Yes they love to Swim in the sand. Undertank heater is good, check range of sand in that area with a digital thermometer (Radio Shack type with indoor/outdoor probe, stick the probe in sand to check heat retained in that area. Also they do like a basking light. Since you have the undertank heater you can use a lower wattage bulb say 30watt to 50 watt. But you must check temperature ranges as not to Cook them. As far as UVB lighting I suggest a 5.0 ZooMed or Exo Terra; and you may not need it the entire length of the tank. Could go with 15"/24" depend on length. Although they spend most of their time "swimming" in the sand UVB lighting is benifical. Remmber UVB light tubes & fixtures put out heat also. Temperature is an Absolute must to control with this species!

The "Pond" is a good source to drink and soak/sandy areas are also effected by rain season which come into play later with breeding activities which I will send you more detailed information on later. Usually eaten early mourning and/or late evening/dusk. They hide most of the time but during a yr or two of acclimation they will handfeed and respond to interaction.

You will want to check into "Nekton Rep: Nekton-Gelb (contains Aps. 8 & Carotenic Acie Ethyl Ester-enhances yellow coloration), Nekton-Rep Color (Canthaxanthin & Apocartinal which enhances overall coloration of lizards), and definately buy Nekton-E (which I have used for 10 yrs/enhances fertility in females/especially egglayers, there are several Nekton-Rep Suppliments which enhance specific ranges of Color. I have always purchased from www.herpsupplies.com for the absolute best in husbandry products at fair prices-they cover everything!
From Worming/books (detailed from professional breeders to general hobbist)/and too much more for me to go on so check them out. *Special note when you can buy the book "Reptiles and Amphibians of Madagascar.........." which costs around $67.oo but is loaded with information form German Herpetologist.

You are starting off very well, take time to watch the details of temperature/they only eat insects (will go into detail of Spring breeding season insects to feed later with Nekton-Rep for stimulation), Sand with one corner of tank you should moisten, Small structure under basking area, hides, and pure extasy of Enjoyment of these Plated Lizards!

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