REPTILE/AMPHIBIAN HOUSING RECOMMENDATIONS

Enclosure minimums:

• Iguana - minimum 55-60 gallon tank for hatchlings.
• Bearded Dragon - no less than 72L x 16W x 17 H (55 gallon)
• Chameleons - 2’ L x 2’ W x 4’ H
• Savanna Monitors - 55-60 gallon tank for hatchlings.
• Geckos - 10-20 gallon aquarium
• Anoles - 10-20 gallon tall aquarium.
• Snakes - 1/2-2/3 it’s body length is sufficient for most adult snakes.
• Tortoise - no less than 4 times long and 2 times wide as the carapace length of tortoise.
• Water turtles - large heated aquarium at least as deep as width of turtle with a rock or shelf where turtle can get completely out of water.
• Frogs - at least 10 gallon aquarium per frog.

• Astroturf/Artificial Grass - Can be used for any land, tree, or rock dwelling reptile. Several pieces can be cut for each enclosure and rotated daily. Easy to clean and disinfect.
• Newsprint paper (unprinted)
• Heating and Lighting - It is important to create a temperature gradient from one side of enclosure to the other. A fluorescent light bulb can be used in conjunction with and incandescent light bulb to provide adequate daytime temperature. The fluorescent light bulbs should be of full spectrum, daylight type that also emits some degree of UV-A and UV-B radiation (important for metabolizing calcium) such as: Vita-Lite®, Reptile Daylight®, or Reptisun 5.0®.

An ambient daytime temperature in the enclosure should be between 80-85°F with a basking site temperature range between 90-95°F degrees. Multiple sites for basking under the bulb should be available to provide gradients of temperature with in basking site. A dark flat rock under the basking light can provide additional ventral heat, which may aid in digestion.

The Animal Health Clinic recommends annual wellness visits for all reptiles and amphibians. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at: 701-237-9310