Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Do you guys think it's ok to use ASPEN BEDDING as substrate for a baby Water/Salvator monitor? Also, Can I use a reptile aquarium with a sliding screen top for an enclosure? (Sorry but i'm thinking in terms of pythons b/c I know pythons aren't recommended in glass aquariums with screen tops due to loss of humidity). Do you guys HIGHLY recommend UV LIGHTING?

Thanks your help guys,

Lydia

I'd use dirt for substrate, I'd build a wooden enclosure, I would avoid screens for the same reason you stated. I don't highly recommend UV lighting, but I do use it on my beardies My monitors don't seem to give a rip.

I hope that helped.

Hey,

In short, my thoughts on the matter.

Use dirt. It works best, it's cheapest, it's natural, & it's what more of the advanced keepers are using.

Don't use a screen for the same reason you mentioned. They need the humidity. Cover most of the screen if you want to use a screen top with something like pleiglass. It has worked well for me.

Gene

People seem to be split down the middle on that issue. A bunch of us don't use it, including myself, and have perfectly healthy monitors.

THANKS FOR THE HELP AND REPLIES!!!

Dirt huh? So do I just go to Home Depot and ask for quality dirt? What brand and what kind (obviously ones with the no fertilizer and chemicals right)???

Thanks again guys,

Lydia

A lot of people just get it outside. If you buy it (like me, because I have a tiny monitor), make sure you get the kind with no fertilizers in it.
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