water monitor

[NicoleRussell]

Does anyone have a watermonitor? I am really considreing one but I want to know what I'm getting into--Robyn at PE also sells Blackthroats which are captive bred---but they aren't as large---any help would be appreciated...
Thanks

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[Ed_r]

Well Considering they are i think the 3rd or 4th largest monitor species, I don't think they would make a great pet, unless you REALLy have space. They are very thick bodied, and get quite heavy. They are like a Savannah Monitor But a whole lot bigger. Usually fairly docile. Spend allot of time in the water as the name implies. They need a good sized pool with clean water, they get to be 6-7 ' im pretty sure.

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[NicoleRussell]

Yeah I would wait until I moved and provide one with adequet space....they get to be about 75 pounds! Amazing looking animals......

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[Ace]

yes very large, but amazing!!

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[ReDTaiLgirl]

ya i have a juvenile whos a sweetheart. he loves water

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[NicoleRussell]

what do you plan on doing for water when he grows large? The recent article in reptiles mag by R Markland stated they do not require water as the name implies....wha are your thoughts?
NR

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[brigboy]

Waters are awesome. They get big fast and will eat endlessley. They are a big responsibility but are very rewarding to own.

Youll need a 40 gallon breeder minimum for the first year by which time a cute hatchling may be 3 feet and then its time for a custom enclosure. In the long run you need At least 8ft.x4ft.x4ft. with lighting (flourescents for UVA/B D etc) and Basking spot at one end up to 130ºF!! at the highest point of the enclosure with a tree or perch. A big pool of water is a must big enough for it to fully submerge the bigger the better.


I absolutely think they require water. It isnt essential for them to survive but I am sure they would be miserable. Mine spend most of the day and night sleeping in the water bowl.

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[Ed_r]

Since monitors are carnivores they done require UVB.
Whil I dont keep them nor really intend on keeping them any time soon. 130 degrees seems incredibly high for a basking spot. No where in Malasia gets 130 degrees. I've heard 90-95 tops, otherwise your monitor would never leave the water.

I may be off a bit but 130 sounds REALLY high.

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[LdyDrgn]

Brigboy is correct Ed... monitors need basking areas of 90-130 degrees. The air temps may not be that high, but the rocks they bask on get pretty hot.

And Ed is correct in saying that monitors do not require UVB.

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[brigboy]

Ya your right it does seem high but if it works for proexotics. They mean like inches right under the bulb I think.

http://www.proexotics.com/care_water.html

Strait off the link...
"We use basking spot temperatures of 130° F for the Water babies, with ambient cage temperatures of 85° F. "

[Ed_r]

wasnt sure. just surprising to be that high for a water monitor. I could see if it were a Perenti or savannahs and such. some species thats native land would get that hot. I usually think to mimic the natural surroundings.

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[brigboy]

Yall are quickposters!!

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[Ed_r]

hehe Snooze ya loose. Btw welcome to RTB!!!

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[NicoleRussell]

Yeah, my tegus require high basking temps.
When given a choice between 90-120 they will always try and compete over the hot spot. I am in the midst of making it a little hotter still.
They are in a 6 x 3 x 2 cage (coming out of an 8 foot cage that was a waste) because they only utilize the burrows (which are spare dresser drawers) and basking spots. They get time to patrol the house each day for excercise.
I would think a water would be a larger version of this.....the only thing that frightens me is the food---my tegus will eat 5-6 chicks each at one sitting. They are no where near a WM's size either.
It sounds like you could go broke feeding them.
I ended up with the cylcura because they get large, do not require whole prey or water ponds. It's just easier I think.

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[KLG]

Are you prepared to properly feed, house & care for this:



K

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[NicoleRussell]

I LOVE them, nice photo....the food though---must be outta control....

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[morti]

They do get to be HUGE don't they?

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