CWD Slightly Worried

You might put a towel or something similar around all the vertical sides of his tank for a few days. It's good for destressing and even better for discouraging little hands (out of sight, out of mind).

Originally Posted by CentriRitanni

You might put a towel or something similar around all the vertical sides of his tank for a few days. It's good for destressing and even better for discouraging little hands (out of sight, out of mind).

Great idea!!! Thank you!

50 gallon is awesome as long as you understand that this too is temporary. I would suggest building a top for it, it is fairly easy and cheap to do. If you are able to build up a little, that would allow you to split the 50 gallon 50-50 with dirt and water. Climbing and access to a decent amount of water is more important that ground surface area. Bathing your lizard will not compensate for his need for water not even 1%. He does not need the exercise or activity of swimming, he needs the security of a water source. Keep in mind that these lizards are ussually imported (so I am assuming that yours is wild caught) so issues of natural lifestyle and instinct are very very imposrtant. In the wild, your lizard would leave his brothers and sisters, and fan out to live around a water source. They look for trees overhanging the water ideally, and often drop into the water when frightened. Access to decent water is the best "hide" for this type of lizard. Even as juveniles, I gave my water dragons 125 gallons of water, and they used every inch of it. I believe a 50 gallon is 36 or 40 inches? If you were to divide it, and fill 20" with 10" deep water, you will see a different side to your lizard.
Also, I am sorry I do not remember what you said about what type of bulb you were using for heat, Just keep in mind that the higher the wattage the more moisture you will burn out. I use a 40watt bulb for my 20 gallon and get surface temps of 95. Since your lizard likes to climb, it will be fairly easy for you to warm it with a very low wattage bulb. (cheaper too) Good luck with your little guy. They are the coolest lizards. One more thing... I actually just finished reading that book MLD reccomended you get for your computer this morning. $7 on Amazon, downloads right to your pc kindle and its a very good read.

Correction: It was spida fly not MLD that reccomended the book- Either way tho... great book

Also read through this site: Tricia's Chinese Water Dragon, Reptile and Amphibian Care Page (Water Dragon care, Reptile care, Amphibian care)

If you haven't already, it's a good site. The care sheet on this site was actually donated by her. You can also join her page of facebook for some dragon specific info.

Thanks for the idea... I was planning on only doing 1 ft water and 3ft land, but i think i will split it 50-50 to ensure ample water space. I'll just put in a small glass divider with the right sealant and then a gradual grade so the little guy can bask and rest.

And since i'll still have the smaller tank, that'll be perfect to house him while i'm cleaning the medium one.... And yes i am aware the 50 gallon tank will be temporary.... But once he's old enough to be sexed the 50 will be great tO acclimate an oposite gender partner.

Update on Rango: he's still appearing like he's doing well- moving around the tank then basking under the heat. It also appears that he got a tad thinner, so i'm assuming the demon childs stressors helped him poop a little. I definitely can't wait to set-up his bigger tank though.... And thank you guys for all the great info!

Another update: Just got a new tank, 55 gallons 48 X 12 X 20in... So space is no longer an issue for a couple of months at least. Also purchased a digital thermometer and hydrometer and laser therm... So accurate temps and humidity are also taken care of. Pictures will follow as soon as i'm back home (just started my shift at work).

Now all that is left if replacing my old lighting setup (5.0 uvb bulb, 60w day bulb, 75w red heat bulb on a dimmer) with a more effective set of lights for the larger enclosure. I'm definitely going to do my research, but any input is always welcome!!

As for my little guy, he has shown improved signs in health (back to eating, belly is not looking so bloated, and stays active or responds to his surroundings when basking). All-in-all, thanks to the advice from you awesome group of people things seem to be going pretty well! I will definitely update when i can about the new setup and its progress/ effectiveness.

Awesome , I'm glad to hear things are looking up!!

Nice, I am excited to see how he does in the larger enclosure. If this is your first water dragon I will give you something to look out for: The healthier and more active your water dragon gets, the more it will dig and run horizontally around the enclsore testing its boundaries. When this happens keep a very close eye on the lizards snout, this species specifically tends to damage the snout by repeatedly rubbing it on the glass. If you notice him doing this, or notice a little rub, there is a quick and easy solution. Apply two layers of electrical tape horizontally to your enclosure about an inch apart where the substrate ends and the "viewing are" begins. Put the tape all around and on the outside of the enclosure. This will make a visible "fence" and will force the lizard to try and go "over" it when testing the boundaries, resulting in the lizard scratching with his claws on the glass instead of his face. Just something to keep an eye on.

Yes this has been our biggest problem even with the smaller enclosure.... And i have noticed that his lower "lip" had just a bit of pinkish raw color on the end.... But we specifically built up the edges with thick foliage to keep him from being able to access the edge (hopefully). If the foliage doesn't work then the electrical tape is an awesome idea!

Pics will be coming soon, but i need to get bigger lights, so off to the store again... Lol. So far everything we have gotten has only been in the $500 range, so with the upgraded lights i'm hoping not to bust $650 in total prject expenses (i think we've done a great job budgeting for the end result we've gotten, everyone else will be able to put in their input in about an hour.