# Ackie monitor — care routine

Varanus acanthurus

## Before arrival

- [ ] Plan deep substrate, structural loads and a substantial light/heat installation. A small monitor is not a low-space monitor.
- [ ] The guide proposes roughly 152 × 76 × 122 cm with 30–46 cm or more of substrate. Use a suitably strong substrate barrier and fixed rockwork that cannot collapse when undermined.
- [ ] Run and record the completed habitat through daytime and overnight conditions before arrival.

## Routine checks

- [ ] Check the deep refuge, drinking water and separate basking/cool readings.

## Regular care and records

- [ ] Inspect substrate retaining structures, rock stability and measured UV exposure.

## When to seek help

- [ ] Track body condition, activity and female reproductive condition; abnormal weakness or persistent digging/straining needs veterinary assessment.
- [ ] Arrange appropriate professional assessment for injury, sudden decline or repeated care problems.

## Sources

- Ackie monitor introduction (ReptiFiles): https://reptifiles.com/ackie-monitor/care-guide
- ackie monitor enclosure size (ReptiFiles): https://reptifiles.com/ackie-monitor/care-guide/ackie-monitor-enclosure-size
- ackie monitor uvb lighting (ReptiFiles): https://reptifiles.com/ackie-monitor/care-guide/ackie-monitor-uvb-lighting
- ackie monitor temperatures (ReptiFiles): https://reptifiles.com/ackie-monitor/care-guide/ackie-monitor-temperatures
- ackie monitor humidity (ReptiFiles): https://reptifiles.com/ackie-monitor/care-guide/ackie-monitor-humidity

Read the full care guide and the cautions for your animal: https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/ackie-monitor/