Reptile · Monitor
Ackie monitor care guide
Varanus acanthurus
The ackie monitor is a intermediate-level monitor from Northern and western Australia. Adults reach 60–70 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Needs very deep, packed soil to dig stable burrows.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 50–60°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 40–60% (moist deep layer)
How much does a ackie monitor cost in Canada?
Ackie monitor quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 60–70 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Northern and western Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 75 cm (47 × 24 × 30 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 50–60°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 40–60% (moist deep layer)
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms, occasional egg
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Ackie monitor enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 75 cm (47 × 24 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre18 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry. This species digs, so give it 30 cm (12 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 18 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 50–60°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60% (moist deep layer). UVB: Required.
What does a ackie monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms, occasional egg. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Active and curious; many tolerate handling well.
Health watch: Obesity, egg binding and burns from improper basking.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a ackie monitor bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 18 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Ackie monitor FAQ
Is the ackie monitor good for beginners?
The ackie monitor is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Active and curious; many tolerate handling well.
What size enclosure does a ackie monitor need?
At least 120 × 60 × 75 cm (about 47 × 24 × 30 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a ackie monitor cost in Canada?
Typically $500–1000 CAD to buy, about $1110–1950 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $500–800 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a ackie monitor need?
Temperature: Basking 50–60°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60% (moist deep layer).
What does a ackie monitor eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms, occasional egg. Juveniles daily, adults 4–5 times a week.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.