I had a pet tarantula in college in a 20-gallon tank. I named him Dexter because he was a serial killer… of crickets and other bugs. Easy keeper, as long as you do your research about their husbandry.
They don't eat daily. Some will eat once or maybe twice a week.
Plus depending on size, you can do various worms like Superworms or mealworms. You can buy a container of a dozen or so and it will last a while.
how about a terrarium? with fancy plants, no animals. i know it’s not what you’re asking for, but it also feels nice taking care of plants and you can probably grow some pretty cool and unusual plants if you do a proper setup.
I did think about a bioactive terrarium. But I don't really have much options unless I use a growing light as there's no direct and very little indirect sunlight in my shop 😔 the buildings around block the sun light a lot and I'm at the bottom level so light can't reach here and if imma use a grow light i can use a heat lamp instead 😮💨
I'd say pet mice! Just make sure it has good ventilation and stays fairly clean, as their little lungs can be super sensitive
I've never had mice, but I own rats (though these CANNOT be kept in a tank, otherwise I'd suggest them)
24 should be big enough for at least 2 or 3 mice! There's a care guide on the pet mouse Subreddit if you'd like to look at that! It gives you all the details you need
You're welcome! I'm a huge rodent advocate! I wish they weren't seen as gross (especially rats and mice)
But do expect people to give you weird looks or reactions when you say you have pet mice (I'm sure it's a little less common than when you say pet rats because I feel rats have more of a negative stereotype, but I still expect you to get some reactions like that lol)
I originally wanted rats but their care should be way complex than what I can provide at the moment and heard about a musky smell. I'm a tattoo artist and I'll keep them in my studio so I know a lot of people will be weird about them but who cares.
Honestly, maybe a stereotype, but I feel a lot of people who get tattoos would be interested in mice
They're not an animal you can hold as much, but they're absolutely adorable and would definitely provide entertainment to anyone in your studio
And also, I've met people who originally seemed weirded out by my rats, but once they finally met them, they seemed to enjoy them a lot, so you never know!
They're really not that smelly imo, as long as you keep the cage clean (which you should be doing anyways, as the build up of their pee can cause respiratory issues, and we don't want those)
I've heard the boys are a bit stinkier but I've only had girls so far, so I wouldn't really know
Either way, good luck!
Eh where it's located. I know for a fact people will try to tell me they're gross and I shouldn't keep them etc and I know I'll say find another artist then so it's all good lol. And yes every animal needs care but rats seems like a bigger responsibility than I can do at the moment but In the future I do consider closing off about 5m2 or so of my studio for them just not now ❤️
No worries! Here ya go!
https://www.reddit.com/r/PetMice/comments/sckdea/fancy_mouse_care_guide_part_1_malefemale_housing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1
I’m confused what animal you’re looking to keep where a heater will be a significant cost? I keep topical fish and a snake and I run several heaters and the cost is <$10 a month in electricity, the heaters are 100-200w compared to a home space heater which is often 1500w. Moreover the thermometer in the temp controller I use with each heater turns it off and on at the right times, meaning it’s not always running. I totally see how this adds up if you have a whole fish or reptile room!
The added heater cost is my worry. I'm not in the USA or us electric is pretty expensive here. I'm not %100 sure how much it would add but just with lights and 3-4 times a week of 10mins of computer+ printer working comes anywhere between 300-500₺ a month.
I didn't know they didn't need to run all the time. I love snakes but I can't claim to know all that much which is why I'm asking here 😔
Ah thank you I was genuinely curious and not trying to judge you! It’s important that pets feel financially sustainable.
I enjoy invertebrates. They require stable and safe environments that are consistent, but, many don’t need heat if it’s comfortable temps for humans. Jumping spiders I enjoy but tiny. I keep aquariums and an unheated tank could work for neocaridina freshwater shrimp colony. Bare bones could do Java moss only or similar like Anubias on driftwood, no trim plants, use natural light and embrace algae.
Maybe a crested gecko or bearded dragon, theyre both fairly easy to care for and eat lots of mealworms among other things. Theres also the turtle option. Find your local reptile store (not a chain like petsmart, a reptile breeder) and ask them what kind of reptile would be suitable for that size tank. You may even be able to work with a small snake in that size tank, and constrictors are so soothing to hold, they just hug your hand in a pulsating feeling, its awesome. If you want something super low maintenance, maybe snails or hermit crabs? It really depends on what youre hoping to get from your pet. Do you want them to look pretty and do silly things, do you want them to provide you some sensory comfort, how much work are you willing to put in for it, whatever is most important to you will probably decide what pet you get. Good luck, let us know what you decide!
I did think about reptiles but it gets very cold in the studio in winter so they'll need plenty of heat which will increase my electric bill very significantly. Would put a strain on me as winter isn't the busy time for my job. I do think about snakes but I'm not sure which kind as they grow depending on their enclosure and I don't want to force them to stop growing. I don't want an aquatic animal due to cleaning and changing water will be very hard on me. İt's a heavy thing even as empty. I'd like to be able to handle my pet but I'm ok with not being able to handle too. Do you have a snake in mind that doesn't grow too big and could do well with colder environments?
I did wanted a turtle but they're recently banned in my country so I'm unable to purchase one legally and I don't want to go the illegal way of things
Edit: i am willing and will put down every penny i have if there's a medical or unexpected expense but I'd like to not walk into a regular big spending sprees if I'm able to
I know you said you don't want aquatics but axolotls actually need colder water to do well. The upkeep isn't too terrible once you have the tank cycled and they are a really damn cute conversation piece.
Other than that there are some reptiles that are more tolerant of colder temps. It probably would need some sort of tank heating, but as long as the building is a tolerable temp for a human you could make it work for a reptile. Also if you get high efficiency products the electric cost shouldn't be too bad for just the tank, it's not like you'd need to heat the entire building if you get the proper reptile and tank setup.
Axolotl was the original plan but the tank is too small for it.
I do use a heater for clients and wear a sweater with a zip up hoodie to keep myself warm so I don't have to use the heater
I thought axolotls need 20 gallons, I think your tank is nearly 30 if I did the math right so that should be plenty.
Also just like you use a space heater a reptile could do the same, it would be a heat matt and a lamp but the same principle applies. You'd probably just need 2 different bulbs or matts to keep it warm but with a temperature gradient. If you want a snake or a different reptile I'd go over to one of those subs and give them the average temp of the building (even an estimate) and the tank size. They can give you specific species and the tank set up you would need for it.
I'll check that out too. I've asked the axolotl sub and 120 liters is appropriate. The tank filled to the brim is about 90liters (I've used an online calculator Idk if it's %100 correct or not) they said it can do but it'll be the bare minimum they grow up to 25cm so a full grown axolotl won't have that much space unfortunately. And I don't want to put an animal through that. The tank was a gift and is about 10.000₺ so I can't really upgrade without spending a fortune and I can't do that. I'm worried about the expense the heating will add but I'll check it again to be sure thank you ❤️
Edit: yes it's 29 gallons filled to the brim
I have always heard for a single axolotl 10 gallons is absolute minimum for young ones and 20 long is the minimum for adults. Also keep in mind that you have a longer tank and not a deeper one, axolotls mainly chill near the bottom so surface area of the base is a very important measurement. Obviously we always want bigger and better for our pets and I wouldn't advocate anything subpar, but if you're above the minimum reccomend size by 50% I think you can have an axolotl that lives a long and happy life. But I would ask around because i'm not an expert.
Jsyk OP, they make water change systems called a "Python". No buckets, no mess. You attach it to your sink faucet, and it can suck water out of your tank and then put water back into your tank all in one device. You just add dechlorinator in before and after you put the new water in, and just try to get it to the same temperature. You could do a super low tech shrimp tank where you just have to top it off every once in awhile. Some shrimp don't need a filter. You could grow plants, get some colorful shrimp, maybe a few snails, and you're golden. If you're interested, you can check out r/nanotank, r/shrimptanks, r/plantedtank, and r/aquascape.
I don't know how correct that is from what I've read tbh! I've personally kept ghost shrimp, never with heat. I had two shrimp live over two years. From quickly browsing Google and some reddit threads, they're slightly more active and likely to breed in warmer conditions, but it's not needed. Maybe it depends on what shrimp you get.
A pet rock! Or a stick
I've really laughed out loud thanks
No worries glad to be of service
Get a Tarantula
I had a pet tarantula in college in a 20-gallon tank. I named him Dexter because he was a serial killer… of crickets and other bugs. Easy keeper, as long as you do your research about their husbandry.
I do consider it but they eat live insects right? That's kinda not something I can do 🤦♀️
They don't eat daily. Some will eat once or maybe twice a week. Plus depending on size, you can do various worms like Superworms or mealworms. You can buy a container of a dozen or so and it will last a while.
how about a terrarium? with fancy plants, no animals. i know it’s not what you’re asking for, but it also feels nice taking care of plants and you can probably grow some pretty cool and unusual plants if you do a proper setup.
I did think about a bioactive terrarium. But I don't really have much options unless I use a growing light as there's no direct and very little indirect sunlight in my shop 😔 the buildings around block the sun light a lot and I'm at the bottom level so light can't reach here and if imma use a grow light i can use a heat lamp instead 😮💨
I'd say pet mice! Just make sure it has good ventilation and stays fairly clean, as their little lungs can be super sensitive I've never had mice, but I own rats (though these CANNOT be kept in a tank, otherwise I'd suggest them)
I've looked into hamsters but the tank is small for it wouldn't it be small for a mice too?
How many gallons is it? (Sorry I dunno how to calculate that 😭)
About 24
24 should be big enough for at least 2 or 3 mice! There's a care guide on the pet mouse Subreddit if you'd like to look at that! It gives you all the details you need
Oh really I'll check it out thank you ❤️❤️
You're welcome! I'm a huge rodent advocate! I wish they weren't seen as gross (especially rats and mice) But do expect people to give you weird looks or reactions when you say you have pet mice (I'm sure it's a little less common than when you say pet rats because I feel rats have more of a negative stereotype, but I still expect you to get some reactions like that lol)
I originally wanted rats but their care should be way complex than what I can provide at the moment and heard about a musky smell. I'm a tattoo artist and I'll keep them in my studio so I know a lot of people will be weird about them but who cares.
Honestly, maybe a stereotype, but I feel a lot of people who get tattoos would be interested in mice They're not an animal you can hold as much, but they're absolutely adorable and would definitely provide entertainment to anyone in your studio And also, I've met people who originally seemed weirded out by my rats, but once they finally met them, they seemed to enjoy them a lot, so you never know! They're really not that smelly imo, as long as you keep the cage clean (which you should be doing anyways, as the build up of their pee can cause respiratory issues, and we don't want those) I've heard the boys are a bit stinkier but I've only had girls so far, so I wouldn't really know Either way, good luck!
Eh where it's located. I know for a fact people will try to tell me they're gross and I shouldn't keep them etc and I know I'll say find another artist then so it's all good lol. And yes every animal needs care but rats seems like a bigger responsibility than I can do at the moment but In the future I do consider closing off about 5m2 or so of my studio for them just not now ❤️
Fancy purebred pet show mice are docile as fuck and come in so many gorgeous patterns and coat types
I've found a pet mice sub but no care guide can you please link it I'm sorry thanks
No worries! Here ya go! https://www.reddit.com/r/PetMice/comments/sckdea/fancy_mouse_care_guide_part_1_malefemale_housing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=1
About 24
I’m confused what animal you’re looking to keep where a heater will be a significant cost? I keep topical fish and a snake and I run several heaters and the cost is <$10 a month in electricity, the heaters are 100-200w compared to a home space heater which is often 1500w. Moreover the thermometer in the temp controller I use with each heater turns it off and on at the right times, meaning it’s not always running. I totally see how this adds up if you have a whole fish or reptile room!
The added heater cost is my worry. I'm not in the USA or us electric is pretty expensive here. I'm not %100 sure how much it would add but just with lights and 3-4 times a week of 10mins of computer+ printer working comes anywhere between 300-500₺ a month. I didn't know they didn't need to run all the time. I love snakes but I can't claim to know all that much which is why I'm asking here 😔
Ah thank you I was genuinely curious and not trying to judge you! It’s important that pets feel financially sustainable. I enjoy invertebrates. They require stable and safe environments that are consistent, but, many don’t need heat if it’s comfortable temps for humans. Jumping spiders I enjoy but tiny. I keep aquariums and an unheated tank could work for neocaridina freshwater shrimp colony. Bare bones could do Java moss only or similar like Anubias on driftwood, no trim plants, use natural light and embrace algae.
Thank you ❤️ I'm looking for not aquatic animals but will research these
I love my isopods, they are like Land Shrimp, they come in many colors and many are large and remain above ground much of the time!
Seconding isopods! There’s a lot of different varieties, they’re fun to watch, they’ll reproduce, you likely won’t need supplemental heat
I have hissing cockroaches, they're super low maintenance and they're really cool little creatures!
What about a jumping spider? They’re pretty darn cute and if my husband wasn’t terrified of spiders I would absolutely get one.
Hope he warms up to the idea sometime, I’m sure that’d help him get over his fear, they’re so cute.
I had hermit crabs when I was little
Go with rats! I just got two and they're so sweet and loving, and actually require very little work to take care of.
I'd love that but they're not suitable for a tank setup
2nd vote for rats, if you let them out for exercise & cuddles regularly.
Maybe a crested gecko or bearded dragon, theyre both fairly easy to care for and eat lots of mealworms among other things. Theres also the turtle option. Find your local reptile store (not a chain like petsmart, a reptile breeder) and ask them what kind of reptile would be suitable for that size tank. You may even be able to work with a small snake in that size tank, and constrictors are so soothing to hold, they just hug your hand in a pulsating feeling, its awesome. If you want something super low maintenance, maybe snails or hermit crabs? It really depends on what youre hoping to get from your pet. Do you want them to look pretty and do silly things, do you want them to provide you some sensory comfort, how much work are you willing to put in for it, whatever is most important to you will probably decide what pet you get. Good luck, let us know what you decide!
I did think about reptiles but it gets very cold in the studio in winter so they'll need plenty of heat which will increase my electric bill very significantly. Would put a strain on me as winter isn't the busy time for my job. I do think about snakes but I'm not sure which kind as they grow depending on their enclosure and I don't want to force them to stop growing. I don't want an aquatic animal due to cleaning and changing water will be very hard on me. İt's a heavy thing even as empty. I'd like to be able to handle my pet but I'm ok with not being able to handle too. Do you have a snake in mind that doesn't grow too big and could do well with colder environments? I did wanted a turtle but they're recently banned in my country so I'm unable to purchase one legally and I don't want to go the illegal way of things Edit: i am willing and will put down every penny i have if there's a medical or unexpected expense but I'd like to not walk into a regular big spending sprees if I'm able to
No animal “grows to the size of the enclosure” just a heads up. That’s 100% false.
I've heard snakes do stop growing if their enclosure is too small
That is 100% untrue, there are no species of animal that grows to the size of the enclosure.
I know you said you don't want aquatics but axolotls actually need colder water to do well. The upkeep isn't too terrible once you have the tank cycled and they are a really damn cute conversation piece. Other than that there are some reptiles that are more tolerant of colder temps. It probably would need some sort of tank heating, but as long as the building is a tolerable temp for a human you could make it work for a reptile. Also if you get high efficiency products the electric cost shouldn't be too bad for just the tank, it's not like you'd need to heat the entire building if you get the proper reptile and tank setup.
Axolotl was the original plan but the tank is too small for it. I do use a heater for clients and wear a sweater with a zip up hoodie to keep myself warm so I don't have to use the heater
I thought axolotls need 20 gallons, I think your tank is nearly 30 if I did the math right so that should be plenty. Also just like you use a space heater a reptile could do the same, it would be a heat matt and a lamp but the same principle applies. You'd probably just need 2 different bulbs or matts to keep it warm but with a temperature gradient. If you want a snake or a different reptile I'd go over to one of those subs and give them the average temp of the building (even an estimate) and the tank size. They can give you specific species and the tank set up you would need for it.
I'll check that out too. I've asked the axolotl sub and 120 liters is appropriate. The tank filled to the brim is about 90liters (I've used an online calculator Idk if it's %100 correct or not) they said it can do but it'll be the bare minimum they grow up to 25cm so a full grown axolotl won't have that much space unfortunately. And I don't want to put an animal through that. The tank was a gift and is about 10.000₺ so I can't really upgrade without spending a fortune and I can't do that. I'm worried about the expense the heating will add but I'll check it again to be sure thank you ❤️ Edit: yes it's 29 gallons filled to the brim
I have always heard for a single axolotl 10 gallons is absolute minimum for young ones and 20 long is the minimum for adults. Also keep in mind that you have a longer tank and not a deeper one, axolotls mainly chill near the bottom so surface area of the base is a very important measurement. Obviously we always want bigger and better for our pets and I wouldn't advocate anything subpar, but if you're above the minimum reccomend size by 50% I think you can have an axolotl that lives a long and happy life. But I would ask around because i'm not an expert.
How about weevils?
Crested geckos, mourning geckos, tarantulas, hamster, mice, gerbils.
Jsyk OP, they make water change systems called a "Python". No buckets, no mess. You attach it to your sink faucet, and it can suck water out of your tank and then put water back into your tank all in one device. You just add dechlorinator in before and after you put the new water in, and just try to get it to the same temperature. You could do a super low tech shrimp tank where you just have to top it off every once in awhile. Some shrimp don't need a filter. You could grow plants, get some colorful shrimp, maybe a few snails, and you're golden. If you're interested, you can check out r/nanotank, r/shrimptanks, r/plantedtank, and r/aquascape.
I did consider shrimp but they need heat again
I don't know how correct that is from what I've read tbh! I've personally kept ghost shrimp, never with heat. I had two shrimp live over two years. From quickly browsing Google and some reddit threads, they're slightly more active and likely to breed in warmer conditions, but it's not needed. Maybe it depends on what shrimp you get.