Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

Question about housing... Right now I have my uro (I think he's a mali now too after seeing all the pics of everyone else's uros) in a 30-long tank with washed playsand as a substrate, a basking temp of 115-120 and a "cool" end of 80-85. I've had him like this for over 5 years. I was wondering, sometimes I look at his house and think it's kind of small for him, what with all his "furniture" (he has 2 food dishes, a hide box, a half log that he likes to bask on, and a rock in the corner that he climbs on. doesn't make for much running around room. Should I get him a bigger house?? I'm also seeing some other set-ups that look really nice, like with the slate pieces, etc. But then again I dont know if he's just happy with what he's used to. Can anyone tell me if a 30-long tank is too small for a uro who is about 17-18 inches long (guessing), and if they get used to what they have and dont like change?? I know that scooter gets "upset" even when I just change or clean his playsand!!

I have an adult mali who is in teh 15-16in long range, and finally built him a bigger tank last fall. I had had him in a 40 gallon breeder tank (approximately 18x30in I think) and I definitely considered it too small for him. He absolutely ABHORS change, and admittedly became a grouchy recluse for about a month after I moved him into the new tank (2ft x 4ft), but now I really do believe he is happier, and he does use all of the additional space running around.

I would say if you have the space and the means to go for a bigger tank, around these parts though we all think bigger is better (as long as you have lots of cage furniture). Your temps sound good so that isn't a big reason to move him, but I would still say to give him some more room if you can.

He is awfully lucky to have such a caring parents to consider his needs and wants.

Elizabeth

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1.0 Mali Uro Archimedes
0.0.1 Egyptian Uro Zuberi Mosca Khu (Mosca)
0.0 Fish
0.1 Sulcata Minnie
1.1 Iguanas Flik and Loki
0.1 Newfoundland Jasmine (RIP)
0.1 Feline Winter
Indiana & Wisconsin

if i am thinking correctly about the size of a 30 gallon, i would recommend getting a bigger tank. i think the standard is that your cage should be 4X the length and width of the uro. my cage is 48x18x13 and eventually i would like to get a bigger one. helga does not like it when i clean the cage either but when i moved her from her old cage into the bigger one with hugo, they were both really cute about exploring it and i did not notice it stressing her out.
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vonnie
***There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it. Mary Wilson Little ***

Make a note of the locations of all the furniture and when the new tank is ready, set up all the furniture in it in the same place it was when it was in the old tank. If using new substrate, you can add a small amount (just covering the surface) of the old substrate on top of it to give the uro a sense that his home hasn't gone far. It'll reduce the stress of having been moved to a new larger home. It worked well for my guys.

Good luck
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1.1 Mali Uromastyx (Ra and Isis)
1.1 Satanic Leaftail Geckos (Diablo and Samael)