What's a good starter?

[Ithyphallic]

So I've got a 38 Gallon tank I picked up for a clean 40 bucks (craigslist rocks) and I'm waffling between putting fish or some sort of reptiles in it, most likely leopard geckos, but I'm not really sure. What do you guys think is a good starter lizard that can live it's lifespan in a tank that size? I know that doesn't leave many options, but I simply don't have the room for a bigger enclosure right now.

Give me some suggestions!

[BP_okay]

Are you really partial to lizards or snakes? Alot of neat snakes could be very happy in that tank! If you really want a gecko..a 20 gal is the recommended for one, but you can put more than one in there if it's a larger tank. From what what I understand, lizards aren't as solitary as precious snakees :-)

Traci

[Michael Roth]

If you are thinking geckos, leopards are fun, but imho the cresties and gargoyles are more fun. First off, they at least pretend to like you. they don't *have* to eat bugs, majr selling point for some folks. They don't require special heat or light, providing your room temperature is roughly 72 - 78 degrees f year round. They try to jump into the computer screen, and when you have company they jump from person to person to check them out. I have a few different herps, snakes, chameleons, geckos, and the rhacs (gargoyles and cresties) are the closest thing to a little dog I have encountered.

[Chu'Wuti]

I hadn't heard that about the rhacs before, Michael--thanks for sharing that info! I'm building a tank for Phelsumas (day geckos), which could be another interesting choice if you're not interested in handling your critters much. A BP would also do well in that size tank and is very handleable.

[BP_okay]

Hey Michael,

I didn't know about the sans insect diet for Gargoyles and Cresties? What are the max size for male/femaile...and general diet/frequency of feeding? I actually have avoided lizards, even though I think beardies are adorable, bc of the insect thing. It's werid, don't mind mice, but really don't like the cricket thing. Do you know if there is a lizard that will solely eat dried, and not live insects?

Sorry bout all the ?? but I am such a lizard amature...basically into snakes.

Thanks,
Traci