First monitor.

[monitorlizard]

I have wanted a monitor for about nine years now and it looks like I finally might be able to get an animal from my favorite genus, Varanus!
I have 8x4x7 feet of space. With a budget of about $600 to spend on the animal(s) itself/themselves.
I really like how Chadlane sets up his enclosures, so any beginner animal that could go in an enclosure similar to those would be awesome!
Monitors - V. similis cage. (http://www.repticzone.com/forums/Monitors/messages/2170384.html)
Monitors - Varanus tristis updates. (http://www.repticzone.com/forums/Monitors/messages/2197988.html)

The only problem is, how would I clean such a large cage with these guys defecating in spots I would not be able to reach? Bioactive substrate? But then how would the bacteria and insects get to the elevated areas?

[infernalis]

I believe with a taller bio active cage, a simple rinse allowing the foul water to soak into the soil would suffice.

This would be the closest thing to rainfall I could imagine.

[nepoez]

I believe with a taller bio active cage, a simple rinse allowing the foul water to soak into the soil would suffice.

This would be the closest thing to rainfall I could imagine.

Yeah I made a gamble, and it worked. When the crap is too big and smelly, I dump water on it and it seems to not smell after a short time. Probably turns into fertilizer lol. I just hope in the long run it won't come back to bite me. Beetles seem to like to munch on the left over pieces too. Just wish I had some spring tails and isopods... Waiting for summer to come so I can collect some.

[infernalis]

That's a good point, it's thawing here, I can go get some more dirt and forest floor.

They seem to show great interest in new smells, a bucket or two of fresh dirt will get them out and active for a few hours.

[nepoez]

When the snow melts I'm going to have to find out where I can dig up some chem free soil for me new viv. I'm hoping to dig up a patch that has grass growin on it already hah.

[monitorlizard]

How do you think four tristis would do in a cage that size?

[smy_749]

From what people have told me that would be a fine size, although, you'd have to hope you end up with 3 females which is highly unlikely. Also, the majority of tristis keepers tend not to see very much of their animals, very very skittish which is why I didn't get any.

The smaller species tend to be more skittish, and the tree dwellers are very skittish, tristis is both.

[monitorlizard]

From what people have told me that would be a fine size, although, you'd have to hope you end up with 3 females which is highly unlikely. Also, the majority of tristis keepers tend not to see very much of their animals, very very skittish which is why I didn't get any.

The smaller species tend to be more skittish, and the tree dwellers are very skittish, tristis is both.

Thanks, and although I hope mine will not be shy I would be find if they are. I plan on getting them as juveniles and working with them hands on so get them used to humans.
Why should I hope that I end up with three females though?

[smy_749]

Thanks, and although I hope mine will not be shy I would be find if they are. I plan on getting them as juveniles and working with them hands on so get them used to humans.
Why should I hope that I end up with three females though?

Males don't do well together, so unless you get lucky with 2 males 2 females (in which I think you would still need to build a second enclosure) or 1.3, you may have issues with more than 1 male although I'm not sure on a cage that size. Someone with more experience will chime in soon enough.

If I could make a suggestion since you seem set on them, set up a webcam with a motion detection software and you can observe all the cool before they are exhibiting when your not around. And yes its possible to get them used to humans, but its very difficult, not to discourage you I'd love to see it. However I wouldn't call it "hands on" as that would probably freak them out to the point of no return haha