Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a Saharan Uromastyx (about 10in from head to end of tail) and wanted to get some feedback from the forum. I was told that a 10 gallon tank would be sufficient for one uro, but by reading this and other forums, it seems that I should have gotten something bigger. I am using a 50watt Exo Terra Heat Glo bulb in the aquarium for basking. Temperature inside the aquarium ranges from 120 near the lamp to 85 on the side where I keep the food. I have been feeding him collard greens and shredded carrots. I only wish the best for my new Uro, but would like to hear some tips from the folks here.

One thing really quick- don't even THINK of putting a uromastyx in a 10 gallon tank. Maybe for a baby for a month or two, but for a 10" adult, that is torture.

Go with at least a 40 or 50 gallon tank. I built my own cage, as many others here have done. Check back- I'm sure you'll get some better tips from others.

I wouldn't place much credence on any advice from the person who OK'd a 10 gallon aquarium for your Uro. Maybe OK for a baby but not a juvenile or young adult.
A diet of collards & carrots is completely inadequate.
Does he not have a UV flourescent?
Please check out the care sheets offered by Doug Dix at Deer Fern Farms. Also, you can scroll back through many weeks of posts on this forum & pick up lots of good tips.
I'm amazed that you can achieve a 40 degree gradient in a 10 gallon aquarium. I doubt such tight a gradient allows all the "in-between" temps your lizard needs.
Glad you visited the forum. Sounds like you may have numerous adjustments to make & this is a good place to learn.

Also take a look at the care sheets here on Kingsnake. Read as many as you can get your eyes on, as not everyone agrees on everything. If you know all the options, you can research and make your own informed decisions. Welcome!
-----
Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.1 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, Tank, and Lilly)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
0.1 Collared Lizard (Rorschach)
2.1 Green Anoles (Bowser, Sprocket, Leeloo)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)

Chances are this is a recent WC import as well so getting a new setup and diet is extremely important to get done now. I won't be able to strees that enough and I am not kidding or trying to sound rude since you were misinformed. Saharans are hard enough to acclimate as it is, it won't stand a chance in it's current situation.
-----
1.1 Ornates (Lindsay Pike)(Doug Dix)
0.0.1 Mali
0.0.1 Egyptian
0.1 Weimaraner

Ok, after reading all of the helpful comments, I bought a new habitat for my Uro. He is now in a 31Lx13Dx12H enclosure. He seems happier already! I fed him some collard greens and green beans (which he seemed to love) this morning, and he is basking as we speak. I've checked at a couple of grocery stores for a mix of greens for him, but to no avail. Does anyone have a suggestion about where I can go to purchase some better food for him? I heard dandelions are good, so I might try growing some of those.

EMS,

A 20long is not near large enough for this animal. The 40-50 breeder that someone recommended above is typically the very smallest recommended for uromastyx. I would suggest going back to the store to see if you can make a quick exchange/upgrade.

I disagree with those that feel a 10-gallon might be sufficient for hatchlings. I do not think a 10 or 20 gallon should play any roll in the keeping of this species unless you are using it to store excess substrate
Some might say that they can achieve a gradient in a 20 long. Heck, I could probably achieve a gradient in a shoebox- doesn't mean that it is a good one or one that is sufficient for these animals. The higher heat requirements including a basking spot of 120F and above (I typically run mine 120-140) make it next to impossible to get a ‘proper’ gradient which should not only include a good variance in temperature but also a good layout of space throughout the various zones.

I have kept quite a few geryi over the years and I would say this is one species that likes to roam about a little more than others. I think placing a 10” geyri in an enclosure this small will likely result in some major health issues and I would not be surprised if the animal succumbs to one of these issues. Not only do these animals like to roam, they tend to stress a little more than other species and/or handle stress differently. Combine an animal that stresses and likes to roam with a 20long aquarium and you have a recipe for disaster.