JoshSloane
Member
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2015
- Messages
- 60
Hey Everyone,
I am a long time boa/python breeder that has decided to get into keeping tortoises. I have spent the last couple years speaking with tort breeders, and doing my own research as well. I always like to build my own enclosures, so I have begun my tortoise table. My hatchling is being held by the breeder until I complete the enclosure. I have noticed that there are a few discrepancies and disagreements among many sulcata keepers, so I wanted to run my enclosure by you all and see what you think.
My initial plans allowed for a 5'x3' tortoise table, with 8" high side walls. I am however thinking about bumping this up to 6'x3'. On the cool side I will add a 3'x10" over hang, with a doorway, simulating a burrow. I will have a hinge on the overhang so that I can open to mist the substrate, and check on the hatchling. I plan on this functioning as the humid burrow.
On the hot side I am planning on a 100w powersun MVB to act as both my heat and UVB. I will have this positioned no less than 12" from the ground of the enclosure, and play with the height to achieve a 100 degree basking spot, on a piece of slate.
I am going to use wide terra cotta saucers as water bowls, and have a few placed throughout the enclosure. Also planning on having a couple log hides interspersed throughout so the hatchling can find shelter at various temperatures. As a sealant, I am going to cover the entire inside with Drylok. Have had great success with it in the past in sealing wooden enclosures from moisture.
For substrate I will mix cypress mulch and organic top soil. For feed I am going to do spring mix lettuce, dandelion leaves, kale, turnip greens, hay, and some mazuri tortoise food.
Here are my direct questions:
1. I personally like using MVBs, and have had success in the past with them. I have also seen that many threads on this forum, and other care sheets recommend them. Will a 100w powersun mvb, in my 5'x3' or 6'x3' enclosure be able to provide sufficient uvb without creating excessive heat? My herp room sits in the high 70s, usually 77-81 ambient temps most of the year.
2. Do I absolutely need to have added heat during the night? Even at night, with all the lights off, my herp room stays in the mid 70s at least. If I did need night heat I was thinking of a CHE or a infrared bulb on a dimmer/rheostat just to bump temps a bit.
Please evaluate my setup, and let me know what you all think.
I am a long time boa/python breeder that has decided to get into keeping tortoises. I have spent the last couple years speaking with tort breeders, and doing my own research as well. I always like to build my own enclosures, so I have begun my tortoise table. My hatchling is being held by the breeder until I complete the enclosure. I have noticed that there are a few discrepancies and disagreements among many sulcata keepers, so I wanted to run my enclosure by you all and see what you think.
My initial plans allowed for a 5'x3' tortoise table, with 8" high side walls. I am however thinking about bumping this up to 6'x3'. On the cool side I will add a 3'x10" over hang, with a doorway, simulating a burrow. I will have a hinge on the overhang so that I can open to mist the substrate, and check on the hatchling. I plan on this functioning as the humid burrow.
On the hot side I am planning on a 100w powersun MVB to act as both my heat and UVB. I will have this positioned no less than 12" from the ground of the enclosure, and play with the height to achieve a 100 degree basking spot, on a piece of slate.
I am going to use wide terra cotta saucers as water bowls, and have a few placed throughout the enclosure. Also planning on having a couple log hides interspersed throughout so the hatchling can find shelter at various temperatures. As a sealant, I am going to cover the entire inside with Drylok. Have had great success with it in the past in sealing wooden enclosures from moisture.
For substrate I will mix cypress mulch and organic top soil. For feed I am going to do spring mix lettuce, dandelion leaves, kale, turnip greens, hay, and some mazuri tortoise food.
Here are my direct questions:
1. I personally like using MVBs, and have had success in the past with them. I have also seen that many threads on this forum, and other care sheets recommend them. Will a 100w powersun mvb, in my 5'x3' or 6'x3' enclosure be able to provide sufficient uvb without creating excessive heat? My herp room sits in the high 70s, usually 77-81 ambient temps most of the year.
2. Do I absolutely need to have added heat during the night? Even at night, with all the lights off, my herp room stays in the mid 70s at least. If I did need night heat I was thinking of a CHE or a infrared bulb on a dimmer/rheostat just to bump temps a bit.
Please evaluate my setup, and let me know what you all think.
Last edited: