Quote Originally Posted by mumps View Post
1. You have jumped in over your head without proper preparation.
A monitor lizard CANNOT LIVE IN A RUBBERMAID - NO MATTER HOW "BIG". This also applies to aquariums, Visions, Sentecs or any other pre-made and purchased reptile enclosures. The problems are:
- Temperature control. You cannot properly provide the necessary temperatures and humidity levels in a plastic box. The plastic will melt. The top will let too much heat and humidity escape.
- Stress. With a top-opening enclosure, you are always approaching from above, like a predator would. Extremely difficult to establish trust in that type of setup.
- Size. I don't care how "big" a rubbermaid you get; it will be outgrown in a matter of months so why go through all the work for a temporary setup which will need to be changed so quickly; and they can go from a trusting lizard to a crazy psycho killer when placed in new surroundings.

Newspaper substrate? Did you do ANY research before you purchased this awesome little lizard??

I think I'll stop with my advice now as you're probably going to get all defensive and say how the guy in the pet shop knows more than me, blah blah blah.

But if you're really interested in having a tame, trusting 7 foot monitor lizard (like I have), send me a pm and we'll get the ball rolling.

Chris
I'm not going to get defensive at all. I have never had a Nile before so anyone how has properly cared for one has every right to criticize me. I can build as big of an enclosure as needed at the end of the month but what should I keep him in till then? What would be the best design? The newspaper was only for a few days until I could go to get a better substrate. I will pm you now.