Hi Chrissy, Chrissy Pearson wrote:
> Hello all, I've been lurking on this list for some time now, learning what I > can and searching through the archives. > > I have a 55 gallon aquarium that I'd like to convert into a habitat for 2 or > 3 day geckos. I have a few questions about the setup and the animals before > I get started. I hope some of you will share your experienced opinions with > me, please! > > My plan for the 55g: > false bottom setup with small waterfall (trickle), shallow gravel > "streambed" I would skip this, Phelsuma are terrible swimmers. > > soil mix (no perlite) planted with tropicals, also bromeliads, etc. > several mixed sizes of wood, cork bark background, various levels of basking > spots > screen cover with flourescent lights, at least one bulb providing UVB > small incandescent basking light in one corner > > My questions about this are 1)does this sound viable? Sounds pretty good except the waterfall/stream stuff. See Bartlett's Day Gecko book for some good ideas on set-up. > 2)what would be the > best way to provide heat to this setup? I would use an infrared an night to bring it up to the lower 70s. Or, you could use the glass mayo jar heat trick----fill with water and put in a fish tank heater, put a tape thermometer on the outside of the jar and presto, a Phelsuma heater! > at night my house drops to about 60F > in the winter. 3)When cleaning and feeding, how likely is it to experience > an escape? Should I opt for a screen top with a small door vs. those that > are hinged? I would make a small door for feeding, especially if you go for the smaller Phelsuma. > 4)Anything I'm missing? A misting system would be cool. > > > Now for the animals themselves -- I'm considering phelsuma grandis (giant > day) Best beginner Phelsuma IMHO, keep in pairs only. > and phelsuma laticauda (gold dust). Not a bad choice. I have only kept mine in pairs, anyone else kept them in harems? > These were two that struck my fancy > and seem to be good for beginners. Can anyone offer any pros and cons to > influence my choice? The P.m grandis are very long lived (up to 30 years) are hardy and excellent display geckos. I wrote about their care in set-up in my "Five Great Pet Shop Geckos" article in the Reptiles 2001 Annual. Smaller phelsuma present greater challenges to the beginner due to their superior escape powers! :) > > > I know this is a long post, forgive me, but I would appreciate any guidance > you can give me. Thanks! > > Chrissy > > Hope that helps! Regards, Julie Bergman http://www.geckoranch.com GGA lifetime member ########################################################################### THE GLOBAL GECKO ASSOCIATION LISTSERV WebSite: www.gekkota.com Archive: [EMAIL PROTECTED]/ The GGA takes no responsibility for the contents of these postings. ###########################################################################
