Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[Shrew]

i am looking at getting my first monitor...i will be able to house it/them in a 8' wide x 4' deep x 7' tall...those are rough estimates i may be able to push it a little bigger.

just wondering what is the biggest monitor species that i could house in that size, also what species are good temperments??

i have a pair of argentine tegus also, so have some experience with bigger reptiles

thankyou

[Bohan]

To be honest mate, i think you need to look around the forum/net and have a look at some of the different Varanus species. See what species really appeals to you and what would be more suitable for your viv size.
With a large viv like yours i would still aim for a colony or group of a small to small/medium sized species?
Although i'd prefer salvator, salvadorii or giganteus
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http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p17/Bird-fly/

2.0.0 Varanus glauerti.
1.1.0 Varanus a brachyurus.
1.1.0 Chlamydosaurus kingii.
1.3.4 Lacerta vivipera.

[Sean]

It also depends on what animals suits you best not only the size of the enclosure. If your enclosure is made of wood then I would stay clear of tropical species as these require high humidity and this does not favour vivariums made from wood product unless you use a yacht varnish to protect. I would stay clear of niloticus and exanthematicus, although both are readily available in the trade and cheap to buy they require special care in diet, plus some locals of niloticus can become extremely large and can be an handfull. I would not advocate keeping glauerti or pilbarensis in groups, they are best housed alone until around 6 months of age then you can house 2 or 3 together depending on your enclosure.
These animals are easily stressed and are very delicate at a young age and sometimes it is too late when they start to show signs of distress. I think people often make the mistake and keep them in groups this is a no no and especially for babies. If it was me then I would suggest flavirufus they don't get as large as panoptes and are very entertaining captives, if you can find some that is. Argus ( panoptes) are great too and are almost bullet proof, very active monitors so require large space. All you can do is your homework and see what you prefer and see if it fits your needs as well as the animal's.

[johne.ev]

I agree with Sean, Argus are great species to keep (very active ). also be prepared for your electric bill, an enclosure of that size requires alot of heat, especially in the winter months, as i found out.

good luck.