u/WrinklyBard4

TLDR; given how much of the top ledge is occupied by a water feature, is it still a functional basking area for a green keel bellied lizard. If not, how can I fix it.

So I'm building a vivarium for green keel bellied lizards and had the idea to do a vivarium with a 2 level water feature. Water flows from 2 minor sources on top, pools on the ledge, and then waterfalls over the ledge into a false bottom leading to the drainage layer.

Then I have a larger water area on the bottom of the tank that takes up about 1/5th of the bottom area. The lower area is kept shallow so the soil can be placed well above and not get soaked.

Here’s my concern: I’m taking a second look at the ledge and about 70% of the flat area is taken up by the top “pond”. There’s an area to the right that’s dry and flat, and an area above the pool that’s dry but pretty vertical. I’m concerned that it’s simply not enough room to lie on for heat/UV basking. I’m also concerned that, despite the fact it’s well separated, the amount of water may mean it’s not a sufficiently dry basking area (tail dips in or something).

I’m also increasingly concerned that this is just… not right for a green keel bellied lizard. I have been vv careful to isolate the wet areas, so they have lots of dry ground and arboreal areas, but still.

Looking for thoughts/ideas, mostly on how to improve or change it while keeping the idea intact but if you tell me it simply can’t work I’ll listen.

TLDR; given how much of the top ledge is occupied by a water feature, is it still a functional basking area for a green keel bellied lizard. If not, how can I fix it.

So I'm building a vivarium for green keel bellied lizards and had the idea to do a vivarium with a 2 level water feature. Water flows from 2 minor sources on top, pools on the ledge, and then waterfalls over the ledge into a false bottom leading to the drainage layer.

Then I have a larger water area on the bottom of the tank that takes up about 1/5th of the bottom area. The lower area is kept shallow so the soil can be placed well above and not get soaked.

Here’s my concern: I’m taking a second look at the ledge and about 70% of the flat area is taken up by the top “pond”. There’s an area to the right that’s dry and flat, and an area above the pool that’s dry but pretty vertical. I’m concerned that it’s simply not enough room to lie on for heat/UV basking. I’m also concerned that, despite the fact it’s well separated, the amount of water may mean it’s not a sufficiently dry basking area (tail dips in or something).

I’m also increasingly concerned that this is just… not right for a green keel bellied lizard. I have been vv careful to isolate the wet areas, so they have lots of dry ground and arboreal areas, but still.

Looking for thoughts/ideas, mostly on how to improve or change it while keeping the idea intact but if you tell me it simply can’t work I’ll listen.