Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have a couple of questions about my new Uromastyx. Right now I have it in a ten gallon aquarium but I am having a vivarium custom made. I was wondering what kind of lighting (wattage, etc.) I will need for a space that measures 36"x18"x14". Also, I know that I am supposed to keep him very dry and that moisture can cause healt problems, but I read that I should use a damp Q-tip to clean the salt deposits around his nose. . . is this okay? What about moisture from my hands? Lastly, I have some pictures and was wondering if anyone could tell me the subspecies because the pet store didn't know. If you need a clearer pic I can get one. Thanks!!!!!!!

My guess is female saharan uro. She looks REALLY thin. Is she eating at all? If not, she'll need to be rehydrated and quickly.

Good luck

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

Actually she is eating very well since I got her. All they were feeding her at the pet store was lettuce and occasionally some carrots. I have gotten her on a better diet (mixed veggies, kale, mustard greens, bok choi, etc.) and she has filled out a little just in the week I've had her.

Keep up the good work! Don't forget to post "before and after" pics.

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

>>Hi, I have a couple of questions about my new Uromastyx. Right now I have it in a ten gallon aquarium but I am having a vivarium custom made. I was wondering what kind of lighting (wattage, etc.) I will need for a space that measures 36"x18"x14". Also, I know that I am supposed to keep him very dry and that moisture can cause healt problems, but I read that I should use a damp Q-tip to clean the salt deposits around his nose. . . is this okay? What about moisture from my hands? Lastly, I have some pictures and was wondering if anyone could tell me the subspecies because the pet store didn't know. If you need a clearer pic I can get one. Thanks!!!!!!!
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That's one cute uro. It'll take some time for her to fill out since the petstore was feeding her food that doesn't have any nutrients what so ever.

Also I couldn't help but notice in that last pic the glass behind her cage. I have something similar to that I got from Wal-Mart. Its got air bubbles in it and it's on a base that lights up and rotates. Mine's got an elephant, palm tree, some birds and a hot air balloon in it.

Can you get a better pic of that lamp?

I'm glad she's eating well for you - I hope that continues. For lighting, we won't be able to give you the specifics of wattage, because that's entirely dependent on a huge variety of factors that only you can know. It's literally trial and error and careful measuring of temps to get your wattages correct. But in general, you will need two very important things: proper heat, and good UVB. Heat is usually (and best) provided by overhead lighting - regular incandescents, halogen floods, and "reptile" basking bulbs are very common and easy to use. Be sure to use ceramic sockets, as these lights can get plenty hot - too hot for plastic sockets.

UVB is a huge and controversial subject, which you will likely want to research thoroughly on your own. The short version is, your uro MUST have some way to get vitmain D3 in order to process its calcium. The simplest way to do this is with unfiltered sun exposure in an open wire caging of some kind. Next would be a good UVB lighting. The best fluorescents on the market for reliable UVB is the Reptisun 5.0 by ZooMed. There are lots of other products, some great, some crap. You'll have to do the research if you want more info (highly recommend the UVB Meter Owners group on Yahoo for that). If you use fluorescents, the reptile must be within 6"-12" to get any worthwhile UVB. There are also mercury vapor bulbs and D3 dietary supplements, but you can read up on them and make your own decisions.

Lastly, the 10 gallon is way, way too small to keep her in even as a temporary tank while you wait for the new one. You cannot get a good temperature gradient in there. She will either overheat or be too cool, and from the picture, she cannot risk any sub-optimal conditions right now. You can get a big rubbermaid bin (at least 40-50 gallons) for pretty cheap at some place like Target.

I hope she does well for you - you might consider a vet visit as well, as many imported critters are riddled with parasites. I apologize if any of this is old news to you. Better to give info you already know than to leave out something you don't! Saharans are beautiful lizards, but sometimes difficult to acclimate - congrats on yours, and I wish you the best!
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx geyri (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis (Tank, Turtle, and Spike)
1.1 Uromastyx ornata (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
2.1 Anolis carolinensis (Bowser, Sprocket, and Leeloo)
1.0 Betta splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

I just added some new pics the old ones were from a week ago when I bought her, these ones are from today.

This appears to me to be a mali not a geyri

It's hard to get a clear idea of color in your photos because of the lighting. I would totally trust Debb's opinion over mine - she's got lots more experience. Mali or Saharan, they're both beautiful species!
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx geyri (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Uromastyx dispar maliensis (Tank, Turtle, and Spike)
1.1 Uromastyx ornata (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
2.1 Anolis carolinensis (Bowser, Sprocket, and Leeloo)
1.0 Betta splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

I guess I should add to my last comment that my computer and/or firewall does not like the photo website listed in this thread so I am only able to view the smaller photo icons. From those alone, it appears to look more like a mali to me.

that's so funny because i just assumed it was a geyri from the yellow but now that you say it could be a mali, i can see that too. i know you said you can't see the big pictures, but don't geryi's normally have dots in the middle of their pattern circles? (if that makes any sense)
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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 ***

Vonnie,

I cannot really see too much of the pattern you speak of and I am primarily judging the photo by body type, head, and tail. Some of my geyri (but not all) do have small solid spots inside the ocellations if this is what you are referring to. I also have a female mali with solid spots within her ocelations. This pattern may not be as common as some other mali patterns but then again, I am sure that we have not seen examples of all of the patterns out there yet.

Maybe someone who can pull up the larger photos will be able to give some valid input. From my limited view, appears very much to me to be a mali.

My first reaction was a Mali, but I trust some of he rest of your opinions over mine, since I do not keep Geyri and hence have very limited experience with their physical characteristics.

I am so happy that this little lizard has found a loving home! Every time I look at the pictures of her I want to cry, hopefully she will keep beefing up with proper nutrition and love!

Good Luck, and Keep up posted!!

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

actually you answered my question, i thought the dots were a geyri only pattern but if malis can have them too then it is a moot point. i don't have geyris i just thought i had read that one time. thanks for the input.
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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 ***

I put some of the pics in another place, maybe this will work better. Thanks for all the input, I REALLY appreciate it.

I would have to agree, my first impression was mali, not geyri.

Pam
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1.1.3 varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Dorado, Dora, Oro, Freckles & Amarillo)
1.1 varanus acanthurus acanthurus (Tabasco & Sprite)
1.0 varanus storri (Spunky)
1.1 u. macfadyeni (Abeba & Amani)
1.2 u. ornata (Husani, Zari, & Bintu)
1.1 u. ocellata (Ashai & Zhuri)
0.0.1 pogona vitticeps (Bondi)
1.1 hyla chrysoscelis (Pudge & Squirt)

remember that these animals spend the vast majority of their time in the wild in moist places. In huge burrows, or underneath rocks and such. Water is an essential element to survival, and desert animals can survive in such a dry climate by learning how to conserve water.

Moisture becomes a problem when the uro can't escape it, when the temps are too low, and when it is just way too moist. Most people utilize rubbermaid boxes filled with moist soil, with an entrance cut in the side, as a sort of humid retreat for their uros. Some go as far as offering 2 feet of good diggable dirt so that their uros can dig out their own burrows....but this is not very common. I personally have about 3" of soil in my uro's enclosure, and there are just natural hiding spots in there that are more humid, because of the way that they hold in the moisture of the soil. I think I'm going to find a more suitable way to mimic a burrow for her though. Right now I'm think I will dig down in the dirt a little bit, place a piece of plywood (flat) on that layer of dirt (probably about 2.5" of dirt), then put the other dirt back on top of the plywood to disguise it, and dig a little start to a 'burrow' underneath the wood somewhere so she gets the idea. It's not nearly as good as a real burrow, but it will help.

So that's some food for thought too. Most common husbandry practices used seem a little insufficient to me. I use slightly higher basking temps, and areas of heightened humidity (as I illustrated).