some atb neonate questions

[rynwilliams]

I understand that baby atb's are around 2ft when born. Would they be ok going into a 24longx18highx18deep vivarium to start off? if so how long would they be ok in this sort of viv till i put them into their large viv (30longx30highx18deep). Or will it be ok to put them straight into the large viv?

[Velvet Science]

Though a larger cage is nicer, you could keep an ATB in a 24X18X18" cage indefinitely- I breed adults in Vision 2X2X2's, which are only slightly bigger than the cage you described. For more caging details you can refer to my response to your last posting, or you can check out Ralph's neonate care sheet, which is excellent, at www.thedarkgrove.com.

Best to you,

Tyler

[Senator Gracken]

If you modelled a 55 gal aquarium (36"x18"x18") in the same style as the ATB neonates are kept in on the above site(http://www.thedarkgrove.com./webpages/caresheet.html) would it be ok or would there be complications due to the constant presence water? I realise that the water would have to be changed at least once every other day. (For adult ATB)

[Velvet Science]

Senator,

I've kept neonates on water in various size cages without any problems. Two things to keep in mind though: first, ATBs are not 100% arboreal. Some individuals appear to be throughout different phases of their life, but overall, ATBs seem to like to spend a fair amount of time on the ground- particularly in the day. For this reason, i've usually modified Ralphs recommended neonate set-up just a little by setting a slightly covered, yet empty waterdish at the bottom of the cage. This became their terrestrial retreat, and was used often.
Second, you're right about changing the water. If you don't have an efficient system for it, dumping a 55 gallon tank twice a week could get pretty tiresome, not to mention the disturbance it would cause the neonates. Maybe if you had an aquarium filter it could work out nicely...could create some pretty cool looking vivariums too.

Tyler