Just so the thread followers know, I have been pm'd and am in the process of acquiring information from zyxxyz. We'll find out his background with herps and go from there.
My first monitor was a Nile as well (in 1990), and he lived to be 16; so let's hope we can get this lizard settled.
The best design for a temp enclosure is one that will allow for a deep substrate, a large water area, lots of hiding and climbing spaces as well as one or two basking areas; one at 130F and another at around 110F. Sliding glass doors work best in this situation.
Chris