Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i am looking to setup a gator display enclosure based on a maximum 24 inch legnth gator. i have an understanding with a breeder who has agreed to swap out the animal after it get's over two feet. My question is what plants should i include or fish that could be housed with the gator? I understand if the fish are large enough that the gator will not bother them. i am looking for a setup so that water changing is at a minimum. i would love to have a closed loop system that requires no inputs rather than food for the gator. in this system the fish would eat from floating plants and would consume waste products produced by the gator. if this idea is too far fetched please let me know. the animal will be used mostly for display and the reason i want to swap after 2 feet is so that a maximum amount of space can be dedicated to the animal. It will work out great for the breeder too because this way they will get a larger healthy animal every couple of years in exchange for a new hatchling.

I don't think your plan will work.. It would be very difficult to create a self-sustaining ecosystem with the components you have listed. Likely, no matter the size of the fish you include, the alligator will attempt to eat them which would likely result in injury. Also, every time your alligator defecates the ammonia level in the water will spike. I'm not sure what kind(s) of fish can survive solely off of plant material that would be available in the pet trade, aside from catfish or something. Lastly, why do you want to have only temporary pets? I'm not saying this to offend you, but I'm sure others will agree. If you cannot house an animal as an adult, you shouldn't get it. Get yourself a sexed female dwarf caiman that will not grow exceedingly large. It is unfair on the animal to be constantly traded around. I believe this is a huge problem within the reptile community with several species (monitors, snakes,crocodilians, turtles even). People only want them as babies. Whatever decision you make, good luck with it and be sure to post pictures if you do set something intricate up!

basically i will be taking a hatchling intended for an alligator farm and keeping it myself for a couple of years and then turning it back over to the farm. I don't feel this is cruel because the animal will have a better quality of life while in my care. my dealing only with small animals i will be able to provide a better quality and sized enclosure. i appreciate everybody's comments and please keep them coming.

I think your idea sucks .A PET DISERVES A LARGER COMMITMENT .YOU NEED A DIFFERENT PET NOT A GATOR .........
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Archie Bottoms

i am also studying animal behavior currently and intend to use the animal for scientific purposes but thanks for all the comments

A baby gator can easily reach 2 feet in a few months not a couple of years unless you try to keep it underfed.

At gator farms don't gators usually get slaughtered after 2 years when they are in the 6 foot long range?
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Ed

>>A baby gator can easily reach 2 feet in a few months not a couple of years unless you try to keep it underfed.
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>>At gator farms don't gators usually get slaughtered after 2 years when they are in the 6 foot long range?
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>>Ed

It depends on the farm's feeding schedule. Some farms power feed to get a 4ft yearling, but not power feeding doesn't necessarily equate to underfeeding.

My question is how much space can you provide for the animals and plants? If you are thinking that you can make this work in a 55 gallon aquarium, you are mistaken. I say a minimum of 8'X8' area with half of that holding at least 12" of water. With that much water you can have water plants, a turtle, and plecostomus. Those three may be able to handle the bio load from the alligator. Its really going to be an experiment on your part to make it work. pH is going to be an issue and a challenge to keep all organisms happy.
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1.0 Albino American alligator, "Smoke"
1.1 American alligator,"Al Bite Ya & Mollie"
1.1 Purple Albino Reticulated Pythons, "Gumbo & Abita"
0.1 Eastern Gaboon Viper, "Gabbie"

yeah size is not a problem i can defintely do an 8x8 with direct sunlight during the day through a number of windows. how long should i monitor the water before adding the gator? my original plan was water then plants then a fish like you suggest then a gator. i am also going to construct the enclosure with a drain leading to a sump pump so if needed i can change water easily

I would suggest finding a business that specializes in aquaculture. They can steer you in the right direction as far as what pH levels will be optimal for the plants and possibly the Plecos. You are really going to have to stay on top of it.
I would also switch your baby alligator to Mazuri crocodilian diet. You feed until he is full and skim out the rest of the floaters. The alligators excrement tends to be a hard solid with the mazuri which will be easier to skim out of the water.
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1.0 Albino American alligator, "Smoke"
1.1 American alligator,"Al Bite Ya & Mollie"
1.1 Purple Albino Reticulated Pythons, "Gumbo & Abita"
0.1 Eastern Gaboon Viper, "Gabbie"