Thinking about a big lizard.

[Reptiliteer]

Ive been thinking of getting some big lizard like a water monitor because I will have an extra room in my new apartment and would love to devote this new back room. (extra closet that is BIG) Anyone got some quick tips to consider before I buy. BTW I will not be getting one for at least 6 months so I'm just doing research.

[wolfy-hound]

Be aware of the effects of water on the room/enclosure. Be aware of the stink of monitor poo. They enjoy poo-ing in the water dish, so plan on changing it often. Check out the maximum size they will get, and the basking requirements. And don't... do not think that it will be like a neat puppy with scales.

[Reptiliteer]

Understood. I understand the difficulty of having a water monitor, I really need to know the basics. What I can expect with shedding feeding ill-behavior, stuff like that. What would I use as a heat source and what size room would I need for it? What are the pros of owning a large lizard? And any extra cons other than the obvious care difficulties.

[Royal_Rodents]

well to me i can chooose 3 types of moniters. 1. a ackie 2. a green tree 3. peach throat. One i may not recommend is a savannah moniter. unless you have moniter experince these animals have been known to be quite strong and inflict pain full bites.
well basically it depends on you would you like a aboreal looking moniter or a ground dewelling.

personally i like a green tree cause they come in attractive colors such as green, blue and what not. but these terffic moniters are still hard to find and can be from$200-500+.

[bonheki]

Hmm big isnt allways good. Well if you do want something big heres what I think are suited in your case.
Nile,croc,asian water,sulfer water,black throat.
If you have some experience with monitors get one of the first 2 if not get the black throat!

[qiksilver]

do you even care that green and blue trees are different species within the same subgroup and not just color phase?

A water monitor will not go happily in a closet, they need room to move around, and considering you're looking into one of the largest varanids, I think you should reconsider.

Don't ever expect a tame animal, many people buy a monitor looking for a dog.
There are more cons than pros. The initial cost is nothing compared to the cost of maintaining the animal. The growth rate on these animals is crazy, and in relation so is the feeding cost. The heating will be crazy, you'll need a battery of spot lights in order to maintain a hotspot of 150 degrees roughly the size of your animal so that it can get up to temperature properly.
aaand etc.
I hate to be a downer, but please be realistic, so many monitors are given up by their owners, even people who think they're ready for one. So maybe think smaller, there are tons of small monitors with great personalities that would fill your needs for a crazy dragon running around.

[qiksilver]

Hmm big isnt allways good. Well if you do want something big heres what I think are suited in your case.
Nile,croc,asian water,sulfer water,black throat.
If you have some experience with monitors get one of the first 2 if not get the black throat!

and no, none of the animals you listed are suitable for a beginner.

[Reptiliteer]

Ok thanks guys, all great responses. Water monitor was just a whim, I am seriously in the planning stages right now. I want a big lizard but I don't want to get a reptile that I cant care for properly. What are some big lizards that could be good for a beginner large reptile keeper. (I have a ball-python and am in the process of breeding Leopard Geckos right now so I'm not completely inexperienced with reptiles.) Id like to have something that has a possibility of being personable but I'm not really into Iguanas. I would love to luck up and find a baby big lizard because the Reptile guy from my local pet store has had a water monitor since it was young and the thing usually runs around the store and will get into its owners lap.

[Colin Vestrand]

Tegu's are pretty chill and are decently easy to care for in my opinion... just make sure you do the necessary research so you know what you're getting into. i wouldnt say they're good for a beginner, but you do have herp experience so maybe an argentine would suit you.

[qiksilver]

Talk to Bobby Hill at Varnyard Herps. He socializes his tegu's and also has some of the best tegu stock around. He's also always willing to help people out and share information. Argentine Black and White's are probably what you're looking for, they get kinda big, but are also super friendly, it's the Colombians that are crazy.