Confused and worried

[Mbyler]

Hello all. So I have changed over my hatchling leopard into his closed chamber home, humidity is 50-75, I use a 100 watt full spectrum, CHE nighttime use. Warm end is 100-105, middle is 90, cool end is 85. He seems less active since being in a closed chamber. He just wants to go in his hide- a lot. Making sure this is normal.
Thanks in advance !

 

[wellington]

I would get basking down to 95-100 and over all temp 80-85 day and night.
Also get humidity up to 80%
Then give him time to adjust to his new home. Tortoises don't like major changes and has to get used to them.

 

[Mbyler]

Would you suggest bulbs? I switched to an 80 watt full spectrum and raised it some and it cooled it a bit, please help!

 

[Mbyler]

I feel like it’s so hot and humid in there.

 

[wellington]

It should feel hot and humid to you. But that is what it's like where they come from. That's what they need.
Usually raising or lowering the heat sources is all that's needed to adjust heat.
I'm not familiar with the 100 and 80 watt full spectrum lighting. Can you post a pic of it.
Also be sure night temps do not go below 80 or your tort will get sick.

 

[Mbyler]

I have the greenhouse over him now. I attached the lights to the top pile of the greenhouse, so they can’t go any higher.

 

[Maro2Bear]

Greetings. How large (or small) is your closed enclosure? Maybe it’s too small?


Aaagh, i see the pix now.

 

[wellington]

I would not use those clamps, they have been kniw to fail, fall and burn torts or start fires.
The lights heat should point straight down. Switch out that mercury vapor bulb for a florescent tube uvb and add another one or 2 che's
For now, rig the clamps so they can't fall and put some tin foil between the lights and plastic so it doesn't melt the plastic. Just a piece that keeps the plastic from touching.

 

[wellington]

Also be sure to measure temps at tort level with a reliable source like digital thermometers not the disc kind.

 

[Mbyler]

Ok, I have the lights hanging from the top bar, pointing straight down. I have one CHE, it’s 100 watt that I keep on at night.
I will add the foil asap!

 

[Mbyler]

And I have a temp gun that I’m obsessed with using! ??‍♀️?

 

[wellington]

Ok, I have the lights hanging from the top bar, pointing straight down. I have one CHE, it’s 100 watt that I keep on at night.
I will add the foil asap!

You have the lights though so the clamps can't let go right? Really don't want a clamp to fail and your house burn.

 

[wellington]

And I have a temp gun that I’m obsessed with using! ??‍♀️?

I know they are fun right, point, shoot lol, temp anything?