay a bit to get the right environment set up (lights heating etc.). If a native is not a good idea for a reptile beginner what would you reccomend? I have kept native shrimp and some fish previously as well as a Koura so I am no stranger to commitments and the requirements of keeping animals in captivity. Thanks for the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 2, 2015 Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 That size is the old 12 gallon tank (now about 50 litres) and is way too small and unsuited to reptiles. You meed something a lot longer so you can get a temperature gradient (a warm end and a cooler end) so they can regulate their temperature. I have not kept natives but I think they need a properly ventilated enclosure and to be outside rather than a fish tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tandemcartshrimp Posted January 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 OK, Good to know! what sort of length would be good then? I really like the look of bearded dragons, but I know that they grow to be relatively large for the kind of range im looking at. It seems such a shame there are large restrictions in NZ on what you can and cant keep. Its all for a good cause I know, but some of reptiles just look way to cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 2, 2015 Report Share Posted January 2, 2015 Beardies spend a lot of time during the day basking so you need an enclosure that is long enough to have a warm end and a cooler end so they can pick the temperature they prefer. The heated area is where they will bask in the heat so that is where you put the UV light source and driftwood or similar to get them the best distance from the UV source (depending on the type). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tandemcartshrimp Posted January 3, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 I have been looking on care sheets and other websites, they say that a tank this size could be suitable for a single Leopard gecko? Is this something that can be done easily? Is there anyone around who has done/is doing this atm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonz1833 Posted January 3, 2015 Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 it will be fine for a leopard gecko i use similar size for hospital/quarantine tanks for my breeders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tandemcartshrimp Posted January 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 Also, im looking at starting to get the equipment now, how large of a under tank heater do you think I would need? there are some 7W and 14W ones I can get my hands on but I dont want to buy the wrong thing. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 How are you going to provide ventilation, what are you going to use as a thermostat and what live food have you started breeding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tandemcartshrimp Posted January 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 The top of the tank is open and I will have a mesh top. I have just brought a thermostat for reptiles, I haven't started breeding anything yet. What would you recommend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 Mealworms are easiest but locusts are better food value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dragonz1833 Posted January 8, 2015 Report Share Posted January 8, 2015 i recommend crickets aswell myself i find better for geckos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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