So I acquired this tank for $30 dollars from my girlfriends, neighbors, yard sale. Well she bought it, and gave it to me, without me knowing it was coming

The neighbor didn't tell her what the gallon size was, and all he said was he housed a water dragon in it. Now I really want a water dragon, but know this tank is not big enough for one for ever, but my question is is it too big for a younger one, that would be probably about 6 inches. (that seems to be the most common size I find them in my town). And if it would work, how long would it work for, or rather, at what size would I look for a bigger, better, and of course taller enclosure.

Also, I know you want loose substrate for water dragons as well as moving water, and if possible living plants. So what kind of plants/substrate to use for a water dragon. I've also read that pine and cedar sticks are bad for them (to climb on) what about maple and mountain ash? I could easily get any number and size of maple and mountain ash limbs I wanted from my parents house by just going through their fire wood kennel. And I know to bake them at 300 for 20minutes before using them.

Thanks for all your replies.

I'm not well versed on the growth rates of WD's but it will work temporarily for a 6 inch WD. Probably less than a year though and you'll need a bigger one. Here's a caresheet on them.
http://reptileguides.herpcenter.com/water_dragon.php

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

I would say way less than a year. A tank that size will stress the water dragon out with no room to climb. You wont have much room in that size tank for much and still have adequate room for a water dragon.

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MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

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looks like a 29 gallon to me.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

That tank looks to be between 20 and 30 gallons, and is already kind of small for even a 6 inch water dragon. Though you could keep one that small in there, it would be for such a short amount of time that it would not be practical or convenient in any way.

As for the branches, pine and cedar are toxic, but hardwood trees are ok. Ash and maple, as you mentioned, are fine, as are oak and aspen. You can tell pine and cedar are toxic just from their "piney" scent.

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It would probably be more trouble to get set up for a water dragon than it was worth. If you're planning on buying or building a larger enclosure anyway, I'd really recommend doing that first, then buying the dragon after the large enclosure is ready. Trust me, it's so much easier than moving him from one cage to another as he grows. He'll be much more comfortable in one environment.

For that cage, consider getting a smaller reptile. A frog, or anole or gecko would stay small and should have enough room in a cage that size.

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Ok thanks. I knew that tank was too small for an adult, but wasn't sure about a juvi. I can't imagine what it was like for the water dragon that previously lived in it, as it lived in it for it's whole life with just a small plastic decoration to climb on.

I should be getting the main piece for the custom built enclosure I want by the end of this month, or next. It is once again an item I'm getting from another person.

I guess I'll start off with something else then. I don't really like anoles, they seem way to hyper. I hear some geckos are like that, and some are more mellow. I may even try newts or toads maybe.

Keep us updated on what you do get, and the cage you're building. I always love to see custom built enclosures. It give me ideas as well.

__________________
"Let's eat, Grandpa!"
"Let's eat Grandpa!"

Punctuation. It saves lives.

You could always stand the tank on its end and get some crested geckos or some Tree Frogs

__________________
MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!

fire belly toads would do great in that tank.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.