Are Monitor Lizards Right for Me?

SchizotypalVamp

SchizotypalVamp

The REAL AC Mafia
Mar 18, 2008
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California
I am looking into the vague possibility I can get a dwarf monitor

-I have a 40 gallon acrylic that can be used, and a 55 glass if I really, really
want to. I've heard conflicting reports about whether these are suitable
-I understand the need for heat pads, UV lamps etc
-I have frozen mice and crickets regularly available to me.

If so, could you also please point me in the direction of a board where I can get some good advice?
If not, could you direct me to a board about frogs and/or tortoises so that I can look into other possibilities?

Thank you.
 
I recommend V.a.acanthurus. Or Ackies for short. they are a small monitor and one will do fine in a 40 gallon breeder. I personally do not like 55 gallon tanks for their depth.. You need a wide tank that you can easily reach in to clean.

i also recommend this forum tailored for monitors http://www.varanus.net/
 
i agree on the size of the 55gallon tank for lizards that get over 12 inches... it just isnt wide enough...

ackies are cool little guys though... but they CAN grow out of a 40 or 55... if you dont have any other tanks or cage options, i wouldnt recomment it..
 
If the small ones aren't any easier to get along w/ than the larger ones, I'd pass - but that's me... I like reptiles that don't mind being handled some.
 
yeah... a 55g is more suited for fish... they really dont do lizards any good at all because you really only gain height (and lose width if im not mistaken)

use the 40g breeder, and get one of the smaller breeds you should be fine if you know how to care for it properly
 
I agree that Ackies or Timors are a great choice for a begining monitor species. You can start either in a 40 gallon breeder but they still should definitely have more space as adults because they will use all that you can provide. A custom cage should be considered because fish tanks are for fish. Keep in mind though that these species don't really like handled and should be kept as a display animal. I actually want to start breeding ackies in the near furture but they're not cheap and I want to at least start with a 1.2.0 trio.

Here's a good site I recommend joining if you are really interested in owning any type of Varanidae.

http://www.varanus.net/
 
How about a dwarf tegu instead of a monitor? They're smaller than most monitors, more attractive colors/patterned, and similar to the savannah regarding temprament IME.
 
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