Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning on getting an Red ackie.
But i can't find an anwser to one question.

Does Red ackie needs uv-A or uv-B light?

I dont mean to answer this one with a riddle but they do come from a very hot, brightly lit part of the world due to the sun. Some use UV and some dont in captive husbandry. I would give it a bright warm basking area of at least 110F.
Bob

Thanks for the quick anwser.

I'm planning on building an enclosure for an couple.
Made of wood with glas in the front.
Size will be 59 x 22 x 22 inch, this is larger than recommended, so i figured that wil be enough

I read in caresheets that dirt is the best substrate because they like to dig.
Is just sand an option or should it be just dirt? Or perhabs is there another substrate perfect voor monitors?

The sand soil substrate is used because it hold humidity and they are able to borrow in it. If you use just use sand it will not hold a borrow or humidity. You should post some pics of the ackies and cage when your done.

And once again, thanks for the quick answer

I'm realy thrilled to build the cage and having red ackie.
I tought about it for 6 months and i have been reading a lot of care sheets. And now made up my mind, red ackie is great!

Afcourse i will post some pics when everything is done

Depending on the size of the monitor dictates what we use, yes monitors love to dig but dirt/sand can cause problems in the eyes of hatchlings, cypress mulch is the best thing for hatchlings or even 1/4 size pea gravel. I try to use things large enough that they couldnt ingest or get in the eyes and cause problems. Monitors dig to escape heat and retain moisture among other reasons, feeling secure is one of the big reasons. Security can be had in other means besides dirt such as cork bark flats, flat rock put together to form an enlongated triangle works well and the monitor can adjust itself as it grows to fit snug and secure inside the triangular shape. We only really use dirt/sand for nesting sites/breeding. Cypress mulch will hold some humidity if you water it down. Whatever substrate you decide to use keep in mind monitors like to dig to hide and any cage decor should be sitting on the very bottom of the cage to avoid the monitor undermining it and crushing itself.
Good luck, Bob

Ok thanks, i will keep this info in mind.
And a subtrate of 8 inch is enough for them to dig i've been reading?

Sorry, i don't know how to wright the past time voor "reading".
I thought it was i've red or read, I can't remember how it was

Will potting soil be a good substrate voor ackie?

Check out our site, specifically the caresheet and FAQ section. There is lots of info there about substrate, lighting, and general cage setup info.

Best of luck.
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robyn@proexotics.com

ShipYourReptiles.com
Pro Exotics Reptiles

Oh, and get the Savannah Monitor book by Bennett and Ravi. Info also at our site, it is the best available monitor book.
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robyn@proexotics.com

ShipYourReptiles.com
Pro Exotics Reptiles

thnx for the info
I'm reading it right now

Here in the Netherlands i can only get this book: Savannah Monitors, A Complete Guide to Varanus Exanthematicus by Mark K. Bayless.

Is this a good book and comes it with information about ackie's?

And also this one: Savannah And Grassland Monitors by Robert George Sprackland

Those are two of the worst books ever. Very poorly put together, and almost the complete OPPOSITE of good husbandry.

Check out our site, we export twice a week. The Bennett and Ravi Sav book is currently out of print, but we got copies direct from Dan Bennett, the last remaining few. Get them while you can : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

ShipYourReptiles.com
Pro Exotics Reptiles

I've send you an e-mail. I can't figure it out of how to order something over seas

I was confused about the English name for my Acanthurus.
It's varanus acanthurus brachyurus. So it is yellow ackie and not red ackie!

I Thought you all should now

I've got to switch writing from Dutch to English.
What results in forgetting things.

So its got to be;
I thought you all should Know