Tall tank assistance

[Drekkyk]

Hi all, new guy here.

I have a very nice African Cichlid tank, but I think I'm ready for a change. I want to convert it over to a nice home for a Dragon. I think it will have plenty of space for an adult based on what I have read so far, especially if I can create some usable space higher up in the tank. I'm more concerned with proper lighting and heating and hope you could give me some ideas.

The tank is 48x18x30. I plan on utilizing mercury vapor light, and then what ever else is required. At night, the room tempurature will vary from 62-68, so I think I will need additional heating. What are your thoughts or reccomendations?

Thanks!

Drekkyk

 

[ScooterBlenny]

Some people would argue that you don't need additional heating unless it gets below 60, but it sounds like you may end up pushing that limit just a bit. I would try a ceramic heat emitter. They come in different wattages, like light bulbs, but don't emit any light, so they don't interfere with your dragon's sleep cycle. That's a pretty tall tank, so you may need to go for an middle/upper range wattage.

 

[akingsley9000]

That is a little short for an adult the minimum recommended size is a 40 gallon breeder tank which is 36x18x18. With bds, they are going to use the length and width more than the height, they tend to climb abit as babies but get lazy as they get older.

One thing that you want to keep in mind with an enclosure of that height is how you are going to get him out and clean the bottom of it on a daily basis.

Heating at night certainly can't hurt and i agree with using a ceramic heat emitter.

 

[Drekkyk]

Thanks for the comments. You said the minimum reccomended was 36x18x18, but my tank is 48x18x30. Seems like it should be long enough, no?

Yes it is a pain to reach to the bottom, I will have to use a scooper of some kind. I vacuum the gravel for my fish weekly, its doable, just not fun. I think it will be easier then what I'm used too since it wont be filled with water!

 

[kirby]

its fine, as long as you can reach in to clean and pick him up ...

use a megaray, inconjunction with either a single or a double regular flourescent tube, and a ceramic heat emitter at night.

i hope your arms are long!

 

[kirby]

Thanks for the comments. You said the minimum reccomended was 36x18x18, but my tank is 48x18x30. Seems like it should be long enough, no?

Yes it is a pain to reach to the bottom, I will have to use a scooper of some kind. I vacuum the gravel for my fish weekly, its doable, just not fun. I think it will be easier then what I'm used too since it wont be filled with water!

PREFERABLY anything with a width more then 18" is beter, as they do grow larger then 18"..

i shoul warn about particle substrates, none of them are 100% safe, each has their own serious risks, and it will we FAR too hard to clean 30" down, getting out everybit of sand every few weeks and spot-cleaning.. go tile, or a solid substrate, perhaps sell the tank (if it is TOO deep) and find a more suitable one..

 

[Drekkyk]

Great info. I will seriously consider a solid substrate or tile. I honestly like the possabilities with the tall tank. I doubt I can get rid of it for a decent price but will look into it.

I do have long arms.. I can reach the bottom when standing on a chair anyway!

 

[kirby]

good to hear, tile is great. for clean-up, all you have to do is use a tissue, or a babywipe and wipe up the mess.. it looks clean, and is the safest option IMO.

with 30" you could use some thick grapvine, or logs.. it could look great!

 

[protiemama]

My new viv is 36x 24x36. We took the front glass off and aare in the process of adding a second landing and sliding. I f you can get through the sealer.UGH! you can cut the glass and either make sliding doors or frame the glass and have doors that swing open. Either way it will be easier than reaching down.

Sandy H

 

[RedInkAus]

IMO taller is better, it provides a better thermal basking gradient and the dragon can move up or down on where they want to bask provided you give them the platform to do it.

 

[kirby]

IMO taller is better, it provides a better thermal basking gradient and the dragon can move up or down on where they want to bask provided you give them the platform to do it.

technically floor space gives you a better basking temperature gradient. with an MVB a variety of branches may give you a choice of temps, but these are selected. were as on a tile you have every number under the sun, and a thousand positions. also, if you have tube form uv, your better sticking with floor space, and lower (shorter) enclosures.