I have never kept ackies but have kept/bred V. Pilbarensis,Glauerti and Gilleni and the available care sheets seem to apply to all the Odatria complex. I have had issues with dirt getting in the eyes of hatchlings and causing fatal problems. To avoid needless risk's I have found using a substrate that is to large to ingest or cause eye problems is the safest bet. This photo I have posted many times but does illustrate what needs to be accomplished and done in a safe/clean manner for the monitor. This allows for humidity by having a low water line below the substrate [ 1/4 inch washed gravel, approximate. 2-3 inches deep] that evaporates and is visible through the side of the glass so you can see what's going on. The important thing with this set up is to not over water as bacteria can breed in this water that can become nasty with fecal matter. The key is to water and allow almost total evaporation to keep any bacteria's from becoming a problem, then add a little more water, as far as hides, leaf litter is a good safe one and light enough not to crush the monitor. If you use any rocks make sure they are sitting on the bottom of the aquarium to avoid the monitor from undermining it and crushing itself. This set up has no leaf litter but does have grape vines and the peelings or husks from it. This provides safe hides and holds humidity when they hide in it. Dirt and digging is not a necessity for any of the dwarfs I keep unless breeding is the goal. The only time I have seen my monitors really dig burrows are when a female is gravid and needs a nesting site. The monitors also look alot cleaner when dirt is not used, not necessary if your a monitor but if you enjoy their colors it is a plus for the keeper along with needless dust. Most important with this set up is to heat at least 1/3 of the tank from underneath to allow for water evaporation/humidity.

Bob

www.herphatch.com

[ Show Entire Thread ]