Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm not an experienced lizard person, but have experience with fish. I got a sweet deal on a 150 gallon glass tank (5'L*2'W*2'H) that was used for Discus and Angels (didn't get the fish though).

After looking around and reading some info I am leaning towards getting some Collareds. The first question I have is can you put a few (3-4) females in the tank together only 1 male? I know I shouldn't put more than 1 male in the tank because they won't get along and was wondering how many females would be ok in this size of tank.

The second is about tank setup. I will be custom making a canopy for the tank that will have plenty of ventilation and be able to house the lights. I would like the rest of the setup to look somewhat natural. I would like to use sand and some rocks and possibly some vegetation. Can you recommend what plants, if any, would do well in with the collareds? What type of rocks do you use and where do you get them (are they special rocks or can I use some that I find out and about)? What do you recommend for a background? I was thinking of building a rock formation like a canyon on the inside of the tank, but didn't know if that would be a good idea or not or what type of materials to use. I will have more questions later on as I think more into this.

Sorry about the rambling, just trying to get as much information as possible so I can start budgeting for supplies (I don't plan on getting it setup until at least July).
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-Scott

Hail, Hail, the gang's all here
Leave your worries at the door boy, they're not going anywhere.
Hail, Hail, the giang's all here
When the going gets tough I know my friends will still be there.
-Dropkick Murphy's

LOL.

The first question I have is can you put a few (3-4) females in the tank together only 1 male?

I'd go with two or three females with one male in a tank that size.

Can you recommend what plants, if any, would do well in with the collareds?

Nothing I have tried with mine seems to be durable enough. Even rotating the various plants/cacti out for a rest period won't let them cope with the roto-tiller action of maniac collareds. John S. has had pretty good results with some taller plants he has tried, though.

What type of rocks do you use and where do you get them (are they special rocks or can I use some that I find out and about)?

I have used 'found' rocks, but prefer making 'fake' rocks which have a flat bottom and no areas for feeder insects to escape into, (and also don't weigh a ton LOL). See picture below of a VERY fake fake. Remember to make certain that all rocks in the tank are solidly bedded down against the bottom of the tank, as any you simply set on top of the sand will present a hazard to your lizards. They WILL tunnel under them, undercut the supporting sand, and get crushed when the rocks shift.

What do you recommend for a background? I was thinking of building a rock formation like a canyon on the inside of the tank, but didn't know if that would be a good idea or not or what type of materials to use.

Several here on this forum have made very nice 'fake' rock walls for the back and sides of their enclosures, and some have used combinations of stacked rocks and background posters for a great effect. Make sure anything you put in the tank is SOLID and stable! I just built in my first fake background in a 40 gal last weekend, I'm still evaluating all my mistakes LOL. Surf around for 'naturalistic vivariums' or such. Loads of good ideas out there, just not enough TIME!

Good Luck!

DC

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I've got the blues...LOL...them screamin' yellow-head blues...

And no, the fake plastic parsley is NOT for sale at any price! Its MINE!

DC

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I've got the blues...LOL...them screamin' yellow-head blues...

you made all those rocks? that is pretty impressive. i have bought all mine from stores but they are never quite what i want however my lizards do love this one rock and if i take it out of the cage (if its really nice out i take it out for an hour or so so they get real sunshine) and i swear they spend the whole time looking for it! anyway good job on the rocks!
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vonnie
***One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries. - A. A. Milne***

Thanks for the help so far. I am currently searching around to find some info about the fake rocks. This leads me to another question. If I am not planning on breeding these guys, is it ok to have just females in the tank? Will they end up fighting because there isn't a male or will they be fine?
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-Scott

Hail, Hail, the gang's all here
Leave your worries at the door boy, they're not going anywhere.
Hail, Hail, the gang's all here
When the going gets tough I know my friends will still be there.
-Dropkick Murphy's

...answer LOL. I have *heard* of aggressive females, but haven't seen a trace of territoriality in any of mine. They don't really seem to care as long as there is room for everyone. The same total number should be fine in your enclosure, the only problem I can see is if you have a couple of very aggressive feeders trying to pound the same cricket. That bit of tug-o'war CAN produce an incidental injury, but is usually not a "hostile" act. Have to watch them for that....

DC
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I've got the blues...LOL...them screamin' yellow-head blues...