the tank is a 20g long, the one hid is a "half log" from the store, teh other is an open "tree" from the store. i have 2 themometers on opp. ends of the tank, the ones that stick to the wall the temp is 88 deg. farenheit in the hot, 82 cool, yes by flakey i mean looks like stuck skin. i asked what they were feeding it before i purchased and they said f/t mice. the only reason for me offering it so often is bc i hate seeing it look "skinny." im so used to corns and kings, that im prob. basing my judgement of its behavior on them. thanks for the help. i really appreciate it