Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello I am new to this forum. I am the Science Enrichment teacher at Gallaudet School for the Deaf in St. Louis, MO. I have searched the archives for an answer to my question, but I have been unsuccessful in finding an answer.

I am interested in getting a Reptarium for the Sudan Plated Lizard that I have in my Science Lab and I need to know if I can use heat rocks and under the tank heaters with the lining trays that go inside the Reptariums.

I have searched the web for the company's website for their specifications, but I only come up with audio/visual or security companies when I run my searches.

Thanks in advance Lizard Loving Teacher

Hello,
I would not recommend using any heat rock or heatmat with the Softray liner that you would use with a Reptarium. Actually I would recommend against using that type of a heat source with a Reptarium period. You can derive adequate heat by using a heat lamp outside of the cage. Mount the light to some type of sturdy stand and leave several inches between the light and the screen of the Reptarium. I have three Reptariums and use 125 watt infrared heat bulbs to provide heat. The basking spots can reach upwards of 95 degrees F which is more than adequate for your Plated Lizard. Additionally you can place a large flat rock underneath where the lamp shines down to absorb the heat and provide a good basking site. I have a similar setup for my Plated Lizards and it works quite well. They are not housed in a Reptarium though - I only keep snakes in my Reptariums. Hope this information helps you. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

Matt Campbell

Thank you. I ended up mounting infrared lamps in various spots around the Reptarium. The lizard loves it. He has much more room and It is easier to transport between my classroom and my home during extended holidays and summer vacation.

Lizard
Loving
Teacher