Inexpensive baby nile monitor cage

95 quart Rubbermaid tub modified for use as a cage for a baby nile.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...onitorcage.jpg

Do monitors need UVB exposure?

No. Since they carnivorous and eat whole prey items, they do not need the UV like bearded dragons, skinks, etc. They get their nutrients from the rodents they eat.

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

Do monitors need UVB exposure?

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I think it depends on the monitor... when I had a savanna I was told they do need UV.

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Originally Posted by Jeanne

I think it depends on the monitor... when I had a savanna I was told they do need UV.

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It has yet to be proven on either side of the spectrum (no pun intended) if they do or dont need UVB lighting. I do not keep any of my under UVB bulbs and they are all thriving, but I also do live in a area of the country that I can take them out side a few times a month for about 8-9 months out of the year to soak up real sunlight.

Sav's I could see being monitor that needs UVB as insects not rodents make up the bulk of their diet, same could be said for ackies also.

here is a post from another site that talks about a UV study
http://thetegu.com/postp1226.html

my savannah monitor dosent use a uvb. but he does eat 3 mice a week. weaher they need uvb or no is a 50/50 debate.

fish

Well I intend getting UVB for mine - he does eat insects and whole foods (rodent) but he certainly doesn't get any sun hardly at all and they are day-time critters - so it makes sense to me for them to have UVB.

Anyone tried those screw in bulb type UVBs? I think mine would pull down the strip lighting type.

I'm using a Powersun UVB heating and UVB and UVA bulb all in one for my turtle. Works great.

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Originally Posted by Razaiel

Anyone tried those screw in bulb type UVBs? I think mine would pull down the strip lighting type.

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I've used them with no problems in the past for beardeds. It was nice since they screwed into a regular dome. Bit pricey, but they worked well.