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Megan asked:
If I wanted to get a pet lizard, assuming I know everything else about caring for one, how can I figure out how big a tank I need for whatever size lizard? I know iguanas get very large and need large tanks, but how large? And what if I just wanted a small gecko?
Is there possibly a lizard length:gallon tank ratio I can go by as a guideline?
Some details for the sake of Larry. Thanks for asking me for more details, it helps me get a better answer.
I am a huge lover of reptiles, especially lizards and snakes. Since I was a young kid I’ve always wanted a pet lizard, and once I’m settled into my new apartment, I plan on buying one for myself. I love everything about lizards, from their dinosaur faces, their loose scaley skin, and the idea of an iguana (perhaps) eating lettuce out of my hand just gets me so giddy and excited.
It will be a while yet before I buy one since I want to know all the information I need first, and it will be a while before I move and I don’t want to stress out my lizard by buying it too soon before I’m settled, but I have always wanted one, and this guy will never find himself abandoned.
I’m aware that in Florida there’s actually a population of “wild” iguanas that were abandoned by their previous owners. That won’t be the case here.
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What you need is surface area; like you said most Gecko’s don’t need a lot of area.
Figure you need enough room for the lizard to be comfortable, while laying on a treebranch. For an iguana, you’ll need about 4′ long, figure 3′ wide, and at least 3′ high- provided you seldom take him out of the cage. If you take him out, play with him for 4 to 6 hours a day- or just turn him lose in the bathroom- then you only need sufficent room for when its bedtime, or when you’re on vacation (Yes, he still needs that size- could you imagine being cooped up in a closet for 2 weeks?)
On the other hand, WHY do you want a lizard as a pet? Frankly, while they’re exotic to have and great conversation pets- is what you’re doing, going to be the best for the animal?
I’m asking this quesiton so you KNOW what you’re getting into.
Look at how many rabbits and chickens are given during Easter- and then end up being abandonded.
Good Luck
I’m guessing you’re interested in green iguanas? Mind you, they can grow over 5ft in length, so it’ll require some HUGE housing. And I’m not talking tanks by the gallons here, this is more like custom built cages AT LEAST 6ft long x 6ft high x 3 ft wide. Babies usually outgrow their tanks within a year. I’m not sure if it’s a good idea getting an ig while living in an apartment. Space would definately be an issue, especially with an adult.
Here’s a great site that has all the answers:
Good luck, and be sure you realize what you’re getting into!
Oh, and you might want to consider some smaller lizards, like bearded dragons. The minimum space required for them is 4ft long x 2ft wide x 2ft high. They’re funny little guys too!
Here’s a good site for beardies: