For hatchlings, if you don't have access to a 20 gal fish tank, I buy those plastic storage containers(Sterilite-$5 at Target). There are so many to choose from, so remember you want more bottom surface space rather than depth. I get the 32qt.



I take the lid and with a jigsaw I cut out the center making a two inch frame out of it. Now cut a piece of Aluminum screen that is a least an inch bigger than the hole you cut in your lid. Place the screen on the top-side of the lid. I use a hot glue gun and run a 1/4 inch wide bead all the way around the screen. Flip it over and run a bead on the inside of the opening.

I use strained, washed playsand for substrate and make a nice little cave/basking rock out of three or four flat stones from around the area(soaked in bleachwater mixture- then rinsed) You can pick up a 18" florescent light fixture at HomeDepot for $8 but the ReptiSun 5.0 bulb will cost you $20. Get a domelight and a regular household light bulb for heat and you set!



Your cage will cost you under $15 lights. Those babies outgrow glass enclosures too fast. These are also easy to clean and light-weight so you can take them out for some natural sunlight. When they outgrow these I put them straight in their big permanent home.



If you need a picture let me know and I'll post one.

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