Maintaining Heat and Humidity Levels in an Ackie Monitors Enclosure

[@BlackDouglas1000]

This is the best dissertation on how to make the enclosure work thus far. Very informative, thank you.

[@Scales13]

Your welcome

[@shakirapaula4901]

I have read and looked at many videos about ackies. I am planning on getting one. I have to say that of all I have researched you have the best information compared to the other KZbinrs. You are thorough and clear. I love your Monitor. Thanks

[@Scales13]

Wow thank you so much. Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have. Its easier to send links and pictures of stuff on IG

[@taeviansworldofreptiles3828]

Solid video! Great information on balancong the husbandry these animals need.

[@Scales13]

Thank you. The video got really lengthy but I think I covered everything

[@mattpray9376]

So I just built a 7’lX3’wX4’t wooden enclosure for my juvenile Ackie - I have 1 foot of substrate and am using a 150w Halogen Floodlight on a dimmer switch on the warm end of the enclosure and it heats the whole enclosure!- your vids have been awesome and have taught me a ton of good info and given me some great ideas for my enclosure!- If everything stays stable in the enclosure for another 48hrs we are gonna make the move to the new enclosure!- thanks for everything and keep up the great videos!!

[@Scales13]

This bring me such joy to see that the info im giving is helping other keeper. Hit me up on IG I want to see that next enclosure you built sounds awesome!

[@TurboLimited]

Heat insulator was the phrase you were looking for for the pvc and wood heat retention

[@Amo888]

Great video! I’m using your videos amongst other sources online to research about ackie keeping but always understand things better once I’ve heard you explain something! TY for the videos 👏👏I’m excited to add an Ackie to the rep family one day soon

[@Scales13]

Awesome glad you enjoyed more coming soon.

[@chrislopez5066]

Started following you on insta, keep up the good vids

[@Scales13]

Thanks man glad you enjoy

[@jerryosmoolee9649]

I'm so glad you're doing videos on ackies. I just got one today. My first reptile. Kinda nervous to be honest haha

[@Scales13]

That's a very big step since Ackie are not really beginner reptiles. Congratulations and remember to do as much research as possible. Ackie are not a very hard species to keep but they do require attention patience and a few small skills.

[@chriscordova4576]

How much did you pay for you’re a ackie ?

[@jerryosmoolee9649]

@@chriscordova4576 360

[@Scales13]

Mine was 375

[@chriscordova4576]

Scales13 from where ?? Any websites 😩 they sell ackies here in Baltimore expo for 600$ -1000$

[@kriegtiger]

Yay ackies! They like it even a bit hotter than my savannahs, good humidity and temps can be a challenge for both species :) Regarding humidity, it's a bit misleading. The following numbers are made up to illustrate the point, but this is a quick example: If you have 30 units of moisture in the air and 80F air can hold 40 units, that's 75% humidity. If you have 30 units of moisture in the air and 120F air can hold 60 units, that's 50% humidity. So when the lights go off at night, the humidity goes up purely because the amount of potential moisture in the air before it condenses out goes down and the sensor is reading that ratio. This is why cold surfaces (like iced drinks) get water on them: the max amount of water the air around that cold object can contain has reduced to the point that it has to leave the air and go somewhere, so it clings to the surface itself as condensation.

[@Scales13]

Couldn't agree more. I've taken this into account after the creation of this video.

[@chrismiedlo6354]

I've been doing a ton of research before getting my first Ackie and this video answered so many questions I still had. I am still curious about what you use for the bulb type light in the enclosure. Most other videos have just briefly mentioned UV lights but don't elaborate. Is that what that bulb type light is?

[@Scales13]

The UVB is a desert 12% D3 + by arcadia. The bulb i am using for heat is a par38 indoor outdoor flood light 90 watts. Head 12 inches from basking spot.

[@WildLife_Perspective]

Very informative video!!

[@Scales13]

Thank you. Sorry it was mostly words and no action. My boy was just being shy that day and I didn't want to bother him.

[@WildLife_Perspective]

@@Scales13 No worries 👍

[@MrsCaleb1]

Question where did you get the bulb holder to mount in the enclosure if you have a link that would help

[@Scales13]

a.co/d/8F4DsUr that one's old uses these they are better.

[@nicholasvellios6555]

This is a good video! I was wondering about startup costs for an Ackie monitor. I would like to get into them at some point, but only when it's financially viable.

[@Scales13]

I think that's the main thing that make Ackles an intermediate species. True they are the best beginner monitor but start up cost of enclosures that are not found in common pet stores and finding a person who sells Ackles makes things expensive and rather difficult. Just a tip make sure you get a 4x3x2 instead of a 4x2x2 like I did so your ackie will have a 12 inches of substrate to dig into. It will save you headaches in the future. Also I have a new video coming out tomorrow about diet.

[@nicholasvellios6555]

Will do! I'll just have to find someone who makes good custom enclosures here in Europe.

[@Scales13]

@@nicholasvellios6555 On Facebook there a Ackie monitor fans page. Join that group and talk to Darren Oliver great Guy biggest breeder in the UK and give info on where to get enclosures and such.

[@nicholasvellios6555]

@@Scales13 thanks so much!

[@Scales13]

No problem

[@CypressWalker]

Very helpful video, thank you sir

[@Scales13]

Hey no problem just doing what I can.

[@secretlyconfused]

What do I do if my house does get cold at night? And how did you attach the lamp to your ackie's ceiling, I'm planning on doing a similar set up

[@Scales13]

You can attach safely with screws. If the house gets cold a enclosure will a cealing will trap enough heat in the enclosureto keep temps stable through night as long as the home isn't to cold or if they're no vents near the enclosure. Remember it's supposed to cold off at night so the animal can rest properly.

[@Shaden0040]

The term you were looking for is thermal conductivity. Glass is more thermaly conductive than PVC/wood.

[@Scales13]

Thanks redoing this video soon.

[@Kim-yl7yg]

Do you think it's doable to keep an Ackie on my covered screened porch in the South FLA area ? Within it's enclosure of course. Thank you.. great vids.

[@Scales13]

The humidity and natural light could be a plus. I Dont have any experience keeping them outside because of I live in New Jersey. What kind of enclosure are you thinking of using?

[@Kim-yl7yg]

@@Scales13 Dragon 48x24x36 with no vents.

[@Scales13]

The sunlight hitting the closure will make the ambient Temps rise to high in a cealed enclosure plus the glass would filter out all the good UVB the animal requires. What I would do to be safe is keep a normal cealed enclosure inside the house. And if you want keep a screened enclosure on your pourch so natural light and fresh air is an option on days with good weather.

[@Mariofredx]

That horn worm is probably a dark green because of that huge tan

[@Scales13]

Haha yeah extra crispy

[@a.k.o4738]

do you personally use a uvb light? because some people say you don't need one for an ackie

[@Scales13]

Yes I use them. To me any diurnal reptile that basking in the middle of the day benefits greatly from UVB exposure. Calcium that contains D3 can be used to supplement but each brand has a different amount of D3 in them and overdosing on D3 will give the animal the same symptoms as Metabolic bone disease. So with uvb the animal can produce its own D3 more naturally so you won't have the risk of overdosing.

[@starvedgarden7462]

Hello, I'm getting a baby red ackie monitor in a few weeks and I just have concerns. I live in Texas so it doesn't get cold here really and it's humid along the coast. I have a 40 gallon exo terra glass for it and have it setup mostly. I've been testing temps and humidity and it says it keeps my basking spot at around 120 ish which is what I hear a lot for baby and juvi ackies and the humidity stays at around 50-60%. I do plan to get a bigger setup when it gets bigger. The basking bulb I have is a 160w powersun UVA/UVB by zoo med. is this enough and do you hear any concerns or any advice. Please and Thank you.

[@Scales13]

Hi starved Garden, so for a baby setup to start that doesn't sound bad especially since you are already planning for a larger setup which you may need sooner than expected. Since your using such a powerful bulb just make sure the animal can't get to close to it to avoid burns. Mercury vapor burns are safer is you have a screen top however I would suggest getting a 90 watt indoor/outdoor flood light bulb that will bring the temp up to about 140 to 150. Thing is 120 is the bare minimum although Google will suggest this temperature to be what you need. Breeders suggest much higher temps between 140 to 160 degrees F. Anything below 120 I would consider to cold and dangerous for an Ackie. When you get your next enclosure make sure it's a 4x3x2 made of wood on PVC which will allow temps and humidity to be more stable. That's another thing make sure where ever you keep your current enclosure isn't near windows or areas of the house where temps swing. You should be fine other than that.

[@starvedgarden7462]

@@Scales13 Thank you so much for the reply. How long do you think I have till I would need to upgrade? Also did you build your setup? Also will do on the bulb

[@Scales13]

@@starvedgarden7462 no I bought my enclosure a 4x2x2 is bare minimum but it's not deep enough for the substrate 4x3x2 is what i recommend. As far as the bulb look at a video i made called "cost of everything you need for a single ackie" I have a link to the bulbs in the description along with the enclosure I'm currently using and my substrate mix. Also about 3 to 4 months your gonna need a larger setup.

[@vipirrr4974]

Hey man love thunder great healthy looking animal some specifics if I could get clarification on. What is the distance the bulb is from the basking spot and the temp being 150 ish is that the air temp under the bulb or the surface of the rock underneath? Pardon if these questions are stupid. Relatively new to such high temps.

[@Scales13]

No question is stupid. 150 is the surface temp. Id give it a range between 130 to 160 depends the higher the better for the older bigger animals. Distance is about 11 to 12 inches from the surface.

[@vipirrr4974]

Scales13 thanks man you’re awesome especially for responding to a comment on a older video! Helps a lot! Keep up the amazing care and look forward to much seeing more of thunders well cared for life!

[@Scales13]

Thank you hes one of my many enjoyedable creatures. You will see plenty of him. Btw I'm making an Ackie care guide which will be out soon.

[@carsonford7160]

What fixture did you buy and how do you wire it ? I am struggling

[@Scales13]

Just a ceramic fixture that u can use for chickens nothing fancy.theres some DIY enclosure builds on youtube. If you type in light fixture installation something should pop up.

[@bashftp3498]

Does it matter if the bulb is white or does it have to be yellow

[@Scales13]

Nope shouldn't matter for heat.

[@Norwegian_Human]

Quick question; How long do you have the lights off at night?

[@Scales13]

I run a normal 12 hours on 12 hours off during the warmer month of the year with no extra night heat the enclosure hold a good temp till morning. However during deep winter I run the lights and extra 2 hours just because my house gets cold that way the enclosure has less time to cool down before being heated up again.

[@Norwegian_Human]

@@Scales13 Ahh okey, I live in a pretty cold area (all year around for the most part) so ill prob have to do a 10 hour night cycle most of the time then. Thanks for the quick answer :D

[@Scales13]

@@Norwegian_Human No problem glad I can help. Where do you live is you dont mind me asking?

[@Norwegian_Human]

@@Scales13 I live a bit north in Norway, so there are long winters and short summers, and mostly pretty cold outside or atleast not very warm haha

[@Scales13]

@@Norwegian_Human Wow how cold does the house get? If you house is heated well it should be fine. The climate is quite cold though

[@JayBay813]

Thinking about using a deep heat projector 80wat, will this be enough to reach those hot temperatures?

[@Scales13]

I've never used one before personally but I do hear great things about them ita worth a shot.

[@JayBay813]

@@Scales13 Thanks, Also would a 36” T5 UVB LED hood be good for a 48” enclosure or is the hood to long for the 4 foot long enclosure?

[@Scales13]

Too long looks for something like 22inch any fixture you buy should tell you what size bulb it takes.

[@JayBay813]

@@Scales13 another thing, I recently got plywood cut for me and all measurements are on point except for my side pieces... they are 2 feet wide but they do not reach the 3 feet in height, I thinks it’s like a quarterfinal an inch off or less... could I just seal it when I put everything together or will the screws drive it together ? Or could I possibly use it as a air ventilation at the top and fill in spots hear and there?

[@barns8837]

Hello mate quick question how are you actually getting humidity in there?

[@Scales13]

I spray down the enclosure throughly once a week.

[@rjfoster409]

So the flood light is sufficient enough to produce the heat thats needed?

[@Scales13]

Yes

[@MILADINY0]

Hi - some advice if you so wish: place the food so it's hidden and the lizard finds it. They love hunting and being successful at it.

[@Scales13]

That is a good idea.

[@patriotssbchamps6385]

Do you not run any type of heat during the night?

[@Scales13]

Nope that's the beauty of enclosures with cealings. The heat dosent rise and escape so temperatures stay stable. Even when heat isn't emitting.

[@patriotssbchamps6385]

@@Scales13 sweet! I love the videos man especially the Ackie ones! Can’t wait to get one for myself!

[@Scales13]

Glad to hear it make wait till I finish thunders new home you'll really like that

[@patriotssbchamps6385]

@@Scales13 can’t wait to see it!

[@patriotssbchamps6385]

@@Scales13 what do you think about heat panels instead of the flood lights? I’ve heard different things about them and was wondering what your opinion was on them.

[@esotericgamer424]

How many watts is that bulb?

[@Scales13]

Technically it uses 72 but it's a 90watt replacement bulb

[@esotericgamer424]

Okay ty

[@Scales13]

@@esotericgamer424 np

[@leeatherton87]

What wattage flood light do you use.

[@Scales13]

90 watts

[@leeatherton87]

@@Scales13 what is the best clean up crew for an ackie set up

[@Scales13]

@@leeatherton87 I use dwarf white isopods. Anything bigger and ackies will eat them all.

[@mikem2208]

Dont these come from an arid area? All the other ackie people say low humidity. Except where its higher like a dug tunnel or a box for shedding.

[@Scales13]

Both statements are correct. The point is in the wild they're a times during the day when the humidity increases also there is sufficient rainfall. If an enclosure, the animal will not have the ability to seek about areas of moisture like it can on the wild, so it's better to keep the animal humid. Especially since Varanids are pron to health problems that stem from dehydration.

[@mikem2208]

@@Scales13 I thought they were more prone to respiratory diseases due to high humidity? Now I have more research 🤬 Mine should arrive Tuesday. Enclosure 4x2x2 got here today. Lights, substrate, etc should be here Monday.

[@Scales13]

Don't be upset. Basic rule of thumb spray the enclosure once or twice a week. Just make sure it's not wet like a dart frog tank and no sure dry where the substrate is crumbly. As long as the substrate holds and shape and the humidity is measured between 60 to 90%, you're fine. Just keep in mind that when you spray the enclosure, it goes to the higher range, and when it drys, it drops the lower range. you just don't like it to go below % percent. And 60 percent humidity isn't something I would consider high. There's no steam in the enclosure. You'll just feel it a bit when you open the door. I hope that helps.

[@mikem2208]

Was your enclosure screened to begin with? Im not really upset, and now that im finishing the video 😆 I see youre saying basically the things ive learned already.

[@mikem2208]

Aint gonna lie...it would be nice to hear how you keep that warm here in NE during winter.

[@Shaden0040]

Where in the world are ackies frorm and what is the name ackie short for?

[@Scales13]

Ackies are from Australia. The scientific name is Varanus acanthurus. The name ackie is short for common name Ackie monitor.

[@braiden.jarr1813]

How old is your Ackie?

[@Scales13]

Look at the last video I posted that will explain.

[@caryboyd2181]

Taking care of one Ackie isn't that difficult. Try tacking care of 4 adults who live in the same room. Bitlo and Porgie my breeding pair and two holdbacks. They all want their own tanks. My female gets a 120 gallon tank. The other guys get 75 gallon tanks. Being smart as hell they watch each other. If one gets fed they get jealous. I use aquariums because I thought it would be good for them to be able to see well in all directions. Living in Tucson for most of the year it's almost like their Natural environment. I keep my apt at 80 degrees. My guys sometimes run free in my apartment and go look out the window like a dog watching things outside. They hate water like crazy. I get clawed up every time I give them a soak. Once I was splashing Bitlo he bit me. Like I said they smart. I just make sure the water bowl is full although the adults never drink. I think the constantly evaporating water from their bowl under the hot lights is humidity enough. I also water down the substrate once a week. They need 6 inches of substrate and you have to make it hold a burrow. I think the only difference in the way I keep mine is that I take them out of the cage allot. I handle each one daily. This of course makes them very tame and unconcerned of my movements. They recognize strangers, and become wary at first then curious. As long as they are eating and defecating I know they are ok.

[@Scales13]

Keep in mind not everyone lives in a climate where it is warm enough to keep animals In glass tanks to keep the temperature stable. Also having an enclosure that the animal can't see through makes them feel more secure rather than out of the open. A difference in opinion I guess. Take care.

[@Mizuchi_]

how does it not get moldy

[@Scales13]

What do you mean? The substrate? Soil and sand don't mold. On top of that although the enclosure trap humidity the light constantly keep the surface dry. Also clean up crew (isopods and springtails) help get rid of any decaying organic material.

[@tokyooo2679]

First

[@Scales13]

What did you think of the video?

[@69ElChistoso]

Insulation

[@Scales13]

Yup