The problem with water monitors is water, its a pain in the rear to maintain. As in lots of work. Monitors are already lots of work. So those that choose to keep water monitors with lots of water are, well work-a-holics.

They can be raised without swiming water, but then the point is WHY, have water monitors without water. There are plenty of other species that do not require large bodies of water.

I keep and have bred mertens, same for them and they are little. They are one of the greatist of monitor species, but tooooooo much work. The problem is, the work is constant. I recomend you make you own choice on this matter.

About wattages, with larger monitors its critical that you understand, they need a hot area at least SV size. So, a bank of low wattage lites is cheaper/safer/better, then one high wattage lite. So two to four 65 watt incandesent floods works great, without the ability to burn. Halogens 45 watts, can be used, but some brands have a strong ability to burn. Its rare, but does happen.

I use to use ackies to test types of bulbs, they were a poor test subject, Ackies seem to be fire proof. They do not burn. Of course other species like kimberlys are not fire proof. So its better to test with them. Halogens have the potential to burn, even low wattage.

You must consider, I do not go by my own rules and recomendations. But I am aware of the problems. This goes for you too. You can use dangerous bulbs, but be aware of the problems, don't allow them to get too close. There are times I do use halogens. Cheers

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