20 gallon ... top or no?

[Elliriyanna]

I am buying a 20 tall for my baby axies ... I know they use floorspace more than height but I only have room for a 24 inch tank.

However I was wondering if I only fill the tank up 12 inches ( The tank is 16 inches total) If I can get away with screen top

 

[Bellabelloo]

A screen lid would be fine.

 

[Elliriyanna]

Is it Mandatory is what I am asking.

 

[Mortimer]

I would fill it up all the way and definitely use a top.

 

[elfelty]

I'd fill it up all the way with a top. You may get a swimmer, some seem to prefer just running on the bottom, but some axies like to swim laps up and down and around the whole tank. A screen top will cut down on splashes too when they choose to "jump" or flip around real quick. Like when they see you and then you don't feed them.

 

[tigmades]

All that and some axies can jump out of the water greater than 4" if they're really determined

Alternatively you could put a 2" border around the entire top (using something like duct tape) - that will prevent unwanted axies on the floor.

 

[tigmades]

Caudata Culture Articles - Preventing Escape

 

[Elliriyanna]

They are just teeny babies right now so I have time before they even get upgraded.