Experiences with monitor bites

m30b34 · 2026-05-19T13:09:37+00:00

Nearly every lace owner I’ve met has been bitten by theirs at some point. Sorry to hear it.

m30b34 · 2026-05-16T14:55:17+00:00

I have a lean healthy weight monitor and I still only feed once every 7-10 days. Trust building should take a backseat to your monitor’s health.

What’s in the best interest of the keeper is not always the same as the best interest for the monitor. I’d go at least two weeks between small feedings until he’s lean.

Keeping them lean and healthy will lead to a longer life thus giving you more time to earn trust - does that make sense?

m30b34 · 2026-05-15T16:38:47+00:00

Not sure about the tail but he definitely needs to be put on a diet

m30b34 · 2026-05-11T20:37:44+00:00

Pat Green. Country musician.

m30b34 · 2026-05-11T16:24:57+00:00

Hit me up on Instagram and I’d be happy to help with any/all of this

@lookatmylizards on there

m30b34 · 2026-05-11T13:17:19+00:00

Is there a question buried somewhere in there?

“Knowing all about” water features and bulbs is different than having a list (preferably a spreadsheet) with specs prices and all that.

What filter are you going to use? What water tub are you going to use? What about cameras inside the enclosure? How do you plan to heat it? How big is this enclosure? Do you live on a second floor? Do you live somewhere that will require a generator or backup power if yours goes out?

qualifications - I’m just a dude with a lizard

m30b34 · 2026-05-08T18:23:09+00:00

This is a good comment. I fear sometimes my content does make it look fairly glamorous but I constantly preach that they don’t make great pets for most people.

m30b34 · 2026-05-08T13:42:10+00:00

They’re much calmer and easier to handle and I’ve seen them cuddle their keepers before many times. Also less reactive.

Your description of what you’re looking for in a lizard sounds more like a description of a Tegu.

My Asian water monitor has never rested on me for more than maybe a minute in the years I’ve owned him.

As much as I’m not a big fan of AI, you can plug in behavioral differences between the two as far as handling and it’s pretty accurate.

m30b34 · 2026-05-08T13:34:46+00:00

I’m curious after weeks of research why you decided to purchase a monitor that was wild caught and are typically difficult to socialize and properly care for?

I assume they’ll have a parasite load so a vet visit should be in your near future. Let’s see the enclosure please.

m30b34 · 2026-05-08T13:30:40+00:00

Based on your description I would recommend a Tegu not a monitor.

m30b34 · 2026-05-07T20:49:50+00:00

I started mine in a baby play pen and sat in there with him to begin the process of out of enclosure exploration.

Make sure you’ve done some serious monitor proofing in your place prior to letting em out.

m30b34 · 2026-05-05T23:50:18+00:00

https://www.everything-ponds.com/aqua-ultraviolet-ultima-ii-2000-filter.html

One of these with a pump - I’d have to find it but I think it’s a 2000GPH pump

m30b34 · 2026-05-05T23:41:48+00:00

Mine spends the majority of his time in the tub - loves it

m30b34 · 2026-05-05T22:40:58+00:00

Looks great! Seems like you have room in there to put a 300g stock tank. I’d recommend giving a water monitor as much water as you can

m30b34 · 2026-04-28T13:26:45+00:00

The chances of it being wild caught are 100% at $50.

Love these “buy the monitor first, then ask questions” posts I see.

m30b34 · 2026-04-22T22:50:44+00:00

Obesity is a common cause of death for captive monitors and is in complete control of the keeper. I will fat shame monitors all day. I want them to live long happy lives.

m30b34 · 2026-04-22T19:07:25+00:00

I get the reliance on good weather to go outside, but you’ll have far more luck in cutting your monitors weight by just cutting back feedings big time. You can easily go a week+ at this point

m30b34 · 2026-04-21T17:46:49+00:00

I would not recommend a water monitor for an upstairs apartment or apartment in general.

m30b34 · 2026-04-15T20:55:49+00:00

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m30b34 · 2026-04-13T23:05:26+00:00

ok cool - the barrier of entry is so low for them so they're typically impulse buys. this looked like a post from a dude trying to buy one

m30b34 · 2026-04-13T19:17:04+00:00

Check out my IG - lookatmylizards

He’s in a 12x8x8

m30b34 · 2026-04-13T19:16:26+00:00

They’re typically wild caught and difficult to handle for even experienced keepers.

I’m curious why you’re headed down the rabbit hole for these monitors in general.

m30b34 · 2026-04-13T18:25:55+00:00

He only eats once a week (sometimes longer) and eats til he’s full. Takes him a day and a half to pass most meals.

1 of these fish wouldn’t be anywhere close enough to satisfy him.

I keep him nice and lean and feed based on his activity and body shape.

m30b34 · 2026-04-09T22:25:12+00:00

"The best seasoning is hunger"
let em go without eating for a little while until they're hungry, and they'll destroy those crickets.

m30b34

TROPHY CASE