PLEASE NOTE
The information on the BambooZoo site is as much as 10 years old and in the hobby much has been learned. Though, I believe there is merit in keeping the site open. There are many controversial issues presented in these pages. Please view BambooZoo as a starting point in your research.
These beings are as complicated as we are and deserve more than a basic 5 paragraph care sheet to maintain their health and well being.
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THE HEXAGON
Bamboozoo
ARK (Almost Road Kill) has been here with us for 3 years. ARK has been in the hexagon for about 8 months now. The fish are good about getting out of the way as they have lived with the water dragons all their lives. I have seen the larger parrot fish ram him in the nose a few times, to protect their corner.
There are actually about 10 fish living in here. The water depth is between 7 to 8 inches. I haven't purchased more in about 4 years. I tried the aquatic clawed frogs but evenutally the water dragons managed to eat them. I can't really tell you the kinds of fish that are in here...I honestly don't remember much, a couple of different kinds of catfish, pleco's, couple of barbs. All of the common little varieties that the pet stores put on sale for under $5.00 bucks. One that does not survive in this environment are guppies, oh and snails which are a preferred food of Water Dragons and Basilisks.
The larger of the 2 parrot fish is 6 inches in length and 4 inches high or so. The second is an inch or so smaller. They have lived in here for no less than 4 years and possibly longer. They did get ick once, but other than that I have had no health issues with them.....not even scratches and those I would have expected.
Above is R&R (Rescued and Recovering). R&R is a decent sized male who came here with mouthrot and emaciated. He gained the weight back well but has a big head in comparison to body. Not the prettiest guy on the block. I recently turned down the light in this tank and the atmosphere is a little more relaxed. Water dragons are not particularly aggressive towards other species. Two males should never be kept together.
The Green Basilisk is hard to get a picture of, when he can be seen he is on the topmost branches. These guys are very difficult to keep in a community tank. He and R&R are fairly successful but B&E was intimidated by him and was hiding alot and losing weight. B.A. (Bad Attitude) does not live well with any other basilisks or another creature smaller than himself. The water dragon is likely 3 times his size but he doesn't hesitate to start trouble. The water dragon is holding his own in this circumstance. I had to move the Australian Water dragon out of the tank as well. As it matured they were at war and the Basilisk was losing. He is stunning but a loner. He and the water dragon have come to terms but the first couple of weeks there was a lot of head bobbing and chasing going on. The water dragon gives chase about once a week now and BA always starts the issue.
The hexagon is completely water based with 4 or 5 dry levels of rock and wood. Maintenance of the tank includes cleaning the filter every 6 weeks, glass weekly and feeding. Approximately every 4 months it is taken apart and the base cleaned with a python. I do not mist as the humidity stays in the 80% range. Temperature range is minimal 70 to 80 depending on the spot, 75 to 90 during the day. In this environment I watch closely for the water dragon and snout damage.
I recently rehomed the Green Basilisk, though he has been here for 5 to 6 years, his ability to cope with the cohabitation settings left me no options.