Ackie Monitor Care Guide: The Best Beginner Monitor Lizard

If you've ever wanted a monitor lizard but felt intimidated by the size and demands of larger species, the ackie monitor is your answer. Also known as the ridge-tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus), ackies are compact (24–28"), highly active, and packed with the intelligence and personality of their larger varanid cousins. With proper care, they can live 15–20 years. Here's your complete guide!

🏠 Setting Up the Enclosure

Ackies are semi-arboreal and love to climb as well as burrow — so height matters as much as floor space:

• Minimum enclosure: 4' x 2' x 4' (tall) for one adult
• Basking spot: 130–150°F (surface temp) — ackies need extreme surface heat to thermoregulate properly
• Ambient warm side: 90–95°F; cool side 75–80°F
• Nighttime: Can drop to 65–70°F
• UVB lighting: High-output 10.0 UVB — essential for health
• Substrate depth: 12–18" of a sandy loam or red sand mix — ackies are dedicated burrowers
• Humidity: 40–60% overall; create a humid hide with moist substrate for shedding
• Add climbing branches, cork bark, and rock formations for enrichment

🍽️ Nutrition & Feeding

Ackies are insectivores in the wild but accept a varied diet in captivity:

• Staple feeders: Dubia roaches, crickets, and black soldier fly larvae
• Treat feeders: Superworms, hornworms, and silkworms
• Occasional whole prey: Pinky mice (sparingly — high fat)
• Eggs: Quail eggs are a favorite treat!
• Gut-load all insects 24 hours before feeding
• Dust with calcium (without D3) at every feeding; calcium with D3 twice monthly
• Feed juveniles daily; adults every 1–2 days

💧 Hydration

Ackies get most of their moisture from prey items. Provide a humid hide with moist substrate and mist one side of the enclosure lightly every few days. A shallow water dish can be offered but many ackies prefer to drink from misted surfaces.

🤝 Handling & Temperament

Ackies are generally more handleable than larger monitors, but individuals vary. Start with short sessions using a hook to build confidence, then progress to hand taming. Well-socialized ackies become very curious and interactive — often running up their owner's arms to explore. Their small size makes handling much more manageable than larger varanids.

💊 Health & Wellness

Common health issues include metabolic bone disease (from insufficient UVB or calcium), respiratory infections (from low temperatures), and stuck shed (from insufficient humidity). Annual vet check-ups with a reptile-experienced veterinarian are recommended. Watch for lethargy, loss of appetite, or swollen limbs.

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