Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have set He-man up in a custom built cage I had my leopard gecko in. It has more floor space, but is not as tall as a 10 gallon. It's about 2/3 rds the size of a 20 long. I put a big 'pond' in there and I put about three inches of sand. Boy, he likes that sand! I have not seen him eat, but I have mealworms, giant mealworms, crickets, and superworms at his disposal. I'm thinking they don't hand feed like my beardeds. I also have wax worms in the frig.I have a small under cage heater at one end and he is set up next to my beardeds with a 150w basking light. The light is about 20" above his cage because the beardeds are in a 55 tank. I do not have a uvb source, but could set one up if you think he requires it. I am in the process of making an outdoor cage for our lizards, but during the winter it will be too cold. I live in NC. Thank you for all your help and support. I live with a life threatening illness which is also treated with drugs. Those drugs make my life livable. I hope you are responding well to all your treatments and are soon back to good health.

Yes they love to Swim in the sand. Undertank heater is good, check range of sand in that area with a digital thermometer (Radio Shack type with indoor/outdoor probe, stick the probe in sand to check heat retained in that area. Also they do like a basking light. Since you have the undertank heater you can use a lower wattage bulb say 30watt to 50 watt. But you must check temperature ranges as not to Cook them. As far as UVB lighting I suggest a 5.0 ZooMed or Exo Terra; and you may not need it the entire length of the tank. Could go with 15"/24" depend on length. Although they spend most of their time "swimming" in the sand UVB lighting is benifical. Remmber UVB light tubes & fixtures put out heat also. Temperature is an Absolute must to control with this species!

The "Pond" is a good source to drink and soak/sandy areas are also effected by rain season which come into play later with breeding activities which I will send you more detailed information on later. Usually eaten early mourning and/or late evening/dusk. They hide most of the time but during a yr or two of acclimation they will handfeed and respond to interaction.

You will want to check into "Nekton Rep: Nekton-Gelb (contains Aps. 8 & Carotenic Acie Ethyl Ester-enhances yellow coloration), Nekton-Rep Color (Canthaxanthin & Apocartinal which enhances overall coloration of lizards), and definately buy Nekton-E (which I have used for 10 yrs/enhances fertility in females/especially egglayers, there are several Nekton-Rep Suppliments which enhance specific ranges of Color. I have always purchased from www.herpsupplies.com for the absolute best in husbandry products at fair prices-they cover everything!
From Worming/books (detailed from professional breeders to general hobbist)/and too much more for me to go on so check them out. *Special note when you can buy the book "Reptiles and Amphibians of Madagascar.........." which costs around $67.oo but is loaded with information form German Herpetologist.

You are starting off very well, take time to watch the details of temperature/they only eat insects (will go into detail of Spring breeding season insects to feed later with Nekton-Rep for stimulation), Sand with one corner of tank you should moisten, Small structure under basking area, hides, and pure extasy of Enjoyment of these Plated Lizards!

I am going to give you my e-mail address. It's moko1212@aol.com. I think it would be easier to communicate that way or we can continue on the forum.

I am falling in love with this lizard. He is so interesting. He already allows handling and seems to enjoy interacting with us. I love to see his little head poking out of the sand. He really likes the wax worms! I haven't seen him swim in the water yet.

I checked out the book by Frank Glaw. It can be had for $55.00 on Amazon. there was another book about Madagascan amph. and reptiles for $72.00. I figured they must be beautiful books. My husband tells me if the book is released with a short run it would be expensive also.

Thank you again for all your help. I hope to have He-man with us for many many years.