From: krogers@javelin.sim.es.com (K. Rogers)
Subject: Re: *Request for Info*(Ig/Lizard)
Reply-To: krogers@javelin.sim.es.com
Organization: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1992 23:47:41 GMT

LJ03933@LMSC5.IS.LMSC.LOCKHEED.COM writes:

>Here's the situation:
> A friend of mine is seriously considering turning his atrium
>into a sort of giant terrarium. This atrium is situated in the
>center of the house, is the access to the front door.
>Size: about 12'*12' (10' ceiling).

Nice!

>Here's the Q's:
>-What sort of Ig or Lizard would be happy? (climate: N.CA.)

Just about anything smaller than a Komodo dragon would do nicely in
such a place.

>-Would a 'heated rock' be recommended?

A couple of spot lights would be much better, especially for large
critters.

>-What type of water requirements? (plan is to have at least a small pond)

If you get any type that likes water a lot (just about any kind of
tropical rain forest lizard, igs included) you'll want a pond big
enough for it to get completely inside.

VERY important: make sure you can rapidly drain and refill it with
minimal hassle; automated being best.  All lizards which swim a lot
poop in their water and it needs to be changed often - I wouldn't let
it go more than 2 days in a row.  Be sure a large valve is installed
so it can drian in a hurry - 2" pipe is minimum I'd use for a small
pond of the size you're proposing.

>-What type of plants? (is the recommended ig/lizard apt to break or tear
>                       up plants?)

If you get an ig all plants will become a self-serv salad bar.  Igs
and plants don't get along well together.

I've messed around with plants and herps a bit and for the most part
the herps are really hell on the plants.  If live plants are really
desired (such as for me - I *have* to have plants for my psychological
balance), smaller lizards are definitely recommended.

Igs are right out from both size and herbivourus diet if live plants
are used.  I'm partial to tropical set ups and here are some
carniverous species to look into: Any of the basilisks - my fav herps,
sail-fin lizards, water dragons and day geckos.  The day geckos are
small, even the Phelsuma madagascarinses grandis only gets to ~1', so
they'd tend to get lost in a space that big, especially if heavily
planted.  The water dragons and sail-fin are pushing the large end of
what you could keep with large, tough plants - like small trees.
They'll smash anything like your average Dracina or Dieffenbachia.

You could go for a desert scene with lots of rocks.  That'd give you a
whole different set of critters you could keep - like the Varanids.

Alternatively, use artificial plants.  They're getting to look
surprisingly realistic, though a bit pricey for the number you'd need.
However, they have the advantage of requiring no care, no green thumb
and can take large amounts of lizard abuse.

Regarding the lizards above: basilisks are very high-strung and will
flee to the tops of plants and walls when you go in.  Sail-fins and
water dragons dive into water when frightened.  Day geckos don't use
pools of water, BTW, and will climb up to get away - even on the
ceiling with their feet.

For tropical plants that can take a beating from lizards: largish
potted Ficus species that can fill the room eventually: F. benjamina,
eli, ly-uhhh whatever the fiddle-leaf fig is in latin nomenclature, a
Monstera deliciousa would do okay for the most part, as would a
largish rubber plant.  Forget all ferns.  Some Bromeliads are tough as
dried leather and would do fine - check out Cryptanthus sp. in
particular.  Bamboo is an option in this case.

All in all, trying to keep sizable herps and plants together in
anything other than a large outdoor terrarium is going to be filled
with problems.  Decide first if plants or herps are the main focus.
If plants, get smaller lizards - like the day geckos or perhaps
basilisks.  The problem with them is they have sharp claws so they
shred things even though they are light in weight.

>-More than one species? (compatability)

Generally not a good idea.

>-What is the 'mess factor' of a recommended critter? (you know, how
>                       much of a mess in regards to _poop_ etc.)

Poop is actually easily handled if you get aquatic loving species as
they'll poop in the water and you only need to change it for the most
part.  Sure, they'll poop else where sometimes, but not often.

>-Concerning the access to the door: any critters likely to stay out
> of the way? (Except, of course, when an unwanted visitor is at the
>door|)

Most lizards will run away from people unless you spend a lot of time
handling them and even then they'll mostly just tolerate you.

>Either Posted or E-mail replies would be great|
>
>Thanks in advance.....
>  Tamara

You're welcome.  My biggest terrarium to date is 4'x4'x7'.  I'd love
to have that small atrium.  Have fun with it.

-- 
Keith Rogers
krogers@javelin.sim.es.com