APPROPRIATE ENCLOSURE SIZES
How much room do each of us need?
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There is no concrete answer.
The first 5 years of my hobby was lived without the hobby opinions and often this area is one I have disagreed. My areas have always been smaller than those generally accepted. I have often found that a smaller space creates a more secure reptile. In this house addressing security issues is a priority. A secure reptile eats and basks and has little stress. My spaces are designed with that in mind.
One example: My male Uro Java had a 2 foot square. But that 2 foot square had 3 levels. Each smaller than the other but adding up to a total of approximately 6 square feet which is only 2 foot smaller than the 8 recommended. This allowed me to heat the environment sufficiently. Provided exercise with climbing. Provided a 20 square inch hidden level. It is what worked for this lizzard and made him feel secure in his own space.
I had used larger spaces with Java when he had arrived but he did not thrive. This is what worked for him.
One example: My male Uro Java had a 2 foot square. But that 2 foot square had 3 levels. Each smaller than the other but adding up to a total of approximately 6 square feet which is only 2 foot smaller than the 8 recommended. This allowed me to heat the environment sufficiently. Provided exercise with climbing. Provided a 20 square inch hidden level. It is what worked for this lizzard and made him feel secure in his own space.
I had used larger spaces with Java when he had arrived but he did not thrive. This is what worked for him.
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These 2 parrot fish lived in the hexagon for 10.5 years. They got ick once but otherwise were healthy and lived well with the dragons in residence. There were narrow areas that the turtles could not penetrate for the fish to retreat to.
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This 2.5 foot tall, by 3 foot wide hexigon raised 4 water dragons simultaneously while supporting other life. This has been a very successful living environment for a dozen years here. It currently supports a water dragon, 2 map turtles, 2 giant snails and a few small catfish. The water area is 30 to 50 gallons. There were lots of basking choices and hiding spots. The humidity stays high enough there was rarely a shedding issue. The female water dragon was 3 when the younger dragons came as a trio (all male). B&E had to be separated young but returned to that tank during healthy times. The males were separated just short of mating season at their 3rd birthday.
