Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been considering getting a baby uromastyx (Mali) and I was wondering how long I could keep it in a 20 gallon aquarium? I thought about a year. I also have a 40 gallon, but it's currently being used, however, in a year it should be empty and ready for a new occupant. So could he/she stay in the 40 gal for about a year also. That's what I heard somewhere, that they need the large cage (4x2x2) by their 2nd birthday.

Thanks for any help!
Emily

If you want to have a healthy uro, don't use the 20 gallon at all. Wait until the 40 is available or just get the adult sized cage from the outset. The 20 is just not forgiving of temperature fluctuations, which means you're asking for health problems. The minimum recommended size even for babies is 36" x 18" footprint, which is a 40 breeder. Adults are better in the 48" x 24" - a baby would appreciate it, too.
-----
Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
0.1 Collared Lizard (Rorschach)
2.0 Green Anoles (Bowser and Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)