How to setup a naturalistic ACKIE MONITOR tank!! The RIGHT WAY!

[@jameshallaways8251]

Good job as always mike

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks James!

[@jadesjungle]

The setup looks great, I love all the fine details like the attached rocks on the side :)

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks Jade! If I had more I would have done more on the sides but the other rocks I had are too big for it haha.

[@matt80one]

That's a real nice set-up you have there. It would make for great centre piece in any room, one day i hope to have something similar!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for the kind words! Definitely achievable for a center piece in any room :)

[@Ok-mb3wd]

Great setup. Any ideas on how to make it bioactive?

[@MikeTytula]

Could throw some meal worms in there if you wanted

[@Ok-mb3wd]

@@MikeTytula Could springtails and lice also work?

[@anh-thunguyenvo6522]

Hi! I’m getting an ackies in 4-5 weeks and am currently doing some thorough research ~ May I ask: how often do you do a deep cleaning of the tank and/or replace the substrate mixture ?? Do you scoop their poop?

[@MikeTytula]

I spot clean, and replace 1-2 times a year or more depending on how good you are at cleaning

[@anh-thunguyenvo6522]

Oh cool! Thanks so much :)

[@faceplant3000]

Where do you find the sliding glass doors for the enclosures???? I think Im searching in the wrong places

[@MikeTytula]

Make them haha. These are custom made

[@simonfreelove8150]

Hi there ! where do you put the Probe from the thermostat in the basking area ? 🙂

[@MikeTytula]

I try and wedge it between the top rock and one directly under it.

[@barbhelle5481]

I reaaly love the setup. You do great work.

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks barb! I appreciate it :)

[@all4life4evr]

love the ackie there so intuitive (like all monitor) !! nice setup!! can u design the backgroud u want with universal rock ?

[@MikeTytula]

No they have like thousands of moulds there though so you should find something you like :)

[@SaucyJack5]

Hi Mike. How's this substrate working for you? Would you change the percentage for better humidity retention, burrows, etc? Keep up the great videos. Love watching the builds!

[@MikeTytula]

So far it's holding up well

[@Fikeyou]

I'll be getting an Ackie in August and have everything i need right now. I have 2 types of rocks from Universal Rocks and i was wondering what type of screwes you used for them and at what size. I bought expanding foam but thought it would be easier to use screws instead of having it pretty much permanent by doing the foam route. Great job on the enclosure!

[@MikeTytula]

I just used whatever screws I had haha. I think they were deck screws

[@manicpanicanimallove4327]

Im loving this channel!!! So many great tips tricks!!! Love the vids!!!! I'm getting into my first dart frog/mourning gecko setup. Any tips you feel may not be out there already??? I'm going bioactive with a small waterfall feature.

[@MikeTytula]

Becareful with water features, if you have only made a tank or two I would definitely stick away from them.

[@ethantrannguyen9173]

Hey I just got a 4 month old CB uro. What vitamins should i get and when can i switch the substrate (also what are some good lighting brands) sry for lot of questions lol

[@MikeTytula]

I have a break down of the lighting and stuff on my tank setups. And supplements would be determined off light choice.

[@suncityzoo517]

Great content, love it ✌️

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@johnschweiger1079]

Yeh man definitely more educational videos on lighting it's something that I struggle with just can't my head round it

[@MikeTytula]

Any specific questions you have??

[@johnschweiger1079]

Mike Tytula it's preying mantis lighting I'm struggling to find anything proper on thank you

[@supersoniczombierobbins5023]

What do u seal the wood on the inside with I’m mooring house soon and thinking of 6ft home made for my boi

[@MikeTytula]

It really depends what is going into the tank. I would strongly recommend pond shield if you are trying to make it water proof.

[@supersoniczombierobbins5023]

@@MikeTytula it’s a ackie the only enclosure I have had for a year has had water water damage for a wile and think Of building one

[@Lilkuro777]

Beautiful monitor with an amazing name.!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks so much!

[@jamiecaudlereptilecorner5981]

Do you still have morning geckos, have a 24×18×18 bio active tank with two bumblebee dart frogs and would like to 1 or 2 geckos with them and see how it goes. Have another tank if there's a problem

[@MikeTytula]

I do still have some! They should do just fine :)

[@leonlothert2528]

Wie lang ist das terrarium? How long is the tank in meter

[@MikeTytula]

Just convert 4x2x2

[@ferswildlife2862]

The setup rocks! (Get it?)

[@MikeTytula]

Oh goodness

[@BetrunkenerZwerg934]

No explanation please

[@ENVlXO]

How did you get the ackies to not dig up the plant?

[@MikeTytula]

I kept it in it’s pot

[@ENVlXO]

@@MikeTytula oh, smart

[@MikeTytula]

Seemed to work fairly well.

[@jv122798]

Hi, love your set up. Question, is cypress mulch a bad choice for ackies? Thank you for any input on this. As far as your set up what kind of sand do you recommend and also where do you buy dirt from?

[@MikeTytula]

DEfinitely a bad choice for ackies.

[@MN-Unicorn]

Is that enclosure big enough? I thought Ackie Monitors should have 6 x 3 x 3, maybe 6 x 3 x 4 (they like climbing).

[@MikeTytula]

I think it really depends on who you talk to... I would say this is a minimum size for one adult, but obviously bigger is definitely better (assuming people are able to keep the temps where they need to be for the species in a larger enclosure).

[@MN-Unicorn]

@@MikeTytulathanks for clarifying. I’m still researching before buying my first Ackie… need to convince my husband. 🧐

[@MikeTytula]

@@MN-Unicorn hopefully that goes well :)

[@santosleeli]

Great setup Mike! How would you go about waterproofing a plywood or wood terrarium? (In order to make it bioactive)

[@MikeTytula]

Pond shield is probably the only thing I would trust.

[@santosleeli]

@@MikeTytula Thanks!

[@alexlee8028]

Where did you find the tank?

[@MikeTytula]

Built it

[@cesarmejias8927]

@@MikeTytulawhat kind of red material on the floor tng

[@kyubi430]

Do you ever have issues with him trying to jump on the lights? I could see mine doing that so I'm nervous about trying a light set up that way but I know it would be better for him.

[@brytonup1551]

Juli Silver mine would for sure burn himself if his light was like that😂

[@MikeTytula]

Vulcan tries to jump onto the lights but there’s not real anchor parts on the hot lights. The t5s I could careless if he hung out on top of one of the fixtures.

[@kaidynfoster8826]

I had lights like that in my tegu cage. He jumped up at it and exploded the bulb. Now I use guards

[@mushrooms8242]

Is a 4x2x2 ok for them?

[@MikeTytula]

As a minimum yes

[@nitrous6884]

Love the vids just wondering how do you maintain soil temp because i know the bio dude used a heat pad but i didnt see one in ur vid

[@MikeTytula]

Due to the rocks stacking they will radiate heat through the substrate.

[@nitrous6884]

Great thanks

[@carlpottschmidt7637]

Where did the enclosure come from? Or did you build it?

[@MikeTytula]

I had one of my carpenter friends build it for me. Not a cheap option but well worth it

[@eileengreen146]

looking at getting one, could you give links for the stuff you use?

[@MikeTytula]

What do you mean for the stuff that I use?

[@eileengreen146]

@@MikeTytula links to the substrate rocks etc

[@MikeTytula]

I mean I can send you a couple amazon links, but honestly if you are considering the species you should be able to source your own materials for most of it..

[@bitchplzzz14]

What is his basking temp set at mike !

[@MikeTytula]

It ranges depending on the temperature in the room, but it normally stay around 140

[@blakedougall1883]

What is the length you recommend

[@MikeTytula]

For an Ackie enclosure?

[@kairoshydra6969]

Would you say the 4 x 2 x 2 enclosure is still a good size tank for an adult ackie?

[@MikeTytula]

As a minimum, yes!

[@kairoshydra6969]

@@MikeTytula what if your keeping multiple of them that get along? Would you need to upgrade to a bigger tank or is the minimum the same?

[@sillybeanthing]

That would be assumed, yes.

[@claytonhenry8143]

I am getting a ackie monitor as my first reptile pet and im just wanting to get all the basics and what size tank I should start off with. I read that I need to start with a 36×18 and then go to a 4×2×2 and eventually get a 6×3×3. If you have a video of all the basics can you let me know or if you don't could you please make one

[@MikeTytula]

I would definitely not get an ackie as your first pet, not only do they cost a ton, they really aren’t easy to keep.

[@bobkob]

Superb desert for Your pint “ Megalania”. great desert vivarium video.

[@MikeTytula]

Haha Dino fan!

[@Chef_Arhan]

What’s the size?

[@MikeTytula]

It’s a 4x2x2

[@Chef_Arhan]

Thank You

[@Chef_Arhan]

Is it a permanent enclosure

[@MikeTytula]

@@Chef_Arhan as of now yes

[@Gator-edits]

How many watts are the heat bulbs?

[@MikeTytula]

I don't remember what I shared in the video but around 75-100

[@Gator-edits]

Thank you

[@b9dartfrogs730]

I hear O.P almirante in the background when you put him in the new tank 😂

[@MikeTytula]

Indeed!

[@soundzythedev]

Would you recommend a ackie monitor? I have a bts 2 leopard geckos and a beardy

[@MikeTytula]

If you have done enough research and feel you are prepared for one, they are one of the best beginner monitors out there

[@soundzythedev]

@@MikeTytula ok thx for the advice!

[@Scales13]

Really nice enclosure man. I think ill use universal rock in my Ackies final forever home after we move. I just remodeled my Ackies enclosure as well.

[@MikeTytula]

Right on! I would strongly recommend it!

[@kylesanimaladventures7747]

How old is Vulcan?

[@MikeTytula]

uhhh hatched April 30th 2019!

[@kylesanimaladventures7747]

@@MikeTytula thanks I have an ackie and he is exactly 12 inches and he was born October 2019. He has ample heat, humidity, substrate and he is in a 4 by 2 by 2. I feed him roaches dusted with calcium and vitamin powder. He also eats quails egg once every two weeks and a pinkie once a month. I also feed him crickets and various mealworms and superworms. (All dusted) what is wrong with my ackie?

[@MikeTytula]

Probably nothing?

[@kylesanimaladventures7747]

@@MikeTytula thank you I was sort of worried

[@taylorbeynon4402]

Hiya Mike, your ackie looks great. How do you deal with their shedding. Ever since I got mine 3 weeks ago it always seems in a constant shed and therefore never looks his best. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@dackall]

Desert monitor species shed a lot. Especially when they are young

[@MikeTytula]

What is your humidity?

[@taylorbeynon4402]

70% on the cool side and I try to keep the hot side at 40% but I can't get it any higher as it's too hot and just dries it out

[@MikeTytula]

You have a solid wooden tank? Or?

[@taylorbeynon4402]

Yeah solid wooden tank

[@izzyperkins3312]

how big should the setup be? for long term setups

[@MikeTytula]

Minimum is what I have, 4x2x2

[@pezza6895]

Hi make very cool vid. I am going to get an Ackie for my Birthday. I am looking now for the price of the enclosure. So may I ask how much that cost you.

[@MikeTytula]

Depends entirely on where you are, I would expect to pay no less than 300-400 for it though.

[@Ebomb-hq4yj]

I’m looking for a new lizard I have some experience with them do you think it’s a good choice and also if so can I feed them rodents and dried insects

[@MikeTytula]

I'd recommend you do plenty of research on them and decide if they are right for you, based on that research.

[@Ebomb-hq4yj]

@@MikeTytula I have a list of 6 lizards and I also have the green Basilisk I’ve done 8 hours of research on all 6 I just can’t choose I’m 14 btw

[@MikeTytula]

@@Ebomb-hq4yj WEll then I would suggest making a pros and cons list of each animal.

[@Ebomb-hq4yj]

@@MikeTytula alright thanks so much

[@MikeTytula]

Cheers!

[@hunteradams732]

I'm wanting to get a ackie monitor as my first reptile since I was a kid would you recommend it as a first reptile and do you think there is a difference between the red and yellow ackie. Thank you

[@MikeTytula]

To be totally honest I wouldn't recommend them as first reptiles. I would make sure you can care for something much easier to care for.

[@hunteradams732]

I dont want to get something I dont really want tho and later I kinda end up stuck with something I never really wanted

[@MikeTytula]

Well then you better be doing the most research possible, have the tank setup with all UVB and heating on point

[@hunteradams732]

@@MikeTytula I have been researching them for 2 months now and I'm getting all the stuff setup and made sure it's right before I even find a ackie to buy I dont want it to get here and me not be ready

[@MikeTytula]

Perfect

[@mandycampbell6158]

What about water what do they need?.

[@MikeTytula]

I recommend having a water bowl in the tank

[@KaiBarker-u3p]

How much does it cost to make a tank

[@MikeTytula]

It really depends where you are located and what the cost of wood is like near you.

[@KaiBarker-u3p]

@@MikeTytula thanks matey

[@MikeTytula]

@@KaiBarker-u3p No problem! Sorry for the non-answer but it really does vary dramatically between locations.

[@garglefruit9132]

what is the dimensions of your tank? also, do you think you could do a video showing how to make a tank like that?

[@MikeTytula]

I had those tanks made for me by a friends but yes I plan to make another stack of them at some point! And it's 4x2x2

[@soundzythedev]

how big is your tank for the ackie

[@MikeTytula]

It's 4X2X2

[@soundzythedev]

Thx again!

[@tristankoch3980]

Nobody ever talks about the HOOD for the UVB light what did you use?

[@MikeTytula]

Like the light ballast/fixture? These are the sunblaster

[@Max-bq4vn]

How big of a thing does it have

[@MikeTytula]

?

[@Max-bq4vn]

@@MikeTytula I ment to any how big of a tank does it have

[@nutsy6019]

Let's pretend the BioDude logo is not there when you are talking about putting rocks in the enclosure hahaha

[@MikeTytula]

hahahahahaha FINALLY SOMEONE SAW IT!!!!!

[@meowpurrr]

"Days just blend into one" Ok good, its not just me :/ , also would you say £200 is good for a red ackie? (280USD)

[@MikeTytula]

That’s cheap haha

[@kylesanimaladventures7747]

Very very cheap

[@ducks5654]

Get a yellow ackie they are pretty much the same thing but they are like £80 to £125

[@charlysmith7469]

Got mine for free 😉

[@tracycook7355]

Check out snake discoverey they just set up a great system for their lizard.

[@MikeTytula]

Wasn’t all that impressed, also it was for a different species haha.

[@mathewhoneycutt691]

My only critique that I noticed right away is that substrate layer is nowhere near deep enough.

[@MikeTytula]

Fair enough

[@troy2x126]

I want a big lizard but I have to wait cause my mother has phobia of reptiles.

[@NickO-eu7px]

Ackie monitors are actually pretty small!

[@MikeTytula]

Ya Ackies are a small lizard in comparison to the other Varanids

[@skyler4980]

Not bashing but make sure you get the diet right this time. The setup looks fresh

[@MikeTytula]

Definitely varying the diet as much as I can and providing proper heat.

[@ferswildlife2862]

Haha

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks!