For Mark, about the rudicollis

[markb]

For temps in malaysia/Burma/Philippines etc where rudicollis lives, just go to local public library and ask to see their reference for average temps/humidity in these regions, and the librarian will be glad to show them to you - or on the net. Go to weather webpage and type in city, and there you have it.

Where rudicollis go to cool off you ask? In the water of course! These are a highly aquatic species, but do not look it! They need to soak completely when they desire; use low watt basking lamps, but use more than one of course, so as to give them plenty of heat but not burn their skin. Water is a sink hole for heat, soaking up tremendous amount of heat before 1 C increase, so it takes alot to raise water temp, so waters in S.E. Asia although warm when compared to frigid california/west coast waters, is always cooler than the ambient air temp in asia....

I too used to go to a dog/cat vet, and he was very competent with diagnosis of my reptiles maladies.

As for what is right for your rudicollis, look at their body language when they bask: their postures tell you if they are relaxed, alert, basking but alert, not well, etc..seek out Auffenberg's book on komodo or better yet Gray's monitor which lives in Philippines, and has rudicollis references and look at the body posturing illustrations there....they will help you tell how your animals feel/are in their captive environment.... the animals can tell you alot, and watch them. You can also tell when they're bored and depressed, but for this species being semi-social, it is less likely than other more solitary species (i.e. V. griseus).
cheers,
markb

[Dragoon]

Thanks Mark. Good post.
I've heard those books being recommended before. I know someone who has some copies, but its very hard to track him down. lol. He's very busy. I hope to borrow them someday.

I'd like to point out something on the "low wattage" comment, that is misleading. (Try to remember new people read these forums.)
It is certain temps, not wattage, that is important. How much wattage you use depends on your cage, size of the animal, ambient temp of your house, and the distance from the light the animal will be, etc.
You should always use the lowest wattage that provides the target temp. A person's house, and cage setup will determine what wattage you use. The wattage could be anything, it is just the keeper's job to find out through experimentation.
Cheers, D.