Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just trying to get an idea of how big they get and how long you could keep one in a 20 gallon, long.

Thank you

Jeff
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that depends on which species you get. For example an egyptian can get over 3 ft long, I;ve actually seen some 40inch monsters, obviously that would not be an option. A somalian might live in a twenty gallon, but in general for any species a twenty gal cage can only house a hatchling for about a year, then it just gets kinda cruel.................

I agree. Just wanted an idea how long, so a year or sooner before you need to move it out.
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You shouldn't keep a uro in a 20 gallon fish tank, even if it's a "long" tank. Look into a 40 gallon breeder.

The minimum size enclosure does not depend so much on the species & age of the uromastyx. (Although, figure on an enclosure that is about 2x by 4x, with "x" being the adult length of the animal. There is also no disadvantage to starting out even hatchlings in their adult size enclosure.)

The important thing to remember is that these creatures thermoregulate. You need a large enclosure in order to get the correct temperature gradient. In a 20 gallon long you can't have a hot basking spot and maintain a cooler hide. There just isn't enough distance between them.
--benedita

I agree with Benedita. In general a 40 gallon breeder is the minimum that most of us recommend. Some of the Uros can fairly happily live in one their entire lives, though something bigger is always nicer as they get older.

Elizabeth
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Indiana & Wisconsin

Your cage, ideally, should cost you more than the creature kept in it. If the best you can provide for a Uro is a fish tank, you're making a poor choice of a lizard to keep. Consider getting properly set-up first & obtaining your pet at a point when you are truly ready. Aquariums hold water well but, not much else.
Dan.

All,I asked was how long a baby could stay in a 20 gallon. I was unsure of the growth rate or a uro. Did not really ask for a lector on how glass cages are no good. There was one response about the thermo reg that made sense.

So, as far as glass tanks being made for fish and holding water, I agree and disagree with you. I have had Iguanas and many other lizards live fine in glass cages that are not 20 gallons, they do make larger glass cages.

If you look at my collection below I think I have a good understanding with what belongs in a tank and what belongs in some other type of cage.

Thanks for those who answered the question.
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Jeff, I do not think ‘most’ people missed your question at all.

“All,I asked was how long a baby could stay in a 20 gallon.”

And the answers you are complaining about- answered that question. Unfortunately, it appears that the answer (which was essentially ‘no’ amount of time) was not the answer you wanted.

“Did not really ask for a lector on how glass cages are no good.”

This is a forum which is here to exchange idea and opinions. If you ask a question, people will most likely give varying suggestions and opinions on the topic. To ask for help and then not want to listen to feedback just because it does not go along with the specific answer you had in mind and expected to hear, is a little like telling the doctor to stick to giving you the aspirin for the migraine you are seeing him for and to quit asking and mentioning your gangrenous leg. Ok, a far fetched analogy but the only one I could think of this morning prior to my caffeine.

I personally like to see the free exchange of ideas and opinions on this forum as opposed to those who sit back ignoring husbandry issues because someone is afraid of stepping on someone else’s toes. I appreciate the fact that someone is willing to point out some possible husbandry issues even if the person is only posting a photo asking how cute the uromastyx is. In my opinion, this does not happen near enough. Will everyone appreciate this same type of free exchange- absolutely not. Do I think that Dan's reply was as etiquettely proper as it could have been- maybe not for some people. At the same time, I can appreciate someone who feels passionate about the care of these animals and I am the last person who should try to define proper forum etiquette.

I disagree and agree a little with Dan on his views on glass enclosures. While I often lecture (yes, I do it too) on enclosures, I find it is more often on the size of the enclosure than the material. I have some custom four foot glass enclosures (lower height) that work fairly well with the custom made tops I use. My main concern with glass is the ability to retain heat so my tops consist of both glass and screen. This allows me to use heat lamps, provide ventilation, and retain more heat than a standard screen top. Is this a perfect enclosure-no. (no enclosures I own are perfect for uromastyx- not even my 6’ rigged Visions) I do agree with Dan that glass tanks are not the best option for several reasons. The first I already mentioned and the second is that the majority of aquariums on the market (under 75 gallons) have a much smaller width (12 inch) than what should be used (my opinion) for a uromastyx. Those that do have more width usually have a greater height sometimes making it difficult to achieve a proper gradient or basking spot. The people using these tanks will often settle for clamping a few heat lamps at the top or placing heat domes on top of a screen. Unless the enclosure is rigged with some sort of top to prevent loss of heat, the tank can become problematic. Although glass may not be my first choice, I would not rule out all glass aquariums for use with uromastyx as I think custom enclosures and those who think outside the box with different top solutions on larger tanks, can make a suitable environment.

“If you look at my collection below I think I have a good understanding with what belongs in a tank and what belongs in some other type of cage.”

Actually, this list just tells everyone what you currently own. It does not say anything about your husbandry, the condition of the animals, what was on the list six months ago that might now be deceased…..

To answer your original question on how long a uromastyx should be kept in a 20 long- my answer is that a uromastyx should not be kept in a 20 long regardless of the size of the uro. I thought benedita did a wonderful job explaining some of my reasoning behind this answer so there is no need for me to repeat.

Thankyou, Debb, for a truly well written response. You're a good moderator. I tend to shoot from the hip sometimes but, Uroman, don't take offense. I've had to use fish tanks many times when things get crowded. To answer your question, I'd recommend at least a 20 gallon for 2 babies until if/when one starts dominating the other. Provide them with as many things to hide behind & climb on as possible. In the meantime, start thinking about something more permanent. Most of all, just my opinion, Uros love bright light, hot temps, a really wide temp gradient, lotsa space & plenty of privacy.
If you can pull all that together in an aquarium, what's wrong with that? No fight outa me!
We can agree or disagree but, we're all herpers in the end!!
Merry Christmas to you all.
Dan & Loraine & all our many critters.

No offense taken, I even wrote a 20 gallon is kinda cruel. But on a different note you have the dilemma of that poor uro in a pet store. Is it better to leave it die there, or is it better for someone to take it home and really care for it, and give it the dignity it deserves, albeit in a cage thats too small? I've probably gone too far off on a tangent.

I tend to talk first and think later. Thank you for your response.
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Just kidding. Wish I had the facility to keep them myself. Send picts!!
Dan.

Its a baby right now. Most people don't know this and I did not either, but males only get 8 ft or so if they are any bigger its rare, its the females that are huge. I will have to take some and send them, when I get them.

I just got into the snakes about 3 years ago, I mean owning them. I was a lizard guy because the parents did not want snakes in the house, well moved out and started a collection. Not as much room needed compared to lizards.

Thanks again for your help, and sorry for the retic attitude.
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0.1 Green Burm
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