Light Placement on Custom Cage Questions, also best way to keep soil moist?

[Pazzoman]

Hello Everyone, got my rack system going and looking to get my ackie monitor a tank upgrade from his 36x18x24. He is still small so I defiantly have time but looking to upgrade by the summer. So far his cage is going to be 48x24x27, this is the tallest height I can go for in this rack. So I assume that would leave 10-12 inches of soil to be used. Just wondering how should light be placed. Im having the fixtures installed in the cage already. So I plan on using both a Basking Bulb as well as a Ceramic Heat emitter (unless you guys think I should just use the basking bulb but leave it on 24/7). So was thinking of having both bulbs on the same side of the cage, like I usually do. Unless is it better to put one on each side of the cage? I have seen that before but personally isn't it best to keep the hot side in the same side 24/7 not to be switched every 12 hours?

Last thing is, how do I keep the soil consistently moist for burrowing? So far I have only been using 5-6 inches of dirt because thats what his current set up only allows, will it be a lot easier to keep moisture when there is 10-12 inches of dirt? Do I need to add some sort of drainage layer to the bottom?


Thanks, also I plan on using a retes stack to go under the bulb. Im still unsure exactly what material is safe to use to make it. If you have any suggestions I appreciate it!

 

[Deadliestviper7]

Keep the lights on the same side.
Adding organic material (such as leaves) to the soil will help the soil maintain its moisture content.

 

[Viridis]

Hello Everyone, got my rack system going and looking to get my ackie monitor a tank upgrade from his 36x18x24. He is still small so I defiantly have time but looking to upgrade by the summer. So far his cage is going to be 48x24x27, this is the tallest height I can go for in this rack. So I assume that would leave 10-12 inches of soil to be used. Just wondering how should light be placed. Im having the fixtures installed in the cage already. So I plan on using both a Basking Bulb as well as a Ceramic Heat emitter (unless you guys think I should just use the basking bulb but leave it on 24/7). So was thinking of having both bulbs on the same side of the cage, like I usually do. Unless is it better to put one on each side of the cage? I have seen that before but personally isn't it best to keep the hot side in the same side 24/7 not to be switched every 12 hours?

If you can make the cage longer, go for it. 4x2x2 is fine, but it will appreciate any extra space you give him.
If the tank is only 27'' high, I don't think you'll be able to get 10-12'' of soil in there. That only leaves 15-17'' of height above, which doesn't give it a lot of room to climb or move around above the soil. They are primarily terrestrial Varanids, but they still climb. Then again some breeders keep them in modified snake racks, so hey, go for it.

I'd go with 2 halogens not only on the same side, but right beside eachother. For example:

(image from Google images, though it links to this site as the source)

This allows the animal to be heated more evenly. Make sure the basking spot is nice and hot (~130F+).
As for 24hrs vs. 12hrs, I'd opt for 12 on & 12 off (or 14/10, 13/11, 11/13, &c.). 24hrs is really only useful if there are numerous monitors and there's one particularly shy individual or one that gets bullied a lot (though I'd just move that animal to another tank). 24hrs on is just a waste of electricity in my opinion. Unless the room it's in gets really cold at night?

Last thing is, how do I keep the soil consistently moist for burrowing? So far I have only been using 5-6 inches of dirt because thats what his current set up only allows, will it be a lot easier to keep moisture when there is 10-12 inches of dirt? Do I need to add some sort of drainage layer to the bottom?

When the soil is deeper, the bottom "levels" (for lack of better word) won't dry out nearly as quickly as the top. If you are worried it's getting too dry, dig down to the bottom and see the moisture level there. Never go by the top as you may end up making the bottom swampy and anaerobic. You can definitely use a drainage layer if you want, though unless you are watering the tank daily, there really is much of a need.

I've seen some people build a "lid" for the soil with a couple access holes to the soil to keep the moisture in. Seemed to work well for them (not endorsing the idea, just an anecdote).

Thanks, also I plan on using a retes stack to go under the bulb. Im still unsure exactly what material is safe to use to make it. If you have any suggestions I appreciate it!

I have always used slate and lumber. It is cheap, and I don't have to worry about off-gassing from heating plywood up too much. Most people seem to just use plywod. Your choice there.