Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone, I am knew to herps and I want a beginner's herp that I can keep in a 29 Gallon Tank, I am able to get whatever supplies I need, and I want one that dosn't get too big and has a mild temperment, and can be taken out of his terrarium..Any replies would be appreciated, thnx

well here are a few lizards that i believe are good beginner lizards.also i will list the cage size needed
leopard gecko(you could fit 3 in your aqaurium)
crested gecko(minimum of 10 gallon)
schneiders skink(handle it before you buy it to see its temperment,29 gallon)

these are a few but when i thiink of more ill tell you.
nick

leopard gecko would probaly be the best. you could fit a couple in a 29 gallon.

Alright thnx guys, but is there any other good lizards besides geckos or skinks?
Im looking for that "alligator"look, like a tegu or sumthin, but smaller

what about those alligator lizard things?
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Nic
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Email me if you want to give me any more info

The Leopard Gecko!! I've been reading up on these lil guys and it seems like they are the pet for me! But I have a few questions....
1.What exactly is the deal with "hides"??
2.How many should I start out with?
3.What is an ideal setup for beginners?
4.If anyone has 10-29 Gallon Setups please post your pics here, I need ideas, thnx
5. What is a good substrate, other than newspaper and stuff?

>>>1.What exactly is the deal with "hides"??

Hiding spots. They like hiding. Makes em feel safe. These can be anything from store bought ceramic "caves", fake or real concealing plants, or even el-cheapo tissue boxes or shoe boxes, I even heard of people cutting a hole in a check box.

>>>2.How many should I start out with?

Every tank should have at least 2 hides. Put one near the warmer side, put one on cooler side.

>>>3.What is an ideal setup for beginners?

Ideal? Define ideal.
Ideal for money? Be creative for tank "furniture"...cardboard boxes instead of store bought "caves", etc. They won't notice, nor will they really care if you use a box.
Ideal for ease of care? Paper towels and newspaper substrate cant be beat. Cheap. Easy to clean.
Ideal for looks? Lots of fake caves, real rocks, plants, sand substrate, etc. This tends to be more expensive.
Ideal for the animal? Ideal for a leopard has several hides, one of which is a moist hide (has some slightly moist paper towels or vermiculite), a heat lamp, a water bowl, and a vitamin/mineral bowl.
Add a small branch or something similar. I like to angle these close to the lamp so if they want lots of heat, they can climb closer.
Some fake plants and maybe a few carefully placed rocks (so they dont fall over or tip) for extra hides are good too.

I've come to find that "ideal" setups for me are the ones that are very simple, and easy to clean/maintain.

>>>5. What is a good substrate, other than newspaper and stuff?

Haven't owned a leopard gecko yet (my fiancee is buying some soon). Everything I read says papertowels or newspaper for geckos under 6 months of age. Sand is fine for adults. Me, I'd use the calcium sand to be extra safe.