considering a lizard

[dnoy88]

Hi I am considering a lizard. I want something bigger than a gecko but not as big or high maintenence as a savannahs. I would prefer to be able to use a 20 gal aquarium 50 gal max. Any ideas on what I should take some interest in.

[Tsubaki]

I would want to say a bearded dragon, but a 50 gallon tank is too small for one if you ask me. They can reach half the size of that tank, 50 really max? I don't know many lizards who outgrow a gecko that you can keep in a 50 gallon tank, let alone a 20 gallon.

[drumcrush]

Blue tongue skink?

[thinkbig317]

I keep an adult bearded dragon in a 55gal tank very comfortably. Wouldn't house in any smaller though. Blue Tongue's require more room than a beardie in my opinion. You can probably get away with keeping an uromastyx in a 50gal.

[JWFugle]

i know you said no gecko but ive always like the Giant day geckos. their such bright colored and active during the day, and get to be good sized.

not in the same category but Chameleons??

[Starbuck]

I think it might be really cool to set up a vertical 50 gallon (side opening) with a few giant day geckos!
Im not sure chameleons would really do well in a tank, they need a LOT of climbing space and careful humidity/temp control, as well as UV.

There are tons of smaller species of skinks that might do well in a smaller set up, though many of them burrow so you may not get to see them too often.

My local pet store has schleptopusiks (?!?!?) legless lizards which seem like a good size for a 50 gallon tank, though i DONT know the first 2 bits about their husbandry.

[pdomensis]

I would say beardie in a 50 gal.

[poomwah]

Are you against smaller lizards?
Starbuck's suggestion of smaller skinks is worth looking into.
Anoles are great little lizards, you could make a heavily planted vivarium with several anoles . Long tails can be interesting as well

[drumcrush]

I'm looking into getting a blue Tailed skink(aka five lined skink) they stay pretty small and seem easy to care for.

[poomwah]

very attractive lizards too
just be careful with their tail :]

[drumcrush]

very attractive lizards too
just be careful with their tail :]

Yep, I know alllll about that lol I didn't pick up my Leo for three months cause I was afraid of the tail dropping lol

[StudentoReptile]

Blue-tongued skinks = medium-sized, docile, omnivore/opportunists, and can be potty-trained!

[dnoy88]

The reason I say 50 gal is because I only have about 3 ft of wall space so the tank can't be any more than 3 ft long cut I really want it in the living room so wen pol come over they can see it but height isn't to much of an issue as long as I don't have use a stool to open it up I like the idea of a side opening tank

[Terranaut]

Is this a display animal or do you intend to handle it with some free roam ? Skinks are cool and don't need huge enclosures.

[philbyi-guy]

Please do not put a uromastyx in a 50. My U. Philbyi has a 75 and uses every bit of it. I hope to give him a 125 soon. Beardies need 75 minimum. They get longer than a 55 is wide, and would not have enough room to roam around. Geckos are good, maybe a trio of african fat tails or leos. Knob tails would be cool. Blue tongue skinks need a bigger tank... Maybe a larger sp... Like a tokay? Truth be told a 40 breeder would be better

[dnoy88]

Is this a display animal or do you intend to handle it with some free roam ? Skinks are cool and don't need huge enclosures.

A little bit of both I would like to be able to handle the critter with out it trying to scurry away or getting stressed

[philbyi-guy]

A little bit of both I would like to be able to handle the critter with out it trying to scurry away or getting stressed

This definitely limits you. Geckos are pretty much all you're looking at, that and small skinks. Maybe a couple red eye croc skinks?

[aRepDysfunction]

Blue tongue skinks are my favorite lizard hands down (this isnt me)

Blue tongue skink interaction - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGPNTrjqrIs)

They are a decent size, tame by nature, omnivores, don't need bugs on a regular basis, very intelligent. enjoy being handled in most cases (and yes i chose the word enjoy on purpose, there is research that they are one of the only reptiles that benefits from being handled and socialized).

They are a bit prices to start up but you should be able to gather everything for about $400 or so.

[philbyi-guy]

Blue tongue skinks are my favorite lizard hands down (this isnt me)

Blue tongue skink interaction - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGPNTrjqrIs)

They are a decent size, tame by nature, omnivores, don't need bugs on a regular basis, very intelligent. enjoy being handled in most cases (and yes i chose the word enjoy on purpose, there is research that they are one of the only reptiles that benefits from being handled and socialized).

They are a bit prices to start up but you should be able to gather everything for about $400 or so.
But too big for a 55. Where is this research? I'm curious

[aRepDysfunction]

But too big for a 55. Where is this research? I'm curious

can i cite sources off hand? no. I state it from reading about them for the last 6 months or so, care sheets here and there. There is certainly some debate on the issue but if nothing else, they are definitely very curious lizards and even if it isnt the handling they enjoy they certainly seem to like being out and exploring more than many lizards i have kept.

[StudentoReptile]

You can always lay a 55-gal over on its side and get the footprint of a 75 gal.

[poomwah]

You can always lay a 55-gal over on its side and get the footprint of a 75 gal.

and also get the benefit of front entry rather than having to reach over the top :]