plz help the lizard noob pick a good 1st lizard

I have an empty 20gal long and would like to get a lizard. This would be my first lizard so the easier the better but i would like to go with something other than a leo.Something that can be handled would be nice but i can handle (ironic isnt it) a display only lizard.

P.S. any amphibans would be cool 2 i just posted this on the lizard forum because I don't think my sister wouldn't like a snake and my mom says that everybody has to at least tolerate any of my pets. :roll:

 

I think a leopard gecko would make a great starter lizard. They do great in a 20 gallon tank, most of them like to be handled and they are some what potty trained. They tend to go in one certain corner. They are very easy to take care of. Here are some good caresheets: http://www.goldengategeckos.com/care.html + http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections+index...es-secid-2.html

 

Yes.. but try not to get a juvie, juvies tend to be a bit harder to bring up then pre grown lizards. Not saying go out and buy a old grumpy guy lol. Maybe like a middle aged one. The 2 lepard geckos I had were juvies and it did not work out too well. And I have had a lot of lizard experience. Just a thought, dont have to listen but a hint.

 

I have heard that leos make great first lizards but they are everywhere I would like something other than a leo. If there isnt anything else that will fit i will get 1 but I was looking for something a little less played out. I plan to get a leo soon but I would by it another tank unless there isnt another option for the 20gal long. If I do get a leo I will listen to you + migh post questions here to. I dont plan to get what ever its is for another month so ideas are still welcome.
Thanks for the help.

 

African Fat Tails are very similar to Leo's, care is pretty close too....they just need a bit more humidity. They are said to be a bit 'mellower' too, maybe look into them?
Leo's are just the best though

 

Other than geckos are there any other good beginer herps that fit in a 20gal long even when they are fully grown.

 

A corn snake will.....but they obviously aren't lizards.

 

I would love to have a snake but like i said my sister would freak. She is ok with almost anything else so keep the ideas coming plz

 

definetly a leo

 

oh i know...a mali uromastyx.

 

maybe a beardie

 

African fat tails are much more docile and easier to handle than leopard geckos. As for beardies, I don't think it would be wise to house one in a 20L for very long. They grow very fast and would need an upgrade in tank size before long. Beardies also need a UV source which puts some people off. If you really can't get a snake, a leo, a fat tail or a beardie would be good first lizard options. Just bear in mind that beardies do require that extra bit of care with UV light, extra space, and have a higher risk of impaction when juvenile compared to a leo or an AFT.

 

You could get a few Viper Geckos. They grow to be about 4 inches long. I have two and they each have their own 5.5 gallon enclosure. Here's a few pics of them

 

I say a Mali Uromastyx is still the best choice...he asked for something other than a gecko

 

Where would I get a mali uromastyx or viper gecko. I will look into both of them. I m still open to suggestions. Something other than a gecko would be nice but looking at my options most of these have been geckos so i might get 1. I m just looking for something a little less common. Keep the ideas coming plz.
Thanks

 

Mike,
i looked on the internet and most sites said that uromasyx need a cage of at leat 50gal when fully grown. I cant afford a cage that size(my allowence only goes so far )
heisoktoday,
I cant find much on them. any info would help.
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I saw an article on an emerald swifts would 1 of them work. new ideas still welcome.

 

deerfernfarms.com is a great breeder and they have some awesome pictures there too.

 

Oh then i quess a gecko would be your best bet......sorry i didn't see that post before i posted mine.

 

Do you know if I could fit an emerald swift + if its they are an ok first lizard? Any other options? thanks

 

A Mali Uromastyx needs a much bigger than 20 gallon long as an adult. I have a 3 month old Mali now in a 20 gallon and in another month or two he should be ready to upgrade.