Things to Have in a Tank for a Lizard

A lizard's natural environment is very different than a typical household environment, making the set-up of the tank a specific process that will help the lizard thrive and live longer. Along with heating elements, the lizard should have natural structures and materials that it can be comfortable in. In many cases, the lizard tank costs more than the lizard itself.

  1. Heating

    • Use a heating pad that covers half of the bottom of the tank. Lizards thrive in heat, but require a cooler area to help them regulate their body temperature. Place a small metal lamp above the screen of the cage to replicate direct sunlight. You can purchase special heat bulbs that will keep the temperature above 85 degrees in the habitat.

    Hideout

    • Place a small hideout for the lizard inside the tank. This can be fake rock with a hole, fake tree bark with a hole or another small hideout prop from a local pet store. Lizards need these to sleep, avoid humans and cool down when needed.

    Plants

    • You can place real plants or fake plants in the tank to provide shade and hiding places for the lizard. Fake plants will work better with the heat lamp and will not need changing. Mist the plants daily with water from a spray bottle to provide moisture for the lizard.

    Water Bowl

    • Use a small nature-themed water bowl for the lizard to drink from. You can use a rock or tree shaped water hole to replicate the lizard's natural environment. Check the water daily because it can get dirty and it will quickly evaporate with the high heat provided by the lamp.

    Flooring

    • The floor of the cage should provide a natural habitat for the lizard. Use a mulch-like substance for your lizard. Give them enough area to walk around the whole tank and have something to bury themselves under. Some specific breeds of lizards, like the bearded dragon, prefer a rocky terrain.

    Extras

    • Climbing sticks, a tank background and small plants like cactus are ideal accessories for a lizard tank. Do not overfill the tank with extras because the lizard may not have enough room to roam. Every breed of lizard is different, so find out which accessories your breed prefers before inserting it into the tank.