Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like to switch my monitor off of cypress mulch and on to the dirt/playsand mix. I've "heard" from this forum that it is one of the best substrates? My only concern is gnats, lots of gnats. In my experience with dirt in the house used for potted plants, it becomes a breeding oasis for annoying little black gnats. They take over, and every time you think you've killed the last one, three more take it's place. Since then, I've put a layer of rock over the dirt and problem solved.

Have you guys experienced a gnat problem with your dirt substrates? Is there a way to neutralize it? I know I can't put a layer of rock in my monitor's cage, that would defeat the purpose of the dirt.

Thanks in advance!
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1.1.0 Leopard Geckos (Booger, Gimp)
1.0.0 Veiled Chameleon (Lucutis)
0.0.1 Quince Monitor (Pollux)
1.2.0 Thayeri Kingsnakes (Korben, Leeloo, Artax)
1.2.0 California Kingsnakes (Beetlejuice, Maraca, Kodos)

Hi Aubrey, I don't think any of the more experienced keepers would recommend a dirt/playsand combo for V. melinus. Leaf litter or a dirt/leaf combo is a much better choice. I use oak leaf litter.

One advantage of using leaf litter with a water-type monitor, is that the water tub will not get mucked up as much.

I think gnats should be way down on your list of concerns.

Cheers,
Neal

Great, thanks for the advice Neal! Do you just go out into the woods and collect the leaves, or do you get them some special place. Also, when you say "leaf litter," is there anything else in the substrate or is it nothing but dead leaves?

Thanks again!
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1.1.0 Leopard Geckos (Booger, Gimp)
1.0.0 Veiled Chameleon (Lucutis)
0.0.1 Quince Monitor (Pollux)
1.2.0 Thayeri Kingsnakes (Korben, Leeloo, Artax)
1.2.0 California Kingsnakes (Beetlejuice, Maraca, Kodos)

I live in the desert so actually I pay $1 per pound plus shipping for my oak leaf litter... haha

If you cannot get them in your area perhaps you can convince a good friend or relative in a northern state to send you some. There are a couple of good guys who may go to the woods and collect them for you. Checkout John at cybersalvator.com and Bob at treemonitors.com.

You can use just straight leaves. What size is your set-up?

Ok, I'll see what I can scrounge up. I live in WI, and there are plenty of trees here....may have to go leaf hunting soon!

Currently he is in a 4'x18"x22" glass enclosure. The top is mostly covered, save for the area with the heat lamps. I know having ventilation and heat on top are not so great for humidity, but I don't know how else to set it up at the moment. The humidity seems to be OK for now, but I know it could be better. I'll be building him a bigger and better enclosure once he grows out of this one. That'll probably be soon!
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1.1.0 Leopard Geckos (Booger, Gimp)
1.0.0 Veiled Chameleon (Lucutis)
0.0.1 Quince Monitor (Pollux)
1.2.0 Thayeri Kingsnakes (Korben, Leeloo, Artax)
1.2.0 California Kingsnakes (Beetlejuice, Maraca, Kodos)

As you already realize, ventilation and the light on the top of the cage is usually not good, but it can work. That size is ok for raising up, but with good temps and plenty of food your monitor should be outgrowing that set-up very quickly.

I suggest that you start working on a cage soon, at least an 8'x3' floor space with a minimum of 4-5' in height. Filling that space with 2' of dirt would be a real chore. Leaf litter is much lighter and easier to deal with than dirt. Just dump the leaves in, compact them down and pour in some water.

Happy leaf hunting! Cheers,Neal