Generic beginner question...

[billyburden]

Hello everyone,

kind of a new member, i don't talk a lot but i read a lot of the posts,

i have this 60-gallon aquarium that is empty and i'm moving out in a year. I like to plan in advance though, and be prepared and informed when it comes to living creatures, so i was about to ask:

I have been taking care of a Leopard Gecko for some time now, he's doing okay, i recently gave it away to someone that likes lizards very much.

I used to have several fish and aquatic frogs in my 60-gallon (Albino African Clawed frogs) that sadly recently perished due to my parents not following my directions since i moved out (didn't have any place to put the aquarium so i left it at their house).

I am not an expert at taking care of animals, but i don't think i am not a beginner either, having a love for them and not being lazy when it comes to details like temperature and humidity.

I was wondering what kind of lizards you would recommend me. I don't really like geckos, and i'd like something that... not necesserily move a lot or doesn't mind being picked up, but at least something i can see... climbing or basking in light...

I also have a 10-gallon and thinking of getting frogs, but i am really interested by lizards.

So if anybody has suggestions for sturdy lizards other than geckos, feel free to reply!

Thanks a lot!

[Layna]

Geckos would be my first guess....maybe try a bearded dragon. They do require high heat and UV, but are hardy and do enjoy being handled. They're also found in arid type regions of Australia, so it's not really a "forest" type lizard. I'd imagine the temps would be too high for prolong plant growth if you were looking for a viviairum type set up. (Plants, etc)

If your looking for a viviarium type lizard, something that'll go with your plants and water feature if you prefer one, then I'd go with an anole, however anoles are tricker to take care of and are rather skidish.

Another you might want to try is a Blue Tounge Skink, those eat veggies, so your plants maybe the first to go.

If I think of more I'll post 'em. Best of luck and keep us updated.

[billyburden]

Hey thanks for the reply!
I've been looking a lot on internet and it seems that Tegus can do quite nicely if handled by someone responsible and mature (what i like to consider myself)...

I kinda like the Chinese Water Dragons also.

But i've just realised that i'm going to move in a limited space and i already have 2 cats, and one of them is quite aggresive with critters in cages and such, so i think i'll have to plan this better or wait longer.

Another question then, just to keep this thread going (might be useful for someone somewhere)...

What kind of chameleon would you say is the easiest to take care of?

I suppose they are quite popular, and there's a lot of different types of 'em...

Anyways, thanks for the answer Layna, have a good day!

[Layna]

Originally Posted by billyburden

Hey thanks for the reply!
I've been looking a lot on internet and it seems that Tegus can do quite nicely if handled by someone responsible and mature (what i like to consider myself)...

That is an option, but they do get big. The average I've seen is between 3 and 4 feet in length.

What kind of chameleon would you say is the easiest to take care of?

To be honest I am not familar with the care of chameleons, all I've heard is that they're for advanced keepers. They need certain requirements that can be difficult to acheive.

Best of luck and keep us updated on your decision.

[Layna]

To add:

Tegus' and Monitors don't do well in aquariums, they need floor space. I am not sure if you're thinking of having a planted area, but maybe if you live in a warmer climate you can house outdoors (proper precautions and stuff) and plant plants that way.

[SunnyViv]

Tegeus are bitey. I think a bearded dragon would be a nice choice if your looking for a pet.

[Nos]

u didnt really mention this but just putting it out there but ball pythons are nice to. i dont know if like like snakes at all