11 replies to this topic

[Clementine<3]

Hi lovely people! I am considering getting a reptile or amphibian and I want to know what could live and thrive in a 10 gallon or 20 gallon long (obviously with proper heating and everything). Also, I do not want any tarantula or scorpion. Preferably something that could be handled but if not, just something cool to watch. Thank you!

[Butterfinger05]

A leopard gecko is a great choice! They are wonderful little animals that can be tamed.

[Roxyy]

I was actually going to suggest a tarantula at first lol.  They're a lot more fun than what they appear.  Anyway, what are your feelings on snakes?  Or leopard geckos?  Leos would do fine in a 10 or 20 gallon, as well as many species of snakes. 

 

I don't know anything about amphibians, so I can't give any suggestions there. 

[Clementine<3]

I was actually going to suggest a tarantula at first lol.  They're a lot more fun than what they appear.  Anyway, what are your feelings on snakes?  Or leopard geckos?  Leos would do fine in a 10 or 20 gallon, as well as many species of snakes. 

I don't know anything about amphibians, so I can't give any suggestions there.

I am afraid of spiders :,D 
I actually really love snakes and leopard geckos!! Do you have any advice?
  

A leopard gecko is a great choice! They are wonderful little animals that can be tamed.

[Roxyy]

I used to be scared of spiders.  I now have three tarantulas and have convinced my husband to buy me three more lol

 

My main suggestion is to just do research.  Lots and lots of research.  I have 9 snakes (6 different species), and they all have their own little attitudes/personalities.  My hognose is sweet as can be and rather dog like in the fact that she recognizes me and prefers me over other people.  I also have a kenyan sand boa, who would rather not be bothered by me at all and isn't afraid to fake strike me in an attempt to scare me off.  Either one of those would be good options for a 10-20 gallon tank.  Males would be preferable to females for a 10 gallon as they don't get as large.  Only word of caution on the hognose is that they are mildly venomous, but will only result in swelling and some pain, but they rarely ever bite so it's not too concerning. 

 

I also have two leos, and as cute as they are, I still prefer my snakes.  Not exactly sure why, personal preference I guess.  They leos are technically my husband's pets. 

[Clementine<3]

I used to be scared of spiders.  I now have three tarantulas and have convinced my husband to buy me three more lol
 
My main suggestion is to just do research.  Lots and lots of research.  I have 9 snakes (6 different species), and they all have their own little attitudes/personalities.  My hognose is sweet as can be and rather dog like in the fact that she recognizes me and prefers me over other people.  I also have a kenyan sand boa, who would rather not be bothered by me at all and isn't afraid to fake strike me in an attempt to scare me off.  Either one of those would be good options for a 10-20 gallon tank.  Males would be preferable to females for a 10 gallon as they don't get as large.  Only word of caution on the hognose is that they are mildly venomous, but will only result in swelling and some pain, but they rarely ever bite so it's not too concerning. 
 
I also have two leos, and as cute as they are, I still prefer my snakes.  Not exactly sure why, personal preference I guess.  They leos are technically my husband's pets.

What kinds of spiders do you have? I am curious if a corn snake could be in a 10 gallon? Or how about a leopard gecko??

[Butterfinger05]

I have done tons of research on leos. They need live insects and it's best to gut feed them. Make sure not to use calcium sand! They also can live a long time. I'd recommend the Gecko forum! They are aren't AS friendly, but it has good information. 

Feel free to PM by the way for information!

Edited by Butterfinger05, 11 January 2015 - 10:20 AM.

[BigBear]

I'd recommend at least a 20 gallon tank so that your reptile can have a proper heat gradient, but I wouldn't put anything other than a leopard gecko or a sand boa in a cage that size. 

[Roxyy]

What kinds of spiders do you have? I am curious if a corn snake could be in a 10 gallon? Or how about a leopard gecko??

 

I currently have a green bottle blue and two chilean rose hairs.  I'm getting a goliath bird eater, antilles pinktoe, and gooty sapphire ornamental. 

 

A corn snake could not be housed in a 10 gallon.  At least not indefinitely.  As hatchlings and probably up to 2 feet in length you would be fine with a 10 gallon, but that will only take a few months for the snake to reach 2 feet.  A corn snake will get 4-5 feet long, so a 20 gallon long would be absolute bare minimum for an adult, with a 40 gallon being much more ideal. 

 

A leo will be ok in a 10 gallon.  I have my younger one in a 10 gallon, which is big enough for a heat gradient.  No issues there.  The only issue would be having enough room for their hides once they mature. 

[BigBear]

You'll sometimes read that a 10 gallon cage is the bare bones minimum of what is considered humane for a single gecko, but even that is a very divided opinion and the recommended cage size for reptiles is increasing, just as it is for hamsters.

 

From an experienced breeder:

 

A 10 gallon long tank for 1 single leopard gecko, 20 gallon would be preferred for adult leopard geckos.  You can start off in a 10 gallon tank for a hatchling or juvenile, but a 20 gallon long is really preferred as a minimum size for adult leopard geckos.  A 20 gallon tank would give you better temperature gradient, and allow you to utilize more hides and decor.  Your gecko would also appreciate the extra space.  Remember to get the long type, not high.  Leopard geckos do not have sticky pads to climb, so they require floor space, not height.  A mesh top is highly recommended, they are great escape artists.  You will be surprised at how high leopard geckos can jump.

 

Leopard geckos can grow as long as a 10 gallon cage is wide and you'll still have to put their accessories in it.  A 20 gallon can support your leopard gecko no matter how big it gets and it's not going to cost that much more than a 10 gallon.

[GhostOrca]

You could house an axolotl in a 20 gallon! They are fully aquatic salamanders and they have really big personalities. You need to cycle the tank first, and they need filtration. The water needs to be under 20 degrees Celsius and their mat abolish starts to slow down under 10. You can feed them on live earthworms. You need a water condition to dechlorinate the water;chlorine kills amphibians. This is a good site http://www.axolotl.org/housing.htm

[KKM]

I know practically nothing when it comes to reptiles (never owned any myself), but I'm a huge amphibian lover. There is one species that can be handled with no problems. However, that particular species requires at least a 25 gallon high tank. I can definitely tell you from experience that amphibians are great to watch, as many are constantly moving around and making cute sounds. In a ten gallon, African Dwarf frogs, Firebellied toads, a single Pacman, Green Tree Frogs, Firebellied or Eastern newts, Bumblebee Walking toads... There are plenty. With a twenty long, you could also get a Pyxie (awesome frogs), any Xenopus species, Leopard frog, Chubby frogs, Tomato frogs, paddletail newt, tiger salamander, axolotl, cane toad (pretty much any toad species)... The sky's the limit (I couldn't stop listing). Do any of these species appeal to you? Diet requirements range from bloodworms, earthworms, crickets, roaches- it all depends on the species. My personal favorites are African Dwarf and Pacific Chorus frogs- cute, small, and active, with no crazy care requirements. Most frog species don't need any additional heating or lighting, so long as your house is consistently warm. African Dwarfs are aquatic while Pacific Choruses are tree frogs, but they are unique in that they enjoy water, unlike most. Sorry for my total ramble on options here- I'm a tad obsessed.