Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi I am about to purchase a hatchling or small juv yellow ackie, i'm thinking about getting it from pete weiss if he has any left, if you know of anyone else who has them let me know (in case pete weiss is out).
My questions is two parts, first i am planning on putting it in a 55 gallon aquarium (I know not the best choice) and was wondering how long my baby could live in this size enclosure?
2nd i know they need a basking spot i read of up to 130 degrees and was wondering which would be the better choice of reaching this temp a spot/flood light or one of those round ceramic heating elements?
Thanks

Use a flood, CHE's heat the ambients too much especially on a small enclosure. Spots can be an accident waiting to happen.

For ackies, I'd go a touch higher on the hot spot, anywhere up to 150F surface temperature, they will use it. Make the dirt as deep as possible, they will use it as well.

I'm not sure how long a 55 gallon would last, I really don't know what size that is. How fast they/it grow out of it, has alot to do with what you provide.

Good Luck,

--Robert

Hi: Thanks for responding, the 55 gallon aquarium is 4 feet long, about 20 inches high, and 1 foot wide, do you have any ideas for the kind of wattage of floodlight i will need to penetrate to the hot spot? 50, 75, 100?
Thanks!

What size is really up to you and how much space you are willing to give it, that is definitely enough to start with.

I would not recommend using anything over 50w for something that small. Move the hot spot closer to the bulb to get the desired temp. Be sure to get a true flood, some manufacturers have changed to a spot/flood design (with the lens clear in the center), I've not had problems with ackies and these bulbs, but they should be avoided.

I would also like to mention use very deep substrate, 6" is not deep, as deep as you can make it. If it has a screen top, cover it up with plywood or plexiglass, otherwise it will dry out.

Good Luck,

--Robert