Ok so I have been thinking about getting a Tegu for some time now and would like to get to be able to pick at some of you more experienced and new owners of these guys.

My questions are:

1. What are some of the best species for beginners?
2. Do they require any special lighting like Bearded Dragons and such like this?
3. What are some of their favorite foods, and how often they need to be fed?
4. Can they be trained to be able to sleep on a nice mat with newspaper and with a heat pad and then be able to go to be potty trianed?
5. Would you suggest a male or female?

I would also love to see some of your Tegus and personal experiences.
I have many snakes but would really love to get a more social animal to add to my family of reptiles!

Thank you so much!