Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking about a water Monitor. How long would a 70 gallon aquarium last a water? (48x24x24) What is their normal growth rate?

I keep an enclosure that size as a starter enclosure, from hatchling to first year. After that it just seems too small for them. Remember to have a large pool for them! They are named Water Monitors for a reason. For that size of enclosure, I keep a pool that is 50cm L X 50cm W X 20cm Deep for them. They spend up to 75% of the time there and often sleep in the water.

Keep in mind that these things can turn into monsters. I regularly see specimens at and over 2 meters in length in the field (and sometimes in the city). My sub-adults are in an outside 2.6m X 2.6m X 2.3m enclosure with a pool that contains 0.5 cubic meters of water.

Cheers,

Michael

I have had several water monitors and their growth rate depends on how much you are feeding them and how warm you are keeping them. You need a good basking spot, some say around 130 F, and a warm overall temp. When they are young I feed them as much as possible to get them to a nice size. When they are small they can catch a chill faster due to such a small body size and their matabolism is high. They should have plenty of crickets available and some pinkies or fuzzies, which ever is appropriate for their size. They love crickets and chase them down and search their substate for them when none are walking around. Enough about food, your question was about the cage also. I keep them in an aquarium only when they are fairly small and eating crickets. Then move them to custom built cages. They should have a large tub of water (rubbermaid tub), somewhere to hide a bit, branches to climb (they climb alot), and the famous basking spot. I add levels or platforms at different levels of the cage. They will find the spot they like, just keep cage temps in the right range. I heat the water also so that it isn't to cold. Watch what you heat the aquarium with, aquarium heaters can break, electricute, and burn your lizard. Titanium heaters are good as long as you protect them from burning the lizard. In smaller tubs, I use heat pads underneath the tub. They are sold at Walgreens for sore joints or pains. Medium setting is good to keep it warm. They will defecate in the water regularly and it can be easily removed and washed out. Don't let them lay in or drink their feces. I love water monitors and if you need anymore info contact me. I am always willng to help out. To round this up they can get up to 3 feet or so in a year with good conditions. They need the room and tub of water to suit their size. Good Luck!