Thinking about getting an Ackie!

[thomas1123]

Hey guys i have been thinking about getting an Ackie moniter and i was wondering if you guys could tell some info about them. What are the differences in a yellow and a red? What is the best substrate? Why do people sell them in groups? I would just like some information and some things you guys have learned from keeping them. Thank you!

[smy_749]

Hey guys i have been thinking about getting an Ackie moniter and i was wondering if you guys could tell some info about them. What are the differences in a yellow and a red? What is the best substrate? Why do people sell them in groups? I would just like some information and some things you guys have learned from keeping them. Thank you!

Type Ackie in the search option here and look for the threads that are just like yours, theres so many threads about ackies starting another one is pointless.

To answer your questions quickly, The differences in yellow and red are locality I believe, color (duh), and some people say temperament but I haven't kept them and they are both great, neither is a vicious species...

The best substrate is a mix of soil and sand, or just dirt from your backyard. These hold burrows best, and ackie monitors are a burrowing species so its vital they have deep substrate (over a foot, preferably 18-24 " ) People sell them in groups because they are social monitors, they do well in groups and show interesting behaviors which are absent if you keep a solo monitor
(provided you have one male), and you can make babys as they readily breed in captivity.

[thomas1123]

Ohhh thats pretty cool! Would you recommend getting more than just one? And yeah i was reading a little bit about them and it said the red were slightly more more aggressive than the yellows but they are both great lizards either one you choose. Could i keep just 1 of these in a 55 or 75 gallon tank when they are full grown? Ill go type that in now and check them out! Thanks for the quick reply!

[RyanReptile]

Ohhh thats pretty cool! Would you recommend getting more than just one? And yeah i was reading a little bit about them and it said the red were slightly more more aggressive than the yellows but they are both great lizards either one you choose. Could i keep just 1 of these in a 55 or 75 gallon tank when they are full grown? Ill go type that in now and check them out! Thanks for the quick reply!

It is best to build your own enclosure, these are also too small any way. Aquariums provide to much ventilation and do not have enough height to support the proper amount of substrate they require.

[smy_749]

75 gallon is not too small. But top opening makes it difficult to build trust. Screen tops are horrible. Youd need to cover 2 or 3 sides for security. Etc etc. Build one and save yourself the trouble. Oh and after substrate , you wont have much head room in a 75 to decorate and add things for them to use. I suggest a trio if you can afford it. Babies are unsexable, and buying a trio will help your odds of ending up with a pair or trio.

[thomas1123]

Well i am probably only going to get one if i do find one just because i don't think i will be able to pay that much for two or three. How long does it take for one to become an adult? because i was planning on building a cage for it, it just depends on how fast they grow really. I was planning on building a glass cage with a front opening door on it but everything is still in speculation right now lol But i was probably going to put him in an exo-terra cage that i have right now for when i first get him or her and then upgrade him when he gets to big for it. What would be a good way to keep humidity in while he has a screen top? (exo-terra cage).

[murrindindi]

Hi, it`s much better to build a solid wooden enclosure, it will hold the heat better than a glass fishtank, and will be able to support the weight/pressure of a relatively deep substrate of 30 to 45cm (12 to 18 inches). For a trio I would suggest a size around 6L x 3W x 3.5 to 4H (feet).
It`s not too difficult to sex the hatchlings using the transillumination technique (type that into your search engine), it should lead you to the article in "Biawak" a free online journal specialising in Varanids), it`s authored by Dr. Danny Brown, a very experienced Aussie vet.
As far as I`m aware, there`s something of a waiting list just now in America, they are quite a popular species, and rightly so!

[murrindindi]

Hi, it`s much better to build a solid wooden enclosure (well sealed, no screen tops), it will hold the heat better than a glass fishtank, and will be able to support the weight/pressure of a relatively deep substrate of 30 to 45cm (12 to 18 inches). For a trio I would suggest a size around 6L x 3W x 3.5 to 4H (feet).
I believe it`s not too difficult to sex the hatchlings using the transillumination technique (type that into your search engine), it should lead you to the article in "Biawak" a free online journal specialising in Varanids), it`s authored by Dr. Danny Brown, a very experienced Aussie vet.
As far as I`m aware, there`s something of a waiting list just now in America, they are quite a popular species, and rightly so!

[Pirarucu]

75 gallon is not too small. But top opening makes it difficult to build trust. Screen tops are horrible. Youd need to cover 2 or 3 sides for security. Etc etc. Build one and save yourself the trouble. Oh and after substrate , you wont have much head room in a 75 to decorate and add things for them to use. I suggest a trio if you can afford it. Babies are unsexable, and buying a trio will help your odds of ending up with a pair or trio.Seventy five gallons is not big enough. A foot of soil is the minimum, and that would leave you with six inches of air space in the tank... That size tank is not wide enough either. You're talking about a potentially two foot monitor in a cage a foot and a half wide..

[murrindindi]

I have no idea how to delete the duplicate reply, I can`t see a delete button anywhere?

[Pirarucu]

I think only moderators can delete posts, which seems a bit silly to me..

[murrindindi]

I think only moderators can delete posts, which seems a bit silly to me..

If only we mere mortals had the power to control the world they have..... If only..... ;)

[thomas1123]

Yeah i know what you guys mean about building a wood enclosure and all, its just i am living in an apartment right now so idk how a 6 ft cage would be in my room but i wouldn't build that until it really grows out of its enclosure you know. I'm moving into a house a year after so as long as it can hold out for a year it is all good and i could have a wood enclosure. But why does everyone say that these lizards are like bearded dragons but then other people say that they are more of look don't touch lizard? I'm guessing that the people saying that didn't really tame down there lizard or something? Is there really a waiting list? Oh gosh that's great lol I was hoping to get one at an expo at the end of June so i hope they have some there. ill check out that sexing article right now though. Also would the enclosure have to be bigger if i did happen to get more than one? Are they very social with each other? Like would they get bored if i just had one?

[smy_749]

Seventy five gallons is not big enough. A foot of soil is the minimum, and that would leave you with six inches of air space in the tank... That size tank is not wide enough either. You're talking about a potentially two foot monitor in a cage a foot and a half wide..

75 gallon tanks are 21 inches high, not 18. Not much of a difference but it'd leave you with 9 inches. Anyways, your right, 18 inch width is not enough. I retract my previous statement :S

[murrindindi]

Yeah i know what you guys mean about building a wood enclosure and all, its just i am living in an apartment right now so idk how a 6 ft cage would be in my room but i wouldn't build that until it really grows out of its enclosure you know. I'm moving into a house a year after so as long as it can hold out for a year it is all good and i could have a wood enclosure. But why does everyone say that these lizards are like bearded dragons but then other people say that they are more of look don't touch lizard? I'm guessing that the people saying that didn't really tame down there lizard or something? Is there really a waiting list? Oh gosh that's great lol I was hoping to get one at an expo at the end of June so i hope they have some there. ill check out that sexing article right now though. Also would the enclosure have to be bigger if i did happen to get more than one? Are they very social with each other? Like would they get bored if i just had one?


As far as you building a larger enclosure when the animal/s "grow out" of the fishtank size one, have you any idea how big the bush (wild) is? If this were me I`d build the "adult" sized one from the start, it means less stress from moving, they`ll use all the space you offer, and it`s also cheaper and easier for you!
I`m not sure why anyone would say they are just like Bearded dragons, in what way?
You can start with one, though if you get the opportunity it`s great to try and breed them at some stage.

These animals are defensive, not aggressive... ;)

[thomas1123]

As far as you building a larger enclosure when the animal/s "grow out" of the fishtank size one, have you any idea how big the bush (wild) is? If this were me I`d build the "adult" sized one from the start, it means less stress from moving, they`ll use all the space you offer, and it`s also cheaper and easier for you!
I`m not sure why anyone would say they are just like Bearded dragons, in what way?
You can start with one, though if you get the opportunity it`s great to try and breed them at some stage.

These animals are defensive, not aggressive... ;)

Yeah i know its just i feel like it is going to be hugggeee lol But i was reading some posts on here and some other websites and they were saying how they are chill and calm like bearded dragons and how they will just chill in your hands but they are a bit more flightier than bearded dragons. Thats just what ive read.

[Pirarucu]

75 gallon tanks are 21 inches high, not 18. Not much of a difference but it'd leave you with 9 inches. Anyways, your right, 18 inch width is not enough. I retract my previous statement :SReally? Hmm, maybe the ones I've seen weren't 75s then. Thank you for the correction.

[DiscoPat]

Yeah i know what you guys mean about building a wood enclosure and all, its just i am living in an apartment right now so idk how a 6 ft cage would be in my room but i wouldn't build that until it really grows out of its enclosure you know. I'm moving into a house a year after so as long as it can hold out for a year it is all good and i could have a wood enclosure. But why does everyone say that these lizards are like bearded dragons but then other people say that they are more of look don't touch lizard? I'm guessing that the people saying that didn't really tame down there lizard or something? Is there really a waiting list? Oh gosh that's great lol I was hoping to get one at an expo at the end of June so i hope they have some there. ill check out that sexing article right now though. Also would the enclosure have to be bigger if i did happen to get more than one? Are they very social with each other? Like would they get bored if i just had one?

If you're moving to a house in a year it would be best to wait a year and then get an Ackie.

[Danimal]

I am a fan of using stock tanks, here is a post from Antonio (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/varanid/94845-getting-ackies-need-advise-suggestions.html) when he decided to get his ackies. I think his enclosure turned out really good. I want a trio too but my wife won't let me until I finish the 2 tanks I have now. :(

Doesn't Gregg breed ackies?

[smy_749]

I am a fan of using stock tanks, here is a post from Antonio (http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/varanid/94845-getting-ackies-need-advise-suggestions.html) when he decided to get his ackies. I think his enclosure turned out really good. I want a trio too but my wife won't let me until I finish the 2 tanks I have now. :(

Doesn't Gregg breed ackies?

Yea, and theres another member here as well who starts with a G I believe and breeds ackies. The one who hatched out the striped ones I think. (gatorhunter or something)

[Gatorhunter1231]

I breed reds and Greg and John A breed yellows. A 75 gallon with proper top and correct setup would work for a couple of months. However they can be mature by 7 months so the need for 18-24in of sandy soil has to be meet by then. I know some get away with 12in but older females get picky. A custom enclosure is the best way to achieve success. I use 50 gallon rubber maids for the first few months to monitor feeding, health etc. and around 12in of sandy dirt.