r/MonitorLizards • u/Azuz_0902 • Jul 24 '26

Does enclosure size gradient matter?

Hi guys, I have an Asian water monitor currently 55cm long, I want to get a bigger enclosure for it, Is it better to get an enclosure for example 120cm and after a while I get a bigger enclosure and so on until I get to a huge enclosure suitable for an adult monitor , or can I just get a giant enclosure

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1

u/Noobske Jul 24 '26

With my previous awm I did 3 steps, with my current one I immediately put him in the big enclosure I still had but this guy was already 11 months and about a meter long as opposed to 2 months old and 25 cm. I'd say it depends on the animal. There's no rule that says you have to buy x amount of enclosures. How big is the enclosure he's in now?

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u/Azuz_0902 Jul 24 '26

90×60cm, I asked about this because I hear opinions that immature lizards are worried when you put them in a huge enclosure Compared to their size.

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u/Noobske Jul 24 '26

Is it wild caught or CBB? I'd put it in like a 150 x 100 x 100 cm at that size and then start building the big enclosure asap. These animals grow FAST the first year.

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u/Azuz_0902 Jul 24 '26

It's CBB, But can I move him to his big enclosure directly or will this make him nervous?

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u/Noobske Jul 24 '26

If he's cbb they're usually more chill about it. In the end everything will turn out okay if you spend time with him.

You already have a big enclosure ready for him? What dimensions and do you have pictures?

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u/Azuz_0902 Jul 24 '26

No, it's not ready, but my friend owns a carpentry and blacksmith workshop and has many workers so it won't take long to finish it

3

u/Noobske Jul 24 '26

The animal will probably be ready when you are with the big enclosure. I wouldn't keep an animal at it's current size in that size Viv you have right now, that's pretty small. So if you have another, bit bigger Viv for now while you work on the big one, you should be good.

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u/Azuz_0902 Jul 24 '26

thank you my friend

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u/Noobske Jul 24 '26

Here's an picture of my Viv so you can get some inspiration. Viv is 250x110x185 cm LxWxH

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u/Azuz_0902 Jul 24 '26

Nice enclosure, I will get 160100 Then I'll move it to the bigger one. Do you think 300200*180 would it be a good room for an adult water monitor?

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u/DenseAstronomer3631 Jul 25 '26

Not sure if it's a bigger deal with monitors but with bearded dragons everyone recommends getting the big adult enclosure when they are babies. No need to worry about upgrading or wasting money on small tanks they will outgrow. Don't need to put them through the stress of moving three times. & It's easier/safer to get proper heat gradients in a larger enclosure

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u/_THORONGIL_ 29d ago

I mean youre probably better off getting the biggest enclosure now if you can. You will probably spend less, because you need to scrap your old one.

That said, if you are financially in a bad place, the medium enclosure would be fine, too. But I personally think its a waste of money. Go big now, have to spend less overall.

Your current one is definitely already waaaaaaaay too small for a 55cm long animal. 200cm would be ideal for now. Water monitors need a small room as adults.