Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have this box which is 13 inches High and 24 inches long...and 34 inches diagonally. I am wondering if it is okay to use the box to keep them in.... it's much bigger than my 12 1/2 High and 20 inch long...and about 23 diagonally.. aquarium tank.

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Four Alligator Lizards

They need sun/UV light. Risk of catching the box on fire if you use a bulb.
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I will be back!

I saw your set up and I did not see any lights set up... but you have them next to a window. Is that enough? I have mine next to a window too, with light hitting the aquarium.
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Four Alligator Lizards

I do have a lamp but it was on the ground next to my setup. I don’t turn the lamp on much during the summer because too much heat can kill them. I have to make sure that the temp does not go beyond 85. The lamp gets turn on more during the winter.

They do get enough light because during the daytime, sunlight go through so much, I have to cover half of the aquarium with cardboard incase it bothers them.

The cardboard box that you showed is not an ideal way to keep them for long period of time. Sunlight can not go through on the side of the box. Also, the greater the height of the container, it keeps the heat in more. Plus, think about it. If I keep you in a room with white walls all around, how would you feel compare to a room where you get to look out the window? It will stress the animal out.
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I will be back!

Yes I understand but the dimensions of the box is a lot bigger.. if i were to get some aquarium(with glass not box panels) about that size wouldn't that be better? I'm not going to use the box to keep them in... i already put one lizard for a few minutes and didn't move(signs of stress)... I wanted to see it's reaction even though not planning to keep them there.
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Four Alligator Lizards

No, this is not a suitable long term enclosure. If you didn't already have an enclosure and you needed a "holding tank" then it would be fine short term, but since you already have an aquarium just leave them in that until you find a larger aquarium. Also, not trying to start anything, but you can't compare these to humans. They are wild animals so if they had a choice they would feel more secure in a box that they can't see out of. In the wild, if they come out from under they're rock or hole it's not to smell the fresh air or check out the scenery. They are out to find a mate, find some food, thermoregulate, ect. Then it's back to hiding where there is less of a chance of being eaten by larger predators.

Thanks
Andy
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0.0.2 Bearded Dragons
1.1 Mali Uromastyx
1.0 Texas Alligator Lizard
0.0.1 Agrentine Blk & Wht Tegu
1.2 Leopard Geckos
0.0.1 Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.3 Desert Iguanas
1.1.2 Western Chuckwallas
1.1 Granite Spiny Lizards
1.2 Rubber Boas
1.1.4 Rosy Boas
1.1 Western Hognose
0.0.1 California Kingsnake
1.0 White sided Bullsnake

Thank You! for understanding.
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Four Alligator Lizards

Well, you got a point on the emotional stress part. You might be right that they feel more secure when they are in an enclosure.

Nevertheless, they still need sunlight and Alice made some additional great points such as water will rot cardboard.
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I will be back!

Exactly, everything that was mentioned was more than enough reason to stay away from the cardboard box as a permanent home.
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0.0.2 Bearded Dragons
1.1 Mali Uromastyx
1.0 Texas Alligator Lizard
0.0.1 Agrentine Blk & Wht Tegu
1.2 Leopard Geckos
0.0.1 Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.3 Desert Iguanas
1.1.2 Western Chuckwallas
1.1 Granite Spiny Lizards
1.2 Rubber Boas
1.1.4 Rosy Boas
1.1 Western Hognose
0.0.1 California Kingsnake
1.0 White sided Bullsnake

Spilled water / overflow from a moist hide are going to rot the cardboard. The als will also be able to climb it. Supplemental light and heating will also not be possible due to fire risk etc. A window will not suffice for UV since it is filtered out by the glass. Allowing any closed container to be struck by direct sunlight also risks cooking the inhabitants. If you need a larger cage, get a larger aquarium or you could try to modify something like a rubbermade storage container. If you opt for plastic caging, make sure any heating devices (lights etc) are regulated so that they don't melt the plastic.

-Alice