By A 20-gallon tank is a popular choice for housing reptiles, offering ample space and versatility. In this article, we’ll explore nine reptiles that can be comfortably fostered in a 20-gallon tank, ensuring they have the best possible environment for their health and happiness. Dive into each section to learn about the specific care requirements, tank set-up, and enrichment for these fascinating creatures.
Table of Contents
1. Western Hognose Snake
Overview
The Western Hognose Snake is a small, robust colubrid with a distinctive upturned snout used for digging. Its harmless defensive behaviors and easy handling make it a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts.
Housing
A 20-gallon long tank is ideal for an adult Western Hognose Snake, as it allows ample floor space for digging. Ensure the tank has a secure top to prevent escapes.
Substrate
Shredded aspen is recommended as it allows the snake to burrow, absorbs odors, and is easy to clean. Avoid cedar and pine substrates due to the risk of respiratory issues.
Lighting and Heating
Provide full-spectrum light (UVA and UVB) for 14-16 hours a day during spring and summer, and 8-10 hours a day during autumn and winter. A basking area with a temperature of 90°F can be achieved using a reptile heat pad, while the cool side should be maintained between 75-80°F.
Water and Humidity
Offer a sturdy water dish with fresh, clean water, and change it every other day or promptly if contaminated.
2. Crested Gecko
Overview
Crested Geckos are low-maintenance and ideal for beginner reptile owners. Their tree-dwelling nature and easy care requirements make them popular pets.
Housing
A tall 20-gallon tank with a screen top provides sufficient space for a Crested Gecko to express its natural climbing behavior. Provide plenty of branches and plants for climbing and hiding.
Substrate
Options for substrate include coconut fiber mixed with peat moss-based soil, reptile carpet, sphagnum moss, and bark.
Lighting and Heating
Crested Geckos are nocturnal, so a low-wattage incandescent bulb or ceramic heater can be used to create a basking area. Daytime temperatures should be between 78-82°F, and nighttime temperatures between 68-75°F.
Water and Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 60-80% by misting the tank twice a day and providing a shallow, stable dish of fresh water at all times.
3. Leopard Gecko
Overview
Leopard Geckos are one of the most commonly kept lizards, known for their variety of sizes and colors, as well as their long lifespan in captivity.
Housing
A 20-gallon aquarium at least one foot tall is perfect for a Leopard Gecko. The tank should have a reliable screen top to support a heat lamp and secure the gecko inside.
Substrate
Reptile carpet is recommended, especially for smaller Leopard Geckos. For larger individuals, semi-arid bioactive substrates can also be used.
Lighting and Heating
Provide a temperature gradient with a heat lamp, ensuring the heated side of the tank is between 80-90°F and the cool side between 75-80°F. A low-watt UVA/UVB light on a 12-hour cycle will provide necessary lighting.
Water and Humidity
Offer a stable source of fresh water at all times and maintain a humidity level between 10-30%.
4. California Kingsnake
Overview
California Kingsnakes are a popular and commonly kept snake breed, known for their variety of colors and morphs. Their relatively small size makes them suitable for a 20-gallon enclosure.
Housing
A 20-gallon tank with a secure top is ideal for an adult California Kingsnake. Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof, as they are notorious for finding weaknesses.
Substrate
Aspen shavings are recommended for California Kingsnakes, while aromatic wood shavings and sand should be avoided due to health risks.
Lighting and Heating
Kingsnakes are active during the day and night, so additional lighting is recommended to stimulate natural activity. Provide a basking area with a temperature of 90-95°F and a cool side at 75-80°F.
Water and Humidity
Provide a large, sturdy water dish for your snake to immerse itself in, changing the water every other day or promptly if soiled.
5. Gargoyle Gecko
Overview
Gargoyle Geckos are unique reptiles with their triangular head, cranial bumps, and stocky body. They are perfect for beginners due to their easy care requirements and friendly temperament.
Housing
A 20-gallon tall tank with a screen top is perfect for adult Gargoyle Geckos. Provide branches and plants for climbing and hiding.
Substrate
Moisture-holding substrates like Reptisoil or moss blends work well for Gargoyle Geckos.
Lighting and Heating
Temperatures should be maintained between 77-84°F. In warm areas, this can be achieved without additional heat. If needed, provide a basking area using a low-wattage incandescent bulb or ceramic heater.
Water and Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 60-80% by misting the tank twice a day and providing a shallow, stable dish of fresh water at all times.
6. Kenyan Sand Boa
Overview
Kenyan Sand Boas are small and perfect for a 20-gallon tank. They are native to arid and semi-arid regions of East Africa and make great pets for beginners.
Housing
A 20-gallon tank with a secure top is suitable for an adult Kenyan Sand Boa.
Substrate
Commercial sand substrates like ReptiSand or Exo Terra Desert Sand are ideal for Kenyan Sand Boas.
Lighting and Heating
Provide a basking area with a temperature of 93-95°F using a 50-watt halogen flood bulb. The cool side should be maintained between 75-80°F.
Water and Humidity
Offer a small water dish with fresh water at all times, cleaning it weekly.
7. Pygmy Chameleon
Overview
Pygmy Chameleons are small and easy-going reptiles, making them an excellent choice for a communal 20-gallon tank.
Housing
A 20-gallon long tank is suitable for housing multiple Pygmy Chameleons, providing ample horizontal space for each individual.
Substrate
Coconut bedding works well as a substrate for Pygmy Chameleons, as it helps maintain humidity.
Lighting and Heating
Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle, with optional UVB lighting. Maintain a temperature range of 65-80°F.
Water and Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 60-80% by misting the tank twice a day. Pygmy Chameleons drink water droplets from plants, so ensure there is ample foliage in the enclosure.
8. Mourning Gecko
Overview
Mourning Geckos are tiny reptiles that reproduce through parthenogenesis, making them a unique choice for a communal 20-gallon tank.
Housing
A tall 20-gallon tank with a secure top provides sufficient space for multiple Mourning Geckos to climb and hide.
Substrate
Reptisoil or sphagnum moss are ideal substrates for maintaining humidity.
Lighting and Heating
Provide a 12-hour light cycle and UVB lighting. Basking temperature should be 80-85°F, with ambient temperatures between 75-80°F.
Water and Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 60-80% by misting the tank twice a day. Mourning Geckos drink water droplets from plants, so ensure there is ample foliage in the enclosure.
9. Electric Blue Gecko
Overview
Electric Blue Geckos are small, striking reptiles that can be housed in groups within a 20-gallon tank.
Housing
A 20-gallon tall front-opening tank is recommended for housing multiple Electric Blue Geckos, providing each with their own space.
Substrate
Reptisoil or Eco Earth are suitable substrates for Electric Blue Geckos, as they help maintain humidity.
Lighting and Heating
Provide a 12-hour light cycle, with UVB lighting. Basking temperature should be 90-95°F, with ambient temperatures between 75-80°F.
Water and Humidity
Maintain a humidity level of 60-80% by misting the tank twice a day. Electric Blue Geckos drink water droplets from plants, so ensure there is ample foliage in the enclosure.
In conclusion, a 20-gallon tank offers a range of possibilities for housing various reptile species. By understanding their specific care requirements and tailoring the environment to their needs, you can create a comfortable and enriching home for your reptilian friends.