🧭 Introduction
Setting up a proper enclosure is crucial for the health and happiness of your Blue-Tongue Skink (BTS). These ground-dwelling reptiles are:
- Sensitive to incorrect heating or lighting
- Prone to humidity-related issues
- Easily stressed by cramped or sterile setups
This guide covers:
- Ideal enclosure size and type
- Heating and UVB lighting requirements
- Proper substrate and humidity setup
- Best hides, decor, and layout tips
📦 Enclosure Size & Type
✅ Recommended Dimensions
| Age | Minimum Tank Size |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | 20–40 gallons |
| Adult | Minimum 4x2x1.5 ft (120x60x45 cm) |
🧠 Horizontal space is more important than height — BTS are terrestrial.
🧱 Best Enclosure Types
- ✅ PVC reptile enclosures (best heat retention)
- ✅ Glass tanks (easier to find, need insulation)
- ✅ Screen lids (must be modified for humidity)
🔥 Heating Setup
BTS need a thermal gradient:
| Zone | Ideal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Basking Spot | 95–100°F (35–38°C) |
| Cool Side | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Night Temp | 70–75°F (21–24°C) |
Recommended Tools
- Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) + thermostat
- Basking bulb (halogen or infrared)
- Digital probe thermometers (1 hot, 1 cool side)
☀️ UVB Lighting
Why It’s Essential
- UVB helps BTS synthesize vitamin D3
- Prevents metabolic bone disease (MBD)
- Regulates sleep cycle and digestion
Best UVB Bulbs
- T5 HO 10.0 (Zoo Med) or Arcadia 12%
- Mount inside tank or within 12–18 inches of basking spot
- Replace bulb every 6–12 months
🌱 Substrate & Humidity
Ideal Substrates
| Type | Pros |
|---|---|
| Cypress mulch | Retains humidity, natural |
| Reptisoil mix | Good for burrowing |
| Orchid bark | Mold-resistant, natural look |
Avoid sand, gravel, pine/cedar, or dusty bedding.
Humidity Guidelines
| Species | Ideal Humidity |
|---|---|
| Northern BTS | 40–50% |
| Indonesian / Irian | 60–80% |
Tips to maintain humidity:
- Mist 1–2x daily if needed
- Use humid hide with sphagnum moss
- Cover mesh lid partially with foil or acrylic
🏕️ Hides, Decor & Enrichment
Provide 2–3 hides:
- One on warm side
- One on cool side
- Optional: humid hide
Other recommended decor:
- Flat basking rocks
- Natural wood (grapevine, cork bark)
- Fake or live plants (pothos, succulents)
- Reptile-safe leaf litter for enrichment
📋 Cleaning & Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spot clean waste | Daily or as needed |
| Change water | Daily |
| Deep clean substrate | Monthly |
| Replace UVB bulb | Every 6–12 months |
🛒 Product Checklist
- ✅ 40–55+ gallon tank
- ✅ Heat emitter + thermostat
- ✅ T5 HO UVB bulb + fixture
- ✅ Natural substrate (mulch/bark)
- ✅ Water & food bowls
- ✅ 2–3 hides (warm, cool, humid)
- ✅ Digital thermometer + hygrometer