Top products from r/reptiles
We found 104 product mentions on r/reptiles. We ranked the 183 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
1. Jump Start JumpStart MTPRTC Digital Controller Germination Heat Mat Thermostat
Sentiment score: 27
Number of reviews: 15
The only safety ETL certified thermostat on the marketProvides constant optimal temperatures for germination/rootingIdeal in homebrewing for maintaining desired fermentation temperature, and perfect for temperature control in reptile terrariums and small pet enclosures.LED heating indicator light an...
2. Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 774 (Not for Human) Temperature Gun Non-Contact Digital Laser Thermometer-58℉ to 716℉ (-50 to 380℃), Standard Size, Yellow & Black
Sentiment score: 19
Number of reviews: 9
Better accuracy: The distance to spot ratio is 12: 1, meaning the laser grip 774 can accurately measure targets at greater distances compared to most other Thermometers; for best accuracy, the distance between the thermometer and object of measurement should approximately be 14. 17 inches (36cm)Targ...
3. BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing Breeding Incubation Greenhouse, 40-108°F, 8.3A 1000W ETL Listed
Sentiment score: 3
Number of reviews: 4
✓ EFFORTLESS HEATING SETUP: Simply set the temperature probe, plug-in the controller, and use the large 3-button interface to choose your desired temperature setting. Digital display supports units in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Note: the controller is designed to have a 2-3 degree buffering zone...
4. BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer, FD60 U6, 115V, 60Hz, Dual Outlet, Indoor, Packaging May Vary for Lamp Light Fan Security UL Listed
Sentiment score: 3
Number of reviews: 3
✓ VERSATILE & CUSTOMIZABLE: Easily set up to 8 on/off programs for the timer’s two grounded outlets. Outlets are controlled simultaneously, and settings can be as short as one minute.✓ JUST SET & GO: Choose your own individual days or simply select one of the convenient pre-set combination day...
5. AcuRite 00891A3 Indoor/Outdoor Digital Thermometer with Humidity
Sentiment score: 13
Number of reviews: 3
Displays indoor and outdoor temperature, indoor humidityIntegrated 10-foot weather-resistant temperature wire and probeStands on desktop, shelf, mantel or mounts to wall; momentary backlight for easy reading at nightRecords minimum and maximum humidity and temperature levels for each dayNOTE: May no...
6. GE 16466 Basic 18 Inch Fluorescent Under Cabinet Light Fixture, Plug in, Warm White, Plastic Housing, 5 Foot Cord, Perfect for Kitchen, Office, Garage, Flourescent
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 2
18-Inch warm white fluorescent under cabinet light fixtureIdeal for kitchen, utility room, basement, workshop and garageEnergy saving, provides no hum, flicker free, instant on operation due to electronic ballast systemFully assembled and ready to install, comes with a 5 foot cord and on/off rocker ...
7. iPower GLHTMTCONTROL 40-108 Degrees Fahrenheit Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller for Seed Rooting Germination Reptiles, Fermentation and Brewing, Black
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 2
PROFESSIONAL RELIABILITY: Digital temperature controller for heat mat in colder or warmer environments. 1 Year manufacturer warranty. Package include: 1 pack iPower digital heat mat thermostat controllerVARIETY OF USES: Heat mat thermostat provides constant customized temp for Seed Germination, Root...
8. Zoo Med HygroTherm Humidity and Temperature Controller
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
Controls temperature by turning on/off heating devices in HEAT" mode or by turning on/off cooling devices (e.g. fan) in "COOL" mode."Temperature control range is 50°F to 122°F (10°C to 50°C)Humidity control range: 15% to 95% RH (Relative Humidity)
9. Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Mini Compact Fluorescent (13 watts)
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
Suitable for all reptiles5% UVB Output30% UVA OutputCountry Of Origin: China
10. Zoo Med Calcium With Vitamin D3 Reptile Food, 3-Ounce
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 2
Highly bioavailable source of calcium carbonateFree of harmful impurities (not from Oyster Shells)Use with reptiles that require vitamin D3 to assimilate calciumMade in USA
11. Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual
Sentiment score: 3
Number of reviews: 2
Used Book in Good Condition
12. Evergreen Pet Supplies Reptile Humidifier/Fogger - Large Tank - Ideal for a Variety of Reptiles/Amphibians/Herps - Compatible with All Terrariums and Enclosures
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 2
ADJUSTABLE COOL FOG OUTPUT: Our compact, ultrasonic, cool mist humidifying fogger is perfect for pets requiring a humid environment. With adjustable fog output control (up to 300 ml per hour), you can ensure that your pet is completely comfortable!PERFECT FOR ANY REPTILE / AMPHIBIAN / HERP: Perfect ...
13. Crocodile: Evolution's Greatest Survivor
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Used Book in Good Condition
14. The Art Of Keeping Snakes (Advanced Vivarium Systems)
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Used Book in Good Condition
15. A Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 1
Struik Publishers
17. National Geographic The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals
Sentiment score: 0
Number of reviews: 1
National Geographic
It's not unidentifiable. In fact, I already did it for you three months ago. It's almost certainly a Greek (aka spur-thighed) tortoise. If you see these spurs on his backside, it's a Greek tortoise.
I recommend you familiarize yourself with the care sheet from TortoiseForum. Here are the major points:
Substrate
The best possible substrates for housing Greek tortoises indoors are a 50/50 mix of top soil and play sand, cypress mulch and aspen wood shavings. (Personally I'd use cypress mulch instead of Aspen, since it's less likely to mold. NEVER use cedar.)
Food
Offer weeds such as Dandelion, clover, plantain, hawksbit, cat's ear, wild strawberry, and thistle. Store bought greens like collards, mustards, kale and turnip can be offered sparingly. Commercial diets such as Mazuri are excellent for helping the tortoises maintain good weight but again should be offered only in moderation. (I can buy dandelion greens in the grocery store here. Also, since your tortoise has metabolic bone disease, a SERIOUS condition, be diligent in dusting all food with calcium powder with D3. D3 is something that you'd supplement occasionally in a healthy tort that gets lots of UVB. Yours has been starved of UVB, and therefore needs more D3 for a while.)
Water
A shallow water dish should be available to them at all times for drinking and soaking and should be changed frequently. Tortoises defecate in water so keeping the supply clean is a must.
They also appreciate occasional misting of their environment and may see it as rain. This prompts them to empty their bowels and drink. (Animals need water. A bit of a no-brainer.)
Lighting
When housing them inside, proper lighting is essential for keeping them healthy. Mercury vapor bulbs which provide both UVA and UVB are a personal favorite of mine. A 100-150 watt vapor bulb is installed on one end only of the indoor unit and this makes for a perfect basking area. The opposite end should remain cool. You can also use a regular spot light for the basking area so long as it reaches a temperature of 95-100F. In this case, a fluorescent UVB emitting bulb will need to be installed as well. (You should ALWAYS have a UVB bulb in your enclosure. Replace it every six months, or yearly if you use a mercury vapor bulb. NEVER use a coil-shaped bulb. These bulbs are a suitable replacement for coil-shaped ones.)
Housing
Indoors, the construction of a "tortoise table" will suit the needs of these creatures well. A 3 by 6 foot unit made of plywood will suffice for a single adult and up to a pair of adults. Wood is always recommended over plastic or glass so that the tortoises cannot see out. This way they will learn their boundaries and it will lessen their attempts to escape. (Don't keep them in glass aquariums. The ability to see outside without being able to go outside can stress your tort. They don't understand transparent glass, and will never learn how to deal with it.)
In addition to the caresheet excerpts above, I recommend you give your tort a good 20-minute soak in warm (not hot) water once a week. Captive torts are almost always mildly dehydrated. Soaking encourages them to drink. It also allows them to absorb water through their cloaca.
Finally, although this tortoise is easy to care for, it is a serious responsibility. Just as you can't feed a dog nothing but table scraps, you can't provide inadequate food and UVB to your tortoise. A bit of daily sunshine just isn't enough. If you're here seeking help for your animal, I can only hope it's because you want to put in the effort to rehabilitate him.
If you want to keep your tort, do your own research and learn how to make him happy and healthy. If it seems like too much responsibility, put him up on craigslist. Mention the soft shell in the ad, and that he's free to anyone with tortoise experience. You can tell who's qualified by asking just a few questions about how they intend to house and care for the tortoise.
i definitely feel you; they caught my heart when i got my first frog at age 10 🌝 (she was an african clawed frog though. RIP Lily, i miss her)
so white’s need an enclosure with more vertical space than horizontal, since they’re arboreal. like i said i’ve got my adults in an 18x18x24 but i’ve been planning for a while to upgrade them to an 18x18x36, which i might get at the next expo.
they’re not super demanding as far as humidity and temperature goes, which makes them a great beginner frog. even so, i have a ZooMed HygroTherm hooked up to a fogger and heat mat so their humidity doesn’t drop below 50% and so their temp doesn’t drop below 75F. i got the fogger on amazon... and the HygroTherm too. together they’re pretty expensive but it really is worth it to get these frogs set up correctly. plus my HygroTherm has worked consistently and without fail for almost 8 continuous years now. really is among the best $70 i’ve spent. and for the fogger i should mention i’ve had to sort of cut a small hole in the top mesh of the cage to avoid the metal mesh of the lid rusting. i can take a picture to show you what i mean if you’d like. the frogs don’t mind; they can’t even climb onto the mesh and they never try to either. their safety and comfort is #1 so i found a way that works, lol.
as far as substrate goes, most people use Eco Earth coconut fiber. that’s what i used for years until i found josh’s frogs, and i switched to a piece of their frog foam. that shizz is a game changer. no more messy frogs, no more dumping coconut fiber out every cleaning, no more searching for frog poop. the stuff is great, and is reusable for a long time as long as you keep it clean. so that’s what i recommend for substrate.
for lighting, my guys have a dual light fixture on a timer that switches from a 23-watt UVB bulb during the day to one of these at night. the UVB turns on at 9am and it switches to the night light at 9pm.
beyond that, they just need things to climb on and hide in, and a water bowl to soak in clean (bottled) spring water that isn’t so deep that they risk drowning. it’s inevitable that they’ll often use the water bowl as a toilet, so be prepared to clean it every time you see poop in it. in addition to the water bowl my guys have a magnetic ledge, some fake bamboo, a fake vine with suction cups, a piece of driftwood, a reptile hammock, and a small hollow log in their cage. i can take a picture of the entire setup if you’d like. my female spends most of her time in the big piece of bamboo and my smaller male spends most of his time inside the log. my big male Burp is the one who’s all over the place and often sleeps on the magnetic ledge, lol.
when it comes to feeding, they eat every other day, 3 dubia roaches each. and every other feeding, one of their roaches gets dusted with a vitamin supplement, and one gets dusted with a calcium + d3 supplement. roaches that are 1/2” to 5/8” in size are best; any larger may be a choking hazard. if you’re not sure, the general rule is to not give them an insect that’s wider than the space between the eyes of the animal. sub-adult and adult roaches are an absolute no-no for these frogs as they’re wayyyy too big.
i’ll also occasionally give them a wax worm or a couple of phoenix worms to change things up. wax worms should not be given more than a couple of times a month, though, since they’re pretty high in fat and low in nutritious value. like froggy junk food, lol. i tong-feed all of my animals (except my dwarf frogs haha) so there’s never any loose insects in the cage and i always know exactly how much they’ve eaten. white’s take to tong-feeding quite well.
and that’s their basic care! like i said, they’re kinda expensive to set up properly but it’s so worth doing. once you have that out of the way they are pretty dang easy to care for. they don’t really require UVB lighting during the day since they’re a nocturnal species that hides and sleeps during the day; i just have that kind of light for them because they have a live pothos plant in their cage. as long as they’re on a consistent 12-hour day/night cycle, that’s what matters. they do soooo well on a consistent routine.
if you have any questions about their care or if i’ve missed anything, don’t ever hesitate to ask. i love these frogs dearly and am quite happy to help anyone out who’s thinking of getting some of their own. 🌝
Most people recommend ball pythons, cornsnakes and kingsnakes (and those all are good choices), however it's ultimately up to you! For example, I got a red tail boa constrictor as my first snake and I've only seen one person recommend them as beginner snakes. And honestly, I was glad I got my boa, he's such a sweetheart and his care is very similar to a ball pythons, just on a bigger scale! Plus he's a reptilian garbage disposal, so I don't have to worry about him skipping meals.
I've also seen breeders recommend ratsnakes and gopher/bullsnakes because their husbandry is very easy and they're typically very good eaters. While they're known to be a little temperamental, regular handling will calm them down pretty quickly. I've also seen Kenyan sand boas and children's pythons reccomended, plus they usually don't get too big, and all the snakes I've mentioned come in various morphs so it would be fairly easy to find one thats to your liking!
Snake Discovery, Clint's Reptiles and Josser's Jungle are a very good start! They upload educational videos and they're extremely helpful with information and helping you decide what snake is good for you.
As for getting the actual snake, never buy from large chain pet stores. Always try to get them from a reliable breeder, and the best way to do that is reptile expos! You'll be able to find a bunch of different morphs of various species and you can get supplies and food for pretty cheap.
Another thing to keep in mind is the lifespan and the supplies they need. Bigger snakes need bigger terrariums which cost more, need bigger meals, etc. You will also need a heat mat or heat tape that's connected to a thermostat regardless of species. snakes are kinda dumb and will continue to sit on a warm spot even if it burns them, so thermostats are a must! I use this thermostat for all 3 of my snakes and it works great!
And don't forget to do lot's of research! Look into the snake species itself, it's temperature and humidity requirements, the tank/tub size, and whether or not there are any breeders or expos nearby! Anyway, I hope this helped in some way, and good luck!!
your snake isn't eating because you have some serious husbandry issues you need to address. i'm going to dump a bunch of links for you. the first three links are detailed care sheets, the rest are product recommendations. read everything thoroughly, then come back with any questions.
you haven't said what type of enclosure you have, but i'm going to assume it's a tank, as they're so commonly used for snakes. glass tanks can be very challenging for ball python husbandry due to the high amount of air flow with the screen top and the total lack of insulation with the glass walls. it's generally recommended to use tubs or pvc reptile cages instead. wood enclosures can also be suitable if they're designed well and sealed properly to protect the wood against moisture. glass tanks can work, but they require a lot of modification and maintenance, which you'll find tips for in the second link. i'll give you product recommendations to cover options for tanks, tubs, and pvc/wood enclosures.
So I don’t know exactly how much I’ve spent on my beardie since he was given to me with almost everything I needed to care for him, but I can give you the basics.
First off, for the flooring you can use paper towels to start, or contact cabinet paper that can be found at a dollar tree. I don’t think tile is that expensive, but if you’re unable to get some at the moment those work just fine. I also suggest covering the back and sides of the tank so the beardie doesn’t see its reflection and get stressed
You’ll need at least one hide on the cooler side, which can be made from something as simple as a small cardboard box with a hole cut in it or some bricks that are arranged into a cave-like hide
A basking area can be made from bricks purchased at Lowe’s or Home Depot, or if you choose to use any driftwood/rocks you find just make sure you clean them properly
Calcium powder is also extremely important to help your beardie not develop MBD. I’m part of a Facebook bearded dragon group that suggests this brand sprinkled over greens/bugs three times a week: https://www.chewy.com/repashy-superfoods-calcium-plus/dp/166276 I poke some holes in the paper lid with a toothpick to create a shaker-type deal so I’m not wasting any calcium
I think one of the most expensive parts is the UVB light since they can get pretty pricey, and since they need to be changed every six months. Here’s an 18”, along with a fixture that could be used, but obviously with a longer tank you’ll need a longer size: https://www.chewy.com/zoo-med-t8-reptisun-100-uvb/dp/126590 https://www.amazon.com/GE-Fluorescent-Included-Workbench-16466/dp/B000HJ75PW again, I usually stay away from reptile brands for things such as fixtures because the cheaper version works better and lasts longer. The T8 bulb needs to be hooked into the tank, which I use zip ties to the lid but Velcro to the side also works, as long as it’s 12” away from the basking area
Heat lamp with dimmer: https://www.chewy.com/flukers-clamp-lamp-dimmer-85-in/dp/129140
Pack of 90w flood lights (make sure they’re halogen, not LED): https://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-90-Watt-PAR38-Halogen-Indoor-Outdoor-Flood-Light-Bulb-2-Pack-466268/205541724
Digital temp gun: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-774-Non-contact-Thermometer/dp/B00837ZGRY
Light timer for both lights: https://www.amazon.com/Century-Heavy-Digital-Programmable-Timer/dp/B00MVF16JG
Vet bills and fecal tests can be pricey as well, depending on where you live. My last vet appointment with mine, which did include a test for parasites, cost around $300
While I don’t know how much I’ve spent on my beardie, I can safely estimate it’s $700+, give or take a bit. One of the most expensive is buying the greens and bugs for him. I’m growing a garden to feed him but since it’s not ready yet, I have to constantly buy him collards, turnip and mustard greens, along with various fruits and veggies which can go bad very quickly. I’m in the process of looking into buying his superworms online where you can get a better deal, but at the moment I’m paying 100 for $10 at my local exotic pet shop, which he goes through quickly.
I don’t know how old you are, but if you say you’re not old enough to properly take care of a reptile I would wait a few years or so until you get another. Bearded dragons, while more of a beginner reptile than others, still require a lot of time and effort to make sure they stay healthy. I would recommend doing a lot research throughout the next few months (look at multiple sources, don’t just listen to people at a pet store because often they don’t know what they’re talking about), and if possible, perhaps slowly start gathering the needed supplies in order to properly care for one
I hope I covered everything since reddit refreshed and deleted my first response before I finished, but if you have any more questions you can always message me (:
Reference material. I mentioned www.anapsid.org earlier. Here is an awesome
awesome awesome book. Please buy it.
Green Iguana: The Ultimate Owner's Manual
by James W., III Hatfield
Link: http://amzn.com/1883463505
Iguanas for Dummies is written by Melissa Kaplan, the author of the
anapsid.org site. It's a good book, too.
Handling. I neglected to mention socializing.
When iguanas are young they are cute and bright green and timid and have huge
eyes and people fall in love with them. Then they become iguana teenagers and
reach the "Free to a Good Home" stage.
Iguanas are not domesticated--they are wild animals. They're not evolved to
live with humans. But they can be taught.
Socializing requires careful attention to touching and holding and lifting your
iguana. There are a lot better references to iguana socializing out there than
me. But socializing is very, very important! Getting your iguana used to human
touch and human presence will save you a lot of grief (and bandages and scars)
later.
Not to prattle on too long but gentle touching at first (petting) then move up
to start lifting. Don't pull from his/her branch! Lift by gently sliding hand
under the head toward the tail. Carry holding iguana on your forarm, head in
your hand, tail supported by your armpit.
Read the books, read the Melissa Kaplan website. And you'll have a great housemate for 20+ years. :-)
Iguanas are like cats. But with more attitude.
There are a number of resources for snake ID and this list is nowhere near comprehensive.
Globally, comprehensive species lists are available via Reptile Database Advanced Search. Reptile Database is mostly correct and up to date in terms of taxonomy. Another worldwide resource is Snakes of the World which, in addition to being comprehensive for extant snakes, also provides a wealth of information on fossil taxa.
Regional guides are useful. If you're in North America, the Eastern Peterson Guide and Western Peterson Guide are great tools, as is Snakes of the United States and Canada. While plagiarized and problematic, the book Snakes of Mexico is the best easily accessible information for the region. For Central America, the Kohler book as well as Savage's Costa Rica book are excellent resources. South America is tough but has a diagnostic catalog. Australia has Cogger as a herp bible. SE Asia has two guides one in German and one comprehensive. For Europe, you simply can't get better than the three volumes of Handbuch der Reptilien und Amphibien Europas. Africa is also difficult - no comprehensive guide exists but there are a few good regional guides like Reptiles of East Africa and Guide to the Reptiles of Southern Africa. Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar is a good source for that distinct region. For the Indian subcontinent, use Snakes of India
Remember, species names are hypotheses that are tested and revised - old books become dated by the nature of science itself. One of your best resources is going to be following /r/whatsthissnake, or (for North America) with the SSAR Standard Names List for the most recent accepted taxonomic changes.
Here is an example of a small personal herpetology library.
--------------------------------------------------------
I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, here and report problems here.
More important than the heating pad is the thermostat. A thermostat regulates the temperature of a heat source. This thermostat is kind of expensive, but it's a "set it & forget it" thermostat. Set it to 90F, it'll warm up to 92, turn itself off, wait till it cools off to 88, and turn itself back on up to 92, and so on. All heating pads are incredibly unreliable. They can get up to 140F (my own heating pads have done this). Your reptile can't feel it until it's too late & they have burns. So I'd recommend any heating pad, this one is fine, and then a high-quality thermostat like the one I linked. You're also going to want a second thermometer to make sure your thermostat is reading correctly. This is my favorite (cheap) kind. Investing in an infrared thermometer in the long term is your best bet though! Hope this helps :)
One of my all-time favorite herp books is Dragon Songs, which gives a fascinating look into the world of crocodilian communication and social behavior. Crocodile: Evolution's Greatest Survivor is very interesting, too. It's more of a general overview of crocodilians.
I also found this one that looks pretty good: American Alligator: Ancient Predator in the Modern World.
Dragon Songs is probably the best on the list, simply because it takes such an interesting approach to understanding crocodilians.
I do agree those temps seem a bit low. I keep my geckos at 68-72 during the winter and they do just fine, but anything below 65 I'd be concerned about for an extended period of time. I suggest against using any red bulbs, as reptiles do in fact see red light. Your two best options for night-time heating are a Ceramic Heat Emitter and a Heating Pad. Both of these should be regulated with a thermostat (something like this is a good inexpensive option). 12x12x18s are too small for adults, so just be careful with any heating elements because, while crested geckos can self-regulate by moving away when they get too warm, if the cage is too small there might not be anywhere to go. I'm glad to hear you are planning on a bigger cage for her.
Enclosure: you could go with a tub, but you would need to drill a ton of air holes to get the humidity right. The better options are either a standard Aqueon (or different brand if that's what you have) 20g long tank with a screen top or a reptile specific glass enclosure, I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008N9LRCK/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496245587&sr=sr-1&keywords=exo+terra+short+all+glass+terrarium%2C+24+by+18+by+12-inch.
Heating: I have this heat mat: https://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiTherm-Under-Heater/dp/B0002AQCKA/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1496245703&sr=1-1&keywords=zoo%2Bmed%2Breptitherm%2Bunder%2Btank%2Bheater&th=1, but the reptile basics Ultratherm ones have a better reputation: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-undertank-heater-uth-11-x11.
Thermostat: you absolutely need something to regulate the temp of the heat mat, if you want the best, get a Herpstat. If you don't want to pay a ton of money, get a Hydrofarm: https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-Controller-Thermostat-Germination-Reptiles/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1496245999&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=hydrofarm+thermostat.
Light: you don't actually need a light, for me the heat mat gets the correct temps and my leo doesn't like strong light, so I use just the mat and natural light.
Dusting: calcium w/D3 and vitamin powder to dust the insects, and calcium w/o D3 to leave in the enclosure at all times.
Thermometer: the analog ones are inaccurate, I have a temp gun that is quick and accurate: https://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Lasergrip-774-Non-contact-Thermometer/dp/B00837ZGRY/ref=sr_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1496246349&sr=1-3&keywords=etekcity+lasergrip+1080. The acurite ones are good for temp and humidity.
Substrate: I have tile and paper towels work too, just stay away from loose substrates that can cause impaction and raise humidity (not to mention being a pain to clean.)
Decor: 3 hides (warm, cool, humid) can be opaque sandwich containers, store bought, etc. These ones work very well and are cheap: http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes and a small water dish.
That's all I can think of right now, let me know if I forgot anything.
Just because they've been together doesn't mean they really like being together. Reptiles are generally solitary and are happiest when they have their own space. You could put the geckos in their own sterilite tote bins and stack them on top of each other in a rack to save space.
I've been using the Intellitemp heat mats from Big Apple Herp. A lot of people would say they're cheap and don't like BAH, but at least the heatpads have been working for me. I have 6 of them. I use the 14x8inch (20 watt) heat mat for my 20g long aquariums. They're $25 each, sometimes they go on sale. One important thing you need for heatmats is a thermostat to control the temperature. You want to pick up a digital thermostat. If you must get a cheap one, you can go for a Hydrofarm, but know that it works by turning the power on and off to the heat pad in order to achieve the desired temperature, usually you get a temperature swing of about 5 degrees F or so. On/off thermostats may fail in the on position, meaning the heat pad won't shut off when it gets to the desired temperature and you run the risk of burns. There are better thermostats on the markets such as Vivarium Electronics and Herpstats. These thermostats are more expensive, but they are more accurate, have more safety features and will not fail in the on position. They work by controlling how much power is being provided to the heat mat, so the mat is constantly running at a set temperature. They will likely last much longer than a cheaper thermostat will. I got a cheap thermostat at first, then upgraded to a Herpstat before too long, so it sometimes makes sense to just go for the better one right away.
I have a female sand boa that I love to bits and pieces. Her care could not be more simple. I have a 10 gal tank with a uth on a hydrofarm Thermostat set to 90F. During the cold months she has a 40 watt lamp during the day as well. She is 9 months old, weighs 38 grams, and has never missed a meal. She eats like a piggy. She has also never struck at anyone or acted aggressive in any way. I would definitely recommend sand boas to first time owners!
I'd get rid of the lamp, bright light can hurt their eyes. The under tank heater should be enough for heat, and whatever the lighting in the room is should be enough for light.
You'll need a thermometer that measures ground heat, digital thermometers with probes are best. You can also use a temp gun.
You're also gonna need more hides for him to make him feel more secure, at least one on the cool side and one on the hot.
Check out /r/leopardgeckos too, they have tons of helpful information and a lot of cute gecko pictures.
Many geckos won't accept dead prey, and even if they do, it's a very poor long-term diet. Live insects have a higher moisture content, which is important because leos get most of their moisture from their diet. Also, the insects can be gut-loaded before feeding by giving them fresh vegetables or a commercially-produced gut-loading food. This makes them much more nutritious.
Live mealworms are a decent staple diet and are very easy to keep and feed. Leopard geckos are exclusively insectivores, so if you really can't deal with insects it might be best to consider rehoming him with someone who will be able to properly feed him.
Also, the heat mat in the enclosure must be hooked up to a thermostat, like this one, to control the temperature. I'd also suggest picking up and infrared temperature gun so that you can make sure everything is within the right range.
So the first thing I would do is to ditch the sand. You can use paper towels for now and get ceramic tiles cut to size whenever you have the time.
The cage is a bit small (looks like a ten gallon?), which won't kill him, but he would appreciate the walking space of a twenty gallon long tank.
Heat lamps are hard to regulate and break often. A good long term solution would be to buy an under tank heater and a thermostat to control it. You absolutely must have a thermostat with a heat mat, or your lizard would be in danger of a serious burn! I've never had either a heat mat or a thermostat break and I've been using them for years.
This is a great cheap thermostat : Jump Start MTPRTC, Digital ETL-Certified Heat Mat Thermostat for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Z51mybBXCYQKR
And a heat pad: Zoo Med ReptiTherm Under Tank Heater, Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AQCL4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_D71mybNN28CJW
If you choose to order them I would toss in a couple digital thermometers with probes to monitor the hot and cold sides. They should be super cheap
I would also add another hide on the cool side. You can use anything from a small cardboard box to a fancy reptile hide. If he has problems shedding in the future you can also add in a "humid hide" which in this case would be a small Tupperware with a hole cut out and damp moss or paper towels in it
I read a fantastic book from first hand care taking while on a deployment a few years ago. I don't own an iguana, but still enjoyed the read.
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Iguana-Ultimate-Owners-Manual/dp/1883463505/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372717553&sr=1-3&keywords=iguana
I use these programmable timers for my iguana and turtle lamps. Each timer can control 2 devices and support 8 daily on/off cycles. Great for fish tanks, too FYI.
For starters, yes, please go to an exotic vet who's familiar with beardies.
Can you take a photo of your enclosure? What's his basking temperature like? Do you have a temperature gun? How close is the bulb to his head? What sort of bulbs are you using? And What do you have for substrate?
Go light on the spinach, this is a good place to start http://www.greenigsociety.org/foodchart.htm. I keep a list of foods in my phone for shopping cause my memory is terrible. Its not a big deal if they miss a day of eating, just don't make it a habit. You need the correct kind of UV lamp iguana needs are different than a lot of other reptiles. https://www.amazon.com/ReptiSun-5-0-UVB-Fluorescent-Bulb/dp/B000255OS6/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4602TGDXDE514QDE3HBK with https://www.amazon.com/GE-18-Inch-Fluorescent-Fixture-16466/dp/B000HJ75PW/ref=pd_nav_hcs_bia_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4602TGDXDE514QDE3HBK was the cheapest I found, change them about once a year. If you get this lamp remove the clear plastic covering the light. I use blended berry tums as a calcium supplement (vet recommended) no phosphorus, vit A and D3, this is what you want for iguanas. collared greens and dandelion greens are great staples so if you in an area where gardening is easy and have a yard order some seeds, they are cheap and dandelions take very little care. Organic soils and not insecticide or chemicals. It will help with money. If and when you need a vet you might have trouble finding a reptile vet (or exotics vet). This site is wonderful for health issues, http://www.anapsid.org/, this way you go to the vet having a good idea of what is going on already. Its a lot of information but once you have it down its not hard.
I use this guy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BO8CUE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did the salt test and it's only 4% too high. I thought it was busted at first when I put it into my humid enclosure, but it turns out the humidity was just 96% or higher (it was just displaying "HIGH"). It does update pretty well though. I let the enclosure dry out a little bit over a few days due to oversaturating the substrate and the percentage dropped to display an actual number.
If you need a thermostat with mist control capability your best bet is Spyder Robotics Herpstat 2.
I am not a crestie keeper, so may be very wrong here, but why don't you add an UTH mat with some simple thermostat like this and set it for mid temp appropriate for your crestie?
It will be affecting your humidity, but you can increase your substrate and add few more inches of soil. That will both be keeping humidity and temperature in better check.
Essentially you are creating a live, cycling environment for your reptile that will break down waste in the substrate utilizing small insects, beneficial bacteria and fungi, just as it would in nature. You will need to ideally have it set up and running without the reptile in there for at least a month to give the plants and insects time to settle in and any mold blooms to die off/get eaten by springtails. There are various ways to do this, and you can make it as simple or as complex as you want it to be. See here for a good general idea. I also highly recommend this book as it goes into detail about different bioactive substrates and setups.
Bioactive setups are NOT completely self-sustaining, that is a myth. They work best for smaller animals since there is not as much waste to break down (so an anole would be a perfect candidate). You will still need to spot clean the decor, walls, etc. The substrate can go rotten (trust me, you will smell it) and in that case you'd need to replace it, but if you do things right you shouldn't need to replace it for a year or more. I also always put a pvc pipe in the corner of my enclosure to act as a drain, so if I overwater I can drain it (or I can directly water the drainage layer if needed).
If it's that insanely cold inside I would use a 100w CHE in conjunction with 11 inch heat tape spanning the length of the bottom of the tank, possibly two strips side by side, controlled by a reptile thermostat with a temperature probe taped down in the tank directly over the heat tape on the bottom. That way you have a safe sustained temperature throughout the tank and the CHE can be used by your bearded dragon to effectively thermoregulate himself without needing to worry about cold spots.
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Heat Tape
Heat Tape Power Cord
Thermostat for the Heat Tape
Digital Thermostat
UTH
That's what I run for all my collection. I'll soon breakdown and get flexwatt, but for now, this has worked great. I have this setup on a brazilian rainbow boa, red tail boa, albino red tail boa and three ball pythons.
edit: you could also just add a heat lamp to bring up the ambient temps. The snake only requires a hot spot of around 90, then ambient temps around 80 F is what I do. Though my reptile room is set to 80 F.
Thermostats are different from thermometers. Thermostats regulate the temperature while thermometers measure it. Non-digital thermometers are also known to be inaccurate. A thermostat like this would be perfect: https://www.amazon.com/iPower-40-108%C2%B0F-Thermostat-Controller-Germination/dp/B01E9IO6N0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=thermostat+seed&qid=1562452127&s=gateway&sr=8-3
you really need to be using one, this is the most important part of a reptiles cage that has heating. https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-Controller-Thermostat-Germination-Reptiles/dp/B000NZZG3S this is about the cheapest one that works really well. if you want something more expensive but is made for professional keepers anything off this website is great http://www.spyderrobotics.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1 . this is what can happen if you leave a heating element unregulated by a heating pad https://www.google.com/search?q=reptile+heat+mat+burn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjklM2tuPDTAhXBPiYKHcDlCUAQ_AUICygC&biw=1242&bih=573#imgrc=GW4T9DpzqKyZRM: . its either thermostat or no heat
I use this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00837ZGRY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1462332524&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=temp+gun&dpPl=1&dpID=41nDmmWRKKL&ref=plSrch so they aren't expensive and they could save you money in the long run depending on how many animals you are keeping. You don't need a thermometer for each individual enclosure which is nice.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NZZG3S?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title
This works great for me.
Unfortunately a thermometer still won't give you surface temperature, no matter how close it is. So the surface temp is likely hotter than what you just said. A temp gun is necessary if you want to be sure of your basking temps, and they're especially important for reptiles like uros. This one is cheap and effective. I have multiple.
Get yourself a heat mat and a cheaper thermostat. I use these when I need a cheaper option. I also have a second probe thermometer to monitor the temps since I don't completely trust the cheaper thermostats. But I've used them for years without any issues, so I haven't found anything to justify my distrust. I just like to be doubly sure. (:
For the shedding, the most important thing to help your leo is a humid hide. My girls get enclosed hides (something with a base and only a hole entrance) with sphagnum moss. I mist the moss until damp every other day or as needed. I live in a very arid environment (usually around 20%) and don't do anything else for my leos humidity wise except their hides. They very rarely have any shedding issues. One girl actually came to me with horrible chronic shed problems (she lost 3/4ths of her poor little toes to stuck shed), but with her humid hide she's not had any problems since!
If you don't have one already, there are guides to making your own humid hide. You can get a tupperware container with a lid, place it on it's top and cut a hole in the side where the leo can get in. Stuff it with a bit of moss and mist it and there you go! There are hides sold specifically for humidity, and I find my girls prefer the dark hides to the clear tupperware, but it sounds like your boy needs something ASAP.
Edit: to answer your question more. I only step in for stuck shed with my leos if it has been a few days. Once in a while they will have some left over for awhile after a shed, but they usually take care of it themselves. Toes and noses can be tricky and can take some time. If they have a humid hide they'll use it to help soften the remains. When I do have to step in, I use a wet cotton swab after a soak. You can try dripping water onto his nose to soften the shed first.
Using a mixture of coconut fiber and
this moss I can't recall the name of. Begins with anSphagnum moss. Anyway, you can't see it but in the cave there I have a dish of water for him to soak in that I will change daily. I need to get a spray bottle to mist the enclosure, though I have been considering a fog machine to keep the humidity high. But what I am wondering is what should I get for monitoring the temps and humidity in the tank? I am familiar with aquarium stuff but not really terrarium stuff. I was looking on amazon at stuff to buy, and wondering if I should go digital or not. Any recommendations?I use this with the standard zoo med or exoterra UTHs on three leopard gecko tanks and two snake tanks and have had good temperature accuracy with it
that's what thermostats are for! you can get one here for a decent price. and here's how to set it up. (-:
Agreed. I was a kid when I got an iguana in the 80s, and this book - which was the only husbandry book available at the time - gave just two examples of things to feed iguanas: ice cream and spinach soufflé. He was at the vet with MBD within a month and though he eventually recovered and lived 10 years, he did it with a deformed jaw.
it’s on Kindle ;-)
My daughter caught a pet lizard when she was 6. I wrote a book about her and her lizard for her 7th birthday.
http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Lizard-Suzie-Melody-Templeton/dp/146641474X/
disclaimer - it's complete fiction - the lizard could not speak in real life ;)
https://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Photo-Ark-Document/dp/1426217773
Thinking of getting Hydrofarm really common in the hobby
http://www.amazon.ca/Jumpstart-Digital-Thermostat-Heat-Mats/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1418135521&sr=8-4&keywords=hydrofarm
I would suggest a thermostat you just plug your mat into it put the probe in the tank above the heat mat and set the temperature
I alredy have the cage was planning on using it just for a month or so and will then build one once school is out. Also would this be a good humidifier
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0019IHK9Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1368539926&sr=8-6&pi=SL75
This is the one I use for my reptiles
I bought this on another users recommendation, https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A8RI8TK/ref=ya_st_dp_summary
I use the Jump Start thermostat. Hovers around $25-$35 in the US.
I'm not a snake guy so I'm not sure if it's needed for a corn snake, but are you going to use a substrate/bedding or are you just going to use paper towels?
Oh those little round plastic ones? If so, there are a couple different problems here I think -
Those plastic dial thermometer/hygrometers are pretty much just garbage. If you want to get a better reading of what ambient temps are, I would look into digital ones like Acurite. This is the one I use which comes with a probe that can stick on to the side of the tank. There's also one that's like $11-$12 but it just sits on the bottom.
Another problem is UTH are designed to only heat the direct surface above where they're positioned, so they don't have much of an impact on the ambient temp. The best way to measure a UTH's heat is with a temperature gun, which takes a reading directly from the surface. They're about $20 on Amazon. If you used a temp gun on that UTH's surface you'd likely be surprised by how hot it is; actually, a UTH unregulated by a thermostat can get dangerously hot for an animal to touch.
What you might want to look into is a ceramic heat emitter; it's an unlighted bulb that screws into a heat lamp and it'll heat the air temperatures below the lamp. You'd probably have to experiment with different wattages or get a dimmer for it to get temps around what you'd want