Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought a rather small mali from the reptile show in Georgia sometime in November. I really, really, really need to get a bigger cage so the little guy can grow to his full potential. I heard that twenty gallon terrariums are way too small. I also agree that a lizard that can grow over 12 inches needs more than a 20 gallon.I was wondering if anybody could let me know how large of a cage I need to purchase.

Gosh, I cant remember the actual way to size it up, but its something like triple their width, and quadruple their length kinda thing. but anyhow, depending on what kind you have, would determine things a bit better. If you have something like a Mali or ornate, a 30 gal would be sufficient (3x2x18" for one uro or even a pair. but anything larger (like an egyptian) would need a much larger enclosure. I personally like the 40 gal breeder tanks. They have much more room to move around, and the top is low so that I can make sure they are getting enough UVB from my lights. also very easy to maintain temps as well.

Just my 2 cents...
Renee

I need to disagree that a 30 gallon is sufficient for a full grown mali but I do think the dimensions you gave 36x24x18 would be sufficient.

The dimensions you gave are more consistant with a 67 gallon tank which I think would be fine as long as you can find one with those dimensions.

The 40 breeders (and 30 and 65) are ok for smaller uros but a full grown mali which can easily get to be 15" would not have much turning room in an enclosure that is only 18" in width. Most of these breeders have the same dimensions: 36x18- it is usually the height which differs between sizes. Therefore, a 30 breeder does not have any more room for your uromastyx than a 65 breeder- it will just take less wattage to heat the basking spot with the 12" height versus the 25".