Anyone Please!!

Herpguy55 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-2005, 01:14 AM

I really need help with cuvier's dwarf caiman care! I need to know if 16' x 4.5' x 8' is big enough for it, what the best filter/pump is, and what is the best way to controll water temps. I also need to know if they like high currents or more mellow water and how to make the ramp from the water to the land! Thanks
-Kody

trinitywolf · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-2005, 02:27 AM

I really don't know anything about caiman care, but I have to ask how you came into a caiman without knowing these things?

Herpguy55 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-2005, 07:46 PM

I havnt got a caiman yet i am seiously thinking about buying one, and want to know before i do. I dont really buy animals on impulse. I always do my research first, no matter how bad i want it at the time, if i dont know anything about it i dont get it until i know everything about it. Will a MicroClean 316 filter/pump work i will probably have to use multiple ones in the large enclosure that i will build but do you think that it is a suitable pump/filter? I still need to know a good adult enclosure size i think the hight and the length are all right but not really sure about the width, and the best way to manage water temps, heat pads on thermostats? anyone that can help it would be very VERY appreciated!
Thanks

-Kody

NicoleRussell · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 12:50 AM

how many gallons are you filtering?

BWSmith · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 01:19 AM

This is the temp enclosure for my Gator.
http://redtailboa.net/forums/t17826-...ator-tank.html
So far, it cost me well over $500. And this is just for a temp enclosure. I anticipate the final product that will keep her up till she is 4' or so wil run a bit over $1000. I will also say that the maintenance on this little gator is equal to about 20 snakes. A crocodilian is a big undertaking.

NicoleRussell · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 01:35 AM

any lizard is a huge undertaking next to snakes....get a sun loving meat eater crocodilian and you have a money pit......

huntx7 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 05:29 AM

Is it cruel or abusive on a gator to keep them in a small cage so they stay small? My friend does this and I've always told it's cruel.

trinitywolf · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 02:49 PM

Keeping a gator in a small enclosure will not keep the gator small. It's cruel AND it's a myth.

gemisnake · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 03:05 PM

Actually it will keep them small. Because they will be stressed from too small of an enclosure and eventually not eat right and then they will stay smaller for the short time before they end up dying! Not a good idea if the owner actually likes the gator!!!

Herpguy55 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 07:50 PM

i have also heard that it will cause reptiles in a smaller enclosure to start growing deformed, when i buy it it will only be a baby and i will put it in a 100 gallon long enclosure half land and half water, I was told that they are more land loving crocodilians than water and alot of times they will hide during the day and come out at night and alot of times will deficate on land, i was also told they need pretty high currents, i dont know for sure what the exact water gallonage for the temp enclosure will be the enclosure is 72" x 12.5" x 25" (L x W x H) and it will be filled half full. I think one or two of those pumps would work they filter and pump 30 to 55 gallons and then i will need to get more once i build the large enclosure. Do you guys think that that is a good enclosure size for an adult female (16ft x 4.5ft x 8ft {L x W x H})? Thanks for the help! I know it will cost alot of time and money but i love these animals and really look forward to working with them, once it is full grown and i have its large enclosure built the only real expense it going to be food, heating, water for it and of course medicall expenses if it needs it and the routine check ups lol well thanks again

-Kody

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