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 #2086705


Superlizard
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 New at this site need a little help

I have a 55 gal aquarium with 4 fence lizards. I have two heat lamps one on both sides, three logs for climbing also two small fake wood like figures, and a live plant in a glass of water with marbles. Dirt covered bottom about 2 to 3 in thick and some moss growing on one side of the bottom wondered if that sounds good? I also have a heat rock do I need it or not its in the middle of the aquarium.
10/20/09  11:53pm

 #2087167


Jared T
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   Message To: Superlizard   In reference to Message Id: 2086705


 New at this site need a little help

Ditch the heat rock. It’s a no-no.

Also ditch one of the basking lights. You only need one on one side of the tank; to provide a cool side, and a hot side. Provide enough climbing areas so the lizards can select which heat zone they like under the light...

You also need a 3ft UVA/UVB linear fluorescent bulb to span the top of the tank for a 55 gallon. If you’re putting it on the top, you need a 10.0 bulb, if inside get a 5.0 bulb. Screen filters the UVA/UVB rays...
10/21/09  07:44pm

 #2087356


Superlizard
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   Message To: Jared T   In reference to Message Id: 2087167


 New at this site need a little help

Did what you said and it looks better then before thanks man. What temp. should I keep basking area and the other areas at for breeding, and is dirt a good bottom or should I use sand.
10/22/09  04:31am

 #2087567


Jared T
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   Message To: Superlizard   In reference to Message Id: 2087356


 New at this site need a little help

I keep my basking temps at 105 max which is real close to the bulb. I use a 100 watt bulb and I also have a 55 gallon. The different levels of basking areas under the bulb provide the choice of which temp they’d like, i.e. distance from the bulb.

I don’t use dirt or sand. I prefer mulch, i.e. bark chips. The sand/dirt can cause compaction/constipation which can be fatal. I guess the adult lizards know not to eat it, but the babies/juveniles don’t.

Post some pictures of your lizards and set up!
10/22/09  05:36pm

 #2087612


Superlizard
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   Message To: Jared T   In reference to Message Id: 2087567


 New at this site need a little help

Just got my camra fixed I will be posting some pics later. I have a 75 watt bulb and keep my basking temp at 90/95 degrees and the rest about 80 degrees I will look in to getting some bark for the bottom and clean out the dirt as soon as I fine or buy some. How do you get rid of mites so I will know and what does it mean when a Fence lizard has a white powder substance around there nose holes. Franky has some and I dont know what it is.
10/22/09  07:39pm

 #2087657


Jared T
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   Message To: Superlizard   In reference to Message Id: 2087612


 New at this site need a little help

75 watts is fine..

Mites are a bit of a pain. My lizards had a few when I got them, and then the mites multiplied into hundreds within the enclosure. Reptile relief! This worked for me perfect! I took everything out of the cage. With this stuff you treat the lizards every three days, at a total of 3-4 times until the mites are gone. Every time you treat the lizards, look for mites under the scales. Reptile relief in turn contacts the mite, dehydrates it and kills it! Lather it on the lizards, not bath, but like lotion. Allow to sit for 20 minutes in a different enclosure with paper towels on the bottom. Maybe a small storage tub they can’t get out of. If they’re infected with mites, you will see them on the paper towels during or after the first 20 minute treatment. And, if there is mites, you must treat the cage. Totally get rid of the decorations, including bedding. Spray all corners, flat surfaces and allow it to soak for 20 minutes. Rinse the tank outside real well with a garden hose. Reptile relief will also kill crickets, just not the lizards. So be careful. After each treatment also rinse the lizards with luke warm water. From then on, the lizards must live on paper towels till all three or four treatments are done or, till mites are completely gone. Remember to treat the cage every time you treat the lizards!

My cage I love, and when it got infected with mites, the bedding did with every decoration. Instead of throwing everything out and replacing it with new, I smothered what I couldn’t fit in my freezer in the tub completely under water for an hour making sure to drown the mites. I froze everything else for weeks. Don’t do this if you eat food out of your freezer lol I always eat out, or buy food the night I’m going to eat it so it wasn’t a big deal for me. Mites can live I think 15-20 days without food. They’re food is blood. Reptile relief, ice cold freezing air, and under water conditions kill them. You could also even bake some of your wooden decorations and even bark bedding. That too should kill the mites.

The white crustiness on the nostrils is not that big of a deal, it’s just the sign of dried snot and a minor cold.



10/22/09  09:02pm

 #2087758


Superlizard
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   Message To: Jared T   In reference to Message Id: 2087657


 New at this site need a little help

Thanks for all your help man I needed it my lizards seem to be much happier now that I got my aquarium set up right with the right lighting. If I need any more help how do I contact you for advice. I’m hoping to breed later on and you seem to know your stuff. Better then me anywise. Thanks again for the help. I will be putting pic in my profile soon so keep checking.
10/23/09  01:40am

 #2087837


Superlizard
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   Message To: Superlizard   In reference to Message Id: 2087758


 New at this site need a little help

Got my pics up just waiting for the little one to wake up so I can take there pic they like to sleep late and there names are Elenore the female and Freddy the male. Well guess what Devon the little 6-line Race runner did as soon as I took his pic he jumped and I hadn’t found him yet I hope I do before my kids cat does.
10/23/09  09:02am

 #2087838


Superlizard
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   Message To: Superlizard   In reference to Message Id: 2087837


 New at this site need a little help

P.S. How does everything look from my pics?
10/23/09  09:03am


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