Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am thinking about getting a common chuckwalla in a 110 gallon tank (currently no inhabitants)
any tips or suggestions about getting started?

If you want to go CB you're probably going to have to wait until summer when clutches start hatching. In the meantime you could get the tank set up with rocks etc. and get the temps right with the lights. If you're handy you could even try to create a faux rock backing as you'll have plenty of time to perfect it.

In terms of hides, I'd suggest thinking big ;o) I originally had rocks just big enough for my guys to squeeze under and as they grew into teenagers there was a lot of bumping and grinding as they tried to cram themselves into an increasingly small space. So I re-did their cage and put in larger flat rocks for them to hide under. Only problem, they both want to sleep under the same one and they've both kept growing. Now there's lots of bumping and grinding again and usually two butts and tails protruding every night; it's time to get some bigger rocks again P

So, if you're starting with babies, make sure you design in the flexibility to upsize things as they grow. My guys' favorite sleeping / hiding spot has always been the rock right under the basking light. I think they like it because it holds the heat from the day after the lights go out. I'd design this area with particular care and make sure there is the flexibility to expand it as they grow.

Good luck,
Alice