Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in getting a savannah monitor but a lot of the info out there on them is contradicting. I have a few questions and was wondering if anyone can help me out. First of all what is a good substrate that is visually pleasing as well? Second what is the max temperature that the basking spot should get? 95 or 105, i have seen both on a few places? And lastlywhat size tank would 2 adults need, if they can be housed together.
Thanks in advance,
Kyle

Tank? Hehe... No tank... we're talking large enclosure.. 8 ftx5ftx5ft preferably if not bigger. Bigger is always better especially when housing 2 animals in the same area. As for basking.. try 130-140 degrees... What you listed is too low...and the cool end should get down in the 70's ideally. As for substrate... visually pleasing with a monitor is not something you should worry about. They're digging machines when kept properly. And that means lots and lots of dirt of proper consistency for their use. I'm still working on my dirt mix because my Sav still isn't happy with what I have her on...Its a continuous process that I've learned alot about in the last year.. but still have a long way to go. And I do mean a long way... While Savannah's may be classed as a medium sized monitor.. for their size they need large spaces because if they don't have excercise they get way overweight very easily and that could kill them. My Sav isn't exactly thin so I've had to cut back on her food intake...
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 het Blizzard (Lilith) and 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
1 Gerbil
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

Would dirt from outside be a good place to start or would i want to buy some?
Thanks,
Kyle

Depending on where you live.. just make sure there's no chance of chemicals in the soil and outside dirt is a good place to start... If you can't find that though.. walmart has unfertalized or treated topsoil... I got about 420 lbs of it for less than $6.
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Lucien

1.1 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh and Isis)
2.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 het Blizzard (Lilith) and 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
1 Gerbil
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

I know there was fertilizer used in my yard last year so would it still be okay if i used soil that is from down in the woods? The woods uis atleast 100 yards from where we fertilized. I live on a hill so the water drain out of the yard pretty well. I guess one year sounds like long enough for the fertilizer to be totally gone, but i just want to be sure.