Sorry to post a Q on this forum about this type of lizard,but can't find a better forum on lizards.So,this question is is for someone who owned or knows about these little guys.I'm getting one baby from a local breeder and I know pretty much all I need.I was wondering if a fogger or waterfall would be good for them?As I know they need lots of humidity.I'm most likely going with one or the other so if you can help me with this,let me know which is better or none at all.
Red eyed croc skink
- Thread starter zmb187
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Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
As long as you keep the top covered with only a few ventilation holes (preferably at the front, so the front glass won't fog up as much) then either waterfall or fogger would work.
I would go with your preference. Waterfall is more functional for them, as they do like water and will swim like crocodiles, and can drink and soak in it as well.
If you do a waterfall, make a pool that is about 2x as tall as they are, so about 3.5-4 inches or so, so they can submerse in it but not too deeply.
They like to hide!
And they also like soft grubs, butterworms, silkworms, and if you can find some june bug (japanese beetle) larvae outside, toss em in and they'll dig in the substrate for them.
I think phoenix worms will also burrow in the substrate.
I would go with your preference. Waterfall is more functional for them, as they do like water and will swim like crocodiles, and can drink and soak in it as well.
If you do a waterfall, make a pool that is about 2x as tall as they are, so about 3.5-4 inches or so, so they can submerse in it but not too deeply.
They like to hide!
And they also like soft grubs, butterworms, silkworms, and if you can find some june bug (japanese beetle) larvae outside, toss em in and they'll dig in the substrate for them.
I think phoenix worms will also burrow in the substrate.
I've never seen a waterfall in person so,are they big enough to fit the lizard in?the tank I'm putting IT in (not sure male or female) is a 55 gallon,so may get two.I was just going to get a large water dish,but both would be nice.I did hear that they do not need UVB light as they like to hide,is this true?As well do they need a basking light?
Pure
New Member
UV and skinks is a greatly heated argument. Most skink species can be observed basking in the morning and evening sun so UV def won't hurt them.
For the water fall. I am totally against the use of anything that is currently available commercially on the market. It needs to be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria growth. This is next to impossible to do, and do a good enough job on commercial "waterfalls". And no they do not make one large enough for your animal to swim in. Least not that I am aware of.
If you absolutely must have a water fall, build one yourself. This can be done by simply rigging up a powerful Hang On Back aquarium filter, and use a large tub in the tank, one large enough for the skink to submerge his whole body in. It may need to be raised up off of the bottom of your tank as most HOB filters have a hard time lifting the water that far. Aquaclear is going to be the cheapest and most powerful/compact filter for this use. I say to use one of these filters because A) it will filter the water (duh) B) They are easy to completely break down and clean.
For the water fall. I am totally against the use of anything that is currently available commercially on the market. It needs to be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria growth. This is next to impossible to do, and do a good enough job on commercial "waterfalls". And no they do not make one large enough for your animal to swim in. Least not that I am aware of.
If you absolutely must have a water fall, build one yourself. This can be done by simply rigging up a powerful Hang On Back aquarium filter, and use a large tub in the tank, one large enough for the skink to submerge his whole body in. It may need to be raised up off of the bottom of your tank as most HOB filters have a hard time lifting the water that far. Aquaclear is going to be the cheapest and most powerful/compact filter for this use. I say to use one of these filters because A) it will filter the water (duh) B) They are easy to completely break down and clean.
Zen Reptiles
Avid Member
Yeah don't get a commercial waterfall. When you said waterfall I assumed you were going to build one yourself.
For tips, check out some vivarium constructions at www.dendroboard.com and just copycat what others have done. A dart vivarium would be perfect for a croc skink.
They do like lower ambient temperatures, in the 70s, but will bask shortly throuhougt the day.
Because they only bask shortly, you COULD use one of the new compact flourescent UVB bulbs instead of a linear bulb. Just get a 5.0 and put it right next to the heat lamp, so they will be getting UVB and heat at the same time.
Yes you can keep two in a 55g, but only one male
For tips, check out some vivarium constructions at www.dendroboard.com and just copycat what others have done. A dart vivarium would be perfect for a croc skink.
They do like lower ambient temperatures, in the 70s, but will bask shortly throuhougt the day.
Because they only bask shortly, you COULD use one of the new compact flourescent UVB bulbs instead of a linear bulb. Just get a 5.0 and put it right next to the heat lamp, so they will be getting UVB and heat at the same time.
Yes you can keep two in a 55g, but only one male
thanks guys for the insite on the waterfalls and the link on constructing one.I hear that moss is dusty and can be bad for them,so would cypress be a better bet?Also,I was wanting to get a fogger for these guys as well,but not the cheap one that Exo terra makes,don't get me wrong but that fogger is just dangerous,I do like exo terra,I have a screen top on the 55 gal. w/ hinge in the middle that I love.I'm talking about the one that zoo med makes,it safe and effective.Should go with that since the need so much humidity?
