sav cage ?'s

[herp krayzee]

I am planning on getting a juvenile savanna monitor in the next couple of months and I am planning on building an enclosue 6ft long by 3.5 ft wide and 4 to 4.5 ft hight(two feet of dirt in bottom). My question is what is the best way to heat this enclosure. I am planning on using a 250W infared heat bulb for the basking spot and a 48'' flouresant light for daytime light. With the cage being so large what do you guys suggest for heating other than the basking spot. I was also thinking of burying some type of shelf about one foot from the bottom of the enclosure on either side and covering them with dirt for stability if he or she decides to burrow into the substrate.

sorry about the long post
thanx
Darren

[Ravi]

Hi Darren

Good questions. If your cage is very large, heating can become a problem especially in a cold environment. I think that a 250W bulb might be overkill for a basking spot but it really all depends on your conditions. Let me explain. I keep my animals in my basement. I fight an uphill battle with the cold during the winter but if I were to use a 250W bulb I would fry my guys the way my cages are set up. Perhaps it'll work in your setup.

I would run a chain from the top of the tank to set up about 2 or 3 lights for a basking spot that you could move up or down as you need.

Heat rises so you'll have to play around with bulbs, heaters, etc to maintain your ambients.

If you read some of what is written in my book it explains a lot of what you may be asking yourself. Its called The Truth About Savannah Monitors.

Let me know if you have any other ?'s.

Thanks.

[reptiguy123]

Where can you get this book?

[Bartman]

Wouldnt a cage that size for a juvi sav be to big? I got the impression that they will feel unsecure or something..plz correct me if im wrong

[reptiguy123]

You have to plan for the long run. It isn't too big to me. Just supply hides and make sure he/she gets his/her food.