I have him in a 20 gal long tank, He has a temp gradient at 89 degrees on the hot side. I am feeding him crickets of assorted sizes, and meal worms. The lady I got him from said he was eating the meal worms fine. He has a hide spot on each side of the tank with a small water dish next to his food on the cool side to keep the humidity level low. He seems active and perfectly fine especially when I take him out to run around and play. I will try your food trick.