What Types of Lizards Can Live in a 20-Gallon Tank?

A 20-gallon tank is an appropriate size for a small lizard's habitat. Lizards that range in size from 5 to 12 inches have plenty of space in this size tank. They are able to naturally feed, bath and hunt. Different species require different heat sources, diets, humidity levels and substrates.

  1. Fire Skink

    • The fire skink grows to approximately 14 inches, making a 20-gallon tank an appropriate sized habitat. The skink requires a substrate consisting of a soil and mulch mixture. Ground humidity of 70 to 80 percent is maintained by moistening daily. The skinks prefer crickets, meal worms and butter worms in their diet. They are "sit-and-wait" predators and require plants and pieces of wood to hide in.

    Leopard Gecko

    • The adult leopard gecko is between 6 and 9 inches long. This lizard prefers to stay close to the ground and does not require a tall 20-gallon tank for vertical climbing. The leopard gecko prefers caves, rocks and small plants in the habitat for hiding. The tank's substrate does not need to maintain ground humidity, therefore artificial turf or paper towels are appropriate. The tank's overall humidity is maintained at 40 to 60 percent and a temperature of no more then 90 degrees during the day.

    Green Anoles

    • The green anole grows to 5 to 8 inches in length. Several of these small lizards can occupy a 20 gallon tank. Having more than one male may cause fighting over territory. The anoles require a moistened substrate of peat moss, sphagnum moss, or a soil and mulch mixture. Due to their natural desire to climb, long sturdy branches and plants are appropriate in the habitat. The heating requirements are 75 to 82 degrees for half the day and should not fall below 65 degrees at night.

    Collared Lizard

    • As adults, collared lizards are 6 to 12 inches in length. These lizards naturally like to hide. An appropriate habitat includes rocks, caves and thick plants for hiding space. The substrate required for the collared lizard is a gravel and stone mixture. Their diet consists of meal worms, earthworms and crickets. Due to the insect diet, placing rocks in the lizard's water dish allows drowning crickets to climb out and keeps the water clean. The habitat's temperature is maintained at no higher then 90 degrees during the day and no lower then 70 degrees at night.