Wormwood
New member
Hello all! I'm in the midst of setting up a tank for CROCODILE SKINKS...!
I have questions on both the skinks and vivarium set ups so I don't know where to post...
I have a 20 long I'm making into a living vivarium and have read endless threads and watched as many videos but still have specific questions I need answered. So here's the run down:
I'have two 7.5" by 2.5"deep 'shelves' on the top of either tank ends that will be a basking platform and an elevated hide or cold basking, if you will. Not definite yet. I'd like 1/3 of the bottom to be water (A) that tunnels under the other dry side to a small reservoir (B) that then has a hose running under the shelves back to the other side over small rocks (i) The two X's show where I will have cork bark rounds, both holding the shelves in place and housing plants in their openings.
Question 1: Are Exo-Terra Cork Bark rounds safe to sit in water? I know they can withstand humidity, which these crocs will be at a snug 80%, but can they literally sit in water and not mold (knock on wood haha) ?
Question 2: I'm still trying to get answers from breeders but I've seen videos of skinks climbing...what sort of bridge/ramps would be best to get up the different levels?? I have extra cork rounds I was planning on cutting into strips but I don't want to crowd the bottom with bulky runways. I'm think it best if one is higher than the other....the top pick shows how much space will be between the shelves if not more. Th dotted lines show where the light will sit.
Question 3: Another directed toward skink owners-- I've seen it mentioned dart frogs can be housed with skinks? What? If so, or if not darts, what can be? Fish would be fun but the water will only be 2-3 inches.
SO as well I'm either purchasing or constructing a top..half screened half plastic sides for ventilation (I should mention I have a 3inch fan for circulation) as you've probably realized a 20 long is a bit short for multi levels. I've read a lot on these animals as well as living vivariums but want the most I can get out of this set up.
Any help and suggestion would be so appreciated! Though I do want to say most BREEDERS say a large water area is good tho not for swimming (hence my fish situation...deep enough for but won't be a hassle for skinks to hold head up).
Thank you in advance!
I have questions on both the skinks and vivarium set ups so I don't know where to post...
I have a 20 long I'm making into a living vivarium and have read endless threads and watched as many videos but still have specific questions I need answered. So here's the run down:
I'have two 7.5" by 2.5"deep 'shelves' on the top of either tank ends that will be a basking platform and an elevated hide or cold basking, if you will. Not definite yet. I'd like 1/3 of the bottom to be water (A) that tunnels under the other dry side to a small reservoir (B) that then has a hose running under the shelves back to the other side over small rocks (i) The two X's show where I will have cork bark rounds, both holding the shelves in place and housing plants in their openings.
Question 1: Are Exo-Terra Cork Bark rounds safe to sit in water? I know they can withstand humidity, which these crocs will be at a snug 80%, but can they literally sit in water and not mold (knock on wood haha) ?
Question 2: I'm still trying to get answers from breeders but I've seen videos of skinks climbing...what sort of bridge/ramps would be best to get up the different levels?? I have extra cork rounds I was planning on cutting into strips but I don't want to crowd the bottom with bulky runways. I'm think it best if one is higher than the other....the top pick shows how much space will be between the shelves if not more. Th dotted lines show where the light will sit.
Question 3: Another directed toward skink owners-- I've seen it mentioned dart frogs can be housed with skinks? What? If so, or if not darts, what can be? Fish would be fun but the water will only be 2-3 inches.
SO as well I'm either purchasing or constructing a top..half screened half plastic sides for ventilation (I should mention I have a 3inch fan for circulation) as you've probably realized a 20 long is a bit short for multi levels. I've read a lot on these animals as well as living vivariums but want the most I can get out of this set up.
Any help and suggestion would be so appreciated! Though I do want to say most BREEDERS say a large water area is good tho not for swimming (hence my fish situation...deep enough for but won't be a hassle for skinks to hold head up).
Thank you in advance!