BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi everyone, I'm looking to buy a BTS. It will be my first reptilian pet ( I have dogs a tarantula and birds ). I have an old 72x24x24 (needs cleaning) fish tank I was planning on using, I will be building a screen lid because it is currently glass panels. I've read a bunch of articles and I think I'm ready to go on with the next step, preparation. I've thrown together a shopping list and I was hoping you pros would be able to tell me your opinions so please let me know if I'm missing anything or if I have anything I don't need. Thank you all so much for teaching me so much already and I hope I can share my BTS journey with all of you


Also, I live in Illinois if that affects things we keep our house at about 70-75

i forgot to post the link.. http://a.co/9fO8Dqn

I’m fairly new to BTS but I feel like I know a decent amount about them lol. If you want my input I’d be glad to help any way I can the link doesn’t seem to be working

I couldn't open the link either

I think it was on private, should be fixed now sorry!!!

Do you know what kind of skink you are getting? Depending on the type, you may want to go with a different substrate. Also they need a large water dish. I also would provide at least one more hide. I personally don't use under the tank heater. I like ceramic heat emitters if you need extra heat. Other than that it looks good.

Janella wrote:Do you know what kind of skink you are getting? Depending on the type, you may want to go with a different substrate. Also they need a large water dish. I also would provide at least one more hide. I personally don't use under the tank heater. I like ceramic heat emitters if you need extra heat. Other than that it looks good.

I'm leaning towards a northern, I read somewhere that a pie tin is a great way to save money as well as PVC pipes for hides
PS Thank you so much for your input

PVC works great for hides or cork bark. I pie dish will work for a water dish, but I recommend the heavier the better. Skinks love to burrow and knock things over. So if it is a pie tin, it may get dumped. Northerns are great. Be sure you get one from a reputable breeder. Good luck and keep us posted.

Agree with Janella (as I most often do!) about the water dish thing. Ceramic is best, he will certainly spill over anything lighter, and you wouldn't want damp substrate. A large one is a good idea, as one of mine is smart enough to soak herself in it before a shed. I may have a baby northern available, had one on hold and no one is getting back to me about it. Send PM if interested.

Maybe one of those saucers you put under a plant pot

i use a baking dish, it's the only thing he hasn't been able to tip over!
sorry about the dark photo, took it this morning while i was cleaning his home

Personally, I don’t like undertank heaters. My little guy is in a 40 gallon breeder and all I need to keep him warm through the day is a 100 watt incandescent bulb, at night I use a 60 watt ceramic heat emitter. If you’re getting a Northern, I’d go with cypress mulch for the substrate. I agree with what the others were saying, you’ll need a couple of hides. I have the hide that’s on your list, part of a sewage pipe (I think that’s what it is lol), and some fake vines for him to hide under. For water, I use a zoo med ramp bowl. I can post a picture if you want of his enclosure so you can see the hides and stuff

I am also soon getting a BLue Tongued Skink and Uber been doing a lot of research and as for substrate I would recommend cypress mulch or aspen mulch; cypress mulch is good for retaining moisture and keeping humidity levels stable and the brand I’ve most seen used is Forest Floor.

I have a northern and was recommended coarse coconut husk and orchid bark mixed and he seems to like it plus it’s big enough and less dusty than the finer stuff I’ve seen, I’m not sure if that block in your list is the fine stuff rather than coarse. But I’m new to BTS too so more experienced people will have a better idea on that. I also found a load of cheap fake plants on eBay, if you want to go for fake plants it saves a lot compared to reptile branded ones or even standard ones in stores. He seems to like burrowing under them and climbing through them helps him get some shed off too.