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Acanthurus Newbie questions...

Millionpoundbomb Feb 12, 2004 09:10 AM

Well, after much research V. Acanthurus b. is the one for me. I have some questions about my future setup though.

I am most likely going to get a hatchling from East Bay vivarium and I was planning on putting it in a 20 gal.

To achieve the daytime highs, would a 150watt basking bulb work? And for night, just a heating pad?

And as for substrate, would a potting soil/sand substrate work? I am going use aquariums because the ackie will be in a place where it can be viewed. And east bay sells a 4' by 2' by 2'ft aquarium, so that will be it's adult home.

So, what setups work well with you guys? How did you get your heat and substrates right?

Thanks in advance. You guys are a huge help to a beginner varanophile.
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Replies (2)

jgjulander Feb 12, 2004 11:05 AM

Congrats on your decision. Ackies are great! It's hard to tell you which wattage you should use, because it depends on a lot of things such as ambient temp, top of your cage, distance to basking sport, etc. I would reccomend buying an infra red thermometer and monitoring the temps throughout the cage. The basking spot should be around 120-150F directly under the light. The cool end of the tank should be around low 80s F. Provide a thermal gradient under the baskign spot with piles of "Retes" stacks.
I wouldn't go with potting soil in the mix, as organics tend to "sour" the substrate, and will require changing. I would give your ackie about 10-12" of dirt to burrow in. Sandy soil works well, especially sandy soil with low organics. They are easy to keep happy provided you meet some basic needs. Good luck to you.
Justin J

Bodhisdad Feb 12, 2004 02:31 PM

It is sor of hard to say, like the other post states. I have my two young ones in a 20 for now. my daytime temps in the room are 70 and at night around 62. For the enclosure I use one 45 watt halogan and one 60 watt ceramic heat emitter, this is over the basking spot only which is a stack of stone tiles. The top of the stack is about 6" from the top of tank. I get temps at the top the stack of 120 on average. I could probably add a level of tiles. I leave the ceramic heat emitter on all night as well. The ackies find the level which suits their needs. I bought a temp gun from P.E. it was well worth the price I also have a digital min./max. thermometer/hygrometer. Both of these are very usful in getting your temps where you need them.Hope this helps a little. Clint

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