Can my tortoise breath?!?!?!

[DallysW]

Hi, I have a 11 year old Tortoise named todd! We live in east texas! I just had someone build him a 3x3 insulated house for him with a door and ramp.. It's getting cold here so I want to close the door, i'm just making sure my tortoise will still be able to breath when I close it at night? Today I plan on putting his ReptiTherm Habitat Heater Zoo Med Mat in there and closing the door..

Also does the Tortoise Forum app work anymore? I use to use it so much and its not working for me anymore.
Thanks!

 

[Tom]

It is doubt full that your tortoise box is air tight. There are always cracks and gaps around the door and lid. This is plenty of air movement in most cases.

Be sure to run the heat mat on a thermostat. The heat mat alone won't be enough. You'll need a RHP (radiant heat panel) over head too. These two things should be able to maintain the correct temperature all winter in a properly made insulated box, but only your thermometer can tell you for sure. Both the heat mat and radiant panel can run on the same thermostat. Put the thermostat probe over on the cool side, away from the heating elements.

Here is the RHP: https://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels
I like this thermostat: https://www.lllreptile.com/products/13883-zilla-1000-watt-temperature-controller

 

[wellington]

The app is no longer available/working. Closed down for good.

 

[DallysW]

It is doubt full that your tortoise box is air tight. There are always cracks and gaps around the door and lid. This is plenty of air movement in most cases.

Be sure to run the heat mat on a thermostat. The heat mat alone won't be enough. You'll need a RHP (radiant heat panel) over head too. These two things should be able to maintain the correct temperature all winter in a properly made insulated box, but only your thermometer can tell you for sure. Both the heat mat and radiant panel can run on the same thermostat. Put the thermostat probe over on the cool side, away from the heating elements.

Here is the RHP: https://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels
I like this thermostat: https://www.lllreptile.com/products/13883-zilla-1000-watt-temperature-controller

Yes your right, there are some cracks and gaps, I was just making sure that was enough air for him
& Which Radiant Heat Panel would you order for a 3x3 box? 80 watts? I remember I tried to order last year but they were out of stock of them. I also brought a thermostat but the outlets werent correct to connect it? Ill have to dig it out of my closet and check again.. Thank you for the info! Once I get it all painted up, ill show you guys pictures!

 

[DallysW]

The app is no longer available/working. Closed down for good.

Oh no!! I wonder why this is?! I loved that app so much!

 

[Tom]

Yes your right, there are some cracks and gaps, I was just making sure that was enough air for him
& Which Radiant Heat Panel would you order for a 3x3 box? 80 watts? I remember I tried to order last year but they were out of stock of them. I also brought a thermostat but the outlets werent correct to connect it? Ill have to dig it out of my closet and check again.. Thank you for the info! Once I get it all painted up, ill show you guys pictures!

I use the 80 watt ones in my boxes. Only your thermometer can tell you if it is enough to keep your box warm.

You can find adapters for your thermostat at any Home Depot.

 

[wellington]

Oh no!! I wonder why this is?! I loved that app so much!

It was too costly.