New to Fat Tails

[AppleJax]

I am rather new to the reptile world (I've had my Bearded Dragon for a year now, and a pair of Mediterranian Geckos for a few months), but decided to try my hand at Fat Tails. So I went out today and purchased a young Striped Het Albino (I believe male), a 10 gallon tank, some coconut substrate, a hide and a bowl. Now for my questions:

Is or isn't a lamp necessary? I've heard it go both ways. The tank sits at about 82 degrees, and 70% humidity.

Do I need a second hide? And what else should I put in the tank, it looks bare to me, but maybe that's ok.

Do they only eat Crickets and mealworms, or can I supplement with something else? And how much/often should I feed him?

About how old would a healthy 5.5 inch Fat Tail be?

And any general tips or ideas would be great! Thanks a ton for any help.

Also, am I right in thinking male?

Pics of my new critter, just cuz.

 

[acpart]

Welcome to the world of fat tails.

Is or isn't a lamp necessary? I've heard it go both ways. The tank sits at about 82 degrees, and 70% humidity.
I use a lamp only because I have plants and they need it. If it's 82 air temp it's fine, if it's floor temp it needs to be higher

Do I need a second hide? And what else should I put in the tank, it looks bare to me, but maybe that's ok.
Extra hides always give the gecko more choices. You can put in plants or anything else that looks good

Do they only eat Crickets and mealworms, or can I supplement with something else? And how much/often should I feed him?
AFT's rarely eat worms but will likely eat roaches. Based on the size in the photo, I'd recommend feeding him every other day. In the winter, if he doesn't seem as hungry go down to every 3rd day

About how old would a healthy 5.5 inch Fat Tail be?
Don't really know. This guy looks like an older juvi or young adult

And any general tips or ideas would be great! Thanks a ton for any help.j
Don't be surprised if he spends a majority of his time in the hide. Mine are nearly always in there but tend to go and rest under the plants after "dinner".

Also, am I right in thinking male?
As far as I can tell, yes.

Aliza

 

[AppleJax]

Thank you Aliza. Out of curiosity, what sorts of plants do you use/recommend? From what I've read pothos are fairly common and recommended, sadly I'm not a fan of their appearance. Anyone know of good non-poisonous plants that can take well in coconut bedding?

 

[acpart]

I've tried a bunch of plants, mostly with bad luck in the AFT tanks (there's more stuff that will work in my tropical day gecko tanks). The most successful is haworthia and I have 2 big ones growing in there now. I've also had a bit of luck with jade plants. I have had bad luck with: African violets (that was a real bummer; I've tried 3 times), dracaena (the little tree-like ones with striped leaves) and millet (to get a grass-like savannah appearance). My hens and chick plant is now in the process of dying in both my AFT tanks.

Aliza

 

[josabby]

Simple set ups are usually the best, they need a shed box on the cool end, and that is pretty good for humidity. I have to change the pete moss in mine a lot because my geckos poop in it quite a bit. I keep a couple extra shed boxes in there because of that, mixing vermiculite or perilite in there helps keep in moisture. I use paper towels for most of the cage (the kind from public bath rooms because they are sturdy and have traction) paper towels are also easy to clean. Mine have never actually eaten mean worms or super worms like my frog eyes and Leos do, but they love crickets. Sometimes butterworms are good because they have calcium. Fat Tails are relatively easy to car for. I've never had to use any heat lamps, only an under tank hermit crab heat pad. heat lamps are only necessary if your place gets really cold, imo...or if you're trying to stimulate breeding.