help with varanids

[hotrodrob]

hi, I am relatively new to reptile keeping, and i would like to keep some monitors, i am constructing an enclosure 2m long, 1m wide and 1m tall. I'd like to keep 2-3 monitors, and the enclosure is inside.
It will have a top that opens and a glass front. I am going to fill it with 4in of sand (is beach sand good for this?) with basking rock at one side under a lamp (what wattage should this be?) with a temp at around 50-60 degrees(?) I am going to incorparate a flourescent for UV supplementation with venting at the top to allow air exchange

Is there anything else i should do? I have kept bearded dragons/skinks of various types and geckos. These were all wild, and before i knew better.

 

[DragonKeeper]

Try Wikipedia or Google...

From what I have heard Storr's monitors are the easiest to keep and they are fairly small...

 

[hotrodrob]

im after something that will grow to a respectable size, hence the 2m long enclosure, something 2-3-4ft long

 

[Ricko]

What about varanus tristis? or black headed monitor they are quite nice although the ones i have been in contact with dont like to be touched much at all but make good active monitors for a display.

 

[hotrodrob]

varanus.net is down and wiki is lacking enough info, im gonna have to look harder, oh well im in no rush

 

[Reptile City]

Hi HotRodRob
Drop in to Reptile City at Christies Beach we can show you our breeding set-ups & our adult monitors.
We keep & breed, Mertins Water monitors, WA Ackies & Kimburley Rock monitors.
We have bred many more species of monitors as well.
Monitors is my thing, so check us out.
Welcome to this great site,
Jason Lapins

 

[hotrodrob]

id love to drop in but its a lttle far at the moment(i am without a car till tomorrow) so i may have to wait a couple of weeks till i come up there. That said i am very interested to see some varanids in the flesh

 

[hotrodrob]

Maybe a change in plans, An outdoor enclosure might be on th cards. With a Brickie for a brother, and us with access to concrete, it would be cheapish. Being in Gawler SA, would i be confined to native goannas, like Sand monitors?

Also is the Perentie, Varanus Varius

 

[hotrodrob]

bump

 

[Ricko]

i think varanus varius is a lace monitor. varanus giganteus is the perentie.