hi guys! Wasn't quite sure where to post this...

As mentioned in my introduction, I"m looking at getting a Chinese Water Dragon sometime soon. I plan to keep it in a tank for about 6 months or so, until my b/f and I move out and can aquire/build a larger enclosure. I just bought a 34 gallon tank, and am wondering what would be the best set up I can do with this? There may be another tank available from a friend, for stacking or something. I'm just wondering on what lighting/UV to use, sizes of bulbs, etc.

Also, if anyone knows of a local breeder, or reputable local pet store that carries water dragons in either burnaby or langley, BC, could you let me know? The one I was looking at was just sold today

Thanks!

Hey!
A 34 gal tank is really small so make sure you don't get a large dragon, so that you have enough time to build a larger enclosure. As for the lighting and such: you need to get a UV light that emits enough UV rays for your Wd's needs. I have heard bad things about the coil bulbs so your best bet would probably be some kind of fluorescent light. I use the repti glo 5.0. You will also need another heat source such as a basking light that is powerful enough to keep the temperatures at 84-88 during the day and 75-80 at night. The humidity should also be between 60-80. WD's love to climb so you need to put in a couple of branches or something for him to climb and bask. They also love water so you need a water container deep enough to reach at least his shoulders. I hope this helps!

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~Tara~

0.0.1 Water Dragon (Saki)
0.0.1 Crested Gecko (Kahlúa)
0.2 Dogs (Macy, Tracy)
1.2 Cats (Teddy, Betty, Christy)

I wasn't planning on getting a large dragon. I had actually had one in mind that I had seen, but it sold the day after I got the tank. *sigh*

Thanks for the info, that helps alot!

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I know of a couple of WD's for sale in North Burnaby at a place called the Rain Forest Pet Center (I think) located in the 4200 block of Hastings (between Boundary and Willingdon).

I was in there yesterday and they still had 2 left they looked pretty young about 3" snout to vent length. I think I have a phone number for them here somewhere if you want to PM me.

Good luck.

-Keith

Thank you very much, Keith! I can find their number alright, and hopefully I can get down there before they're both gone!
-Sarah

I have visited a lot of reptile pet stores, and I am going to take their advice and make a larger section of the tank like a small pool. My dragon is barely 7 inches, being housed in a 20 gal tank until I move in May. I catch him a lot on the branches as well, so those are a great idea to use. My guy has a wonderful crest right behind his head (distinguishing him as a male) and I think that water dragons are just phenominal, with the fact that I own 2 greenie igs and a desert iggy.

It can take 18 months for a young WD to develop the characteristics to distinguish it's sex externally. I doubt that at only 7 inches, the crest can be an accurate indicator.

I was going to say the same thing. lol.

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Josh Shrader

1.0 Ball Python (Monty)
0.1 Red-Eared Slider (Woody)
0.1 Yellow-Bellied Slider (Buz)

wow this is cool. more WD owners something I find wierd though... there is not only 1 person from vancouver but 2 on this thread alone! and I thought this forum had no other vancouverites:P

well, technically, i'm a burnaby gal, but hey, close enough! lol