Help with Heating, and also uploading photos

Joined
Jun 28, 2019
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32
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Hi, All!!

First, I'm having the most difficult time trying to understand how much wattage I need for Petey, my Home's Hingeback. I have him in a 55 gallon tank with a domed fixture. I will be purchasing a better clamp lamp, and I don't have the proper bulb but need one asap; I really need insight on the correct size. I'm leaning toward 25w, but do I need larger? I will also be purchasing a heat emitter for the opposite side of the tank, which is where his hide is located. Anything you can do to guide me would be most appreciated, and if you could help me understand how it works (how you came up with the bulb size), that would be great as well. I don't have to worry too much (that I'm aware) that he needs humidity because he's pretty good at tipping his water/bath on a consistent basis. I wipe it out so it's not soaking, but eventually it dries and, in the meantime, the process of tipping starts all over again. I always have water in there one way or another. I will be purchasing a hygrometer and something better to identify temperature.

The other thing is, I cannot seem to get my photos of Petey to load.

Sorry for the book, but I want to get this correct.

Thanks!

Lisa
 

Ray--Opo

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Hi, All!!

First, I'm having the most difficult time trying to understand how much wattage I need for Petey, my Home's Hingeback. I have him in a 55 gallon tank with a domed fixture. I will be purchasing a better clamp lamp, and I don't have the proper bulb but need one asap; I really need insight on the correct size. I'm leaning toward 25w, but do I need larger? I will also be purchasing a heat emitter for the opposite side of the tank, which is where his hide is located. Anything you can do to guide me would be most appreciated, and if you could help me understand how it works (how you came up with the bulb size), that would be great as well. I don't have to worry too much (that I'm aware) that he needs humidity because he's pretty good at tipping his water/bath on a consistent basis. I wipe it out so it's not soaking, but eventually it dries and, in the meantime, the process of tipping starts all over again. I always have water in there one way or another. I will be purchasing a hygrometer and something better to identify temperature.

The other thing is, I cannot seem to get my photos of Petey to load.

Sorry for the book, but I want to get this correct.

Thanks!

Lisa
It's really hard to guide you without pics. There is something wrong with the site I guess. I am having the same problem with pics. The better lamp with the clamp that you are talking about. The clamps are known to fail and fall into the enclosure. Either on your tort or the substrate. Both can become a big problem. Suspending the dome is much safer.
Are you using the light for basking or UVB?
If for basking get a 65w flood light at home depot. If your dome fixture has a temp dail inline with the power cord. You can adjust to the correct temp for basking.
Hopefully the reason why we can't post pics will get resolved soon.
 

Yvonne G

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I never used anything larger than a 100 watt when I was using those kinds of bulbs. I found that the 100 watt was plenty warm enough for any size enclosure and anything larger was too hot. But now I use the tube type fluorescent UVB bulbs along with either a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) or a RHP (radiant heat panel). This combination works best for my enclosures.

For your rainforest tortoise, I would plant the 55 gallon tank heavily with either real or fake plants, to help diffuse the lighting, then a 100 watt CHE on one end and your UVB light on the other end, but you'll have to cover the enclosure to keep the heat in and your cool air from your house out.

There is a problem with posting pictures on the Forum. It has been reported to our Admin, Josh. He's looking into it.
 

Lyn W

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Are you talking of a MVB bulb? Some people recommend the tubes rather the bulbs for uvb and I'm sure someone will be able to advise you about those. I use an mvb because it suits my electricity supply but my tort is in his own room rather that a viv/table so I can't help with the wattage for your tank. Avoid the curly type and cfl bulbs as these can damage tort eyes.
You could use a thermostat with the CHE which will keep temps even, they don't work well with mvb bulbs because there is a delay when they switch back on.
Don't use clamps on the side of enclosures because the bulb will be at an angle and so the tort won't get the full benefit of it plus the clamps have been known to fail and start fires. They are better hanging so that you can adjust the temps by raising or lowering the bulb.
If you sink his water dish level with the substrate, then the spilling issue should stop and it will be easier for him to get in and out of. A terracotta plant saucer is ideal for this.
 
Joined
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Location (City and/or State)
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It's really hard to guide you without pics. There is something wrong with the site I guess. I am having the same problem with pics. The better lamp with the clamp that you are talking about. The clamps are known to fail and fall into the enclosure. Either on your tort or the substrate. Both can become a big problem. Suspending the dome is much safer.
Are you using the light for basking or UVB?
If for basking get a 65w flood light at home depot. If your dome fixture has a temp dail inline with the power cord. You can adjust to the correct temp for basking.
Hopefully the reason why we can't post pics will get resolved soon.

Hi!!

Thanks for your help!

I'm going to use the lighting for UVB and basking, actually. I'm trying the find the correct size UVA/UVB bulb. The dome is only one of those silver shop dome lights with the squeeze clamp (which I absolute hate because my set up is a bit different). I do not have a screened top (it didn't come with). So I happen to have a vintage shutter set that folds perfectly over the top of the tank. I have one shutter opened but mostly covered to keep in heat. Hanging from the shutter is the dome but it's facing way in the corner at the moment so that it's not directly on Petey but as a reflection, as well as to keep the water warm in is bath, I guess you could say. Needless to say, it's hanging a lot lower that it should since the clamp part is not really bendable. He is nearer to a sunny window so he is able to sit in the sun at his leisure, which is also where I keep his warm bath (where he is while I write this). The clamp shouldn't be an issue since I will only be opening it so far to fit over a small piece of shutter wood. I plan to get one (two--one for the bulb, and one for the heat emitter) of the lamps that is bendable so I can direct it anywhere I want.

Again, sorry for the book. Figured I'd try to provide more understanding to the situation.
 
Joined
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Are you talking of a MVB bulb? Some people recommend the tubes rather the bulbs for uvb and I'm sure someone will be able to advise you about those. I use an mvb because it suits my electricity supply but my tort is in his own room rather that a viv/table so I can't help with the wattage for your tank. Avoid the curly type and cfl bulbs as these can damage tort eyes.
You could use a thermostat with the CHE which will keep temps even, they don't work well with mvb bulbs because there is a delay when they switch back on.
Don't use clamps on the side of enclosures because the bulb will be at an angle and so the tort won't get the full benefit of it plus the clamps have been known to fail and start fires. They are better hanging so that you can adjust the temps by raising or lowering the bulb.
If you sink his water dish level with the substrate, then the spilling issue should stop and it will be easier for him to get in and out of. A terracotta plant saucer is ideal for this.

Hi!

I'm a bit nervous about the tube one because I want to give him the opportunity to get away from the light if he wants (and not have to hide in his house). MVB? I've never heard of that.Thank you for the curly bulb and cfl bulb info. I was thinking about buying one; don't want him hurt. For the clamp, I will be attaching it to the bottom of my shutter top (I don't have a screen), where the lamp I purchase will be one of those long bendable ones so that I may direct it wherever and as low as I want/need. I will clamp it to the opened part of a shutter, which shouldn't do too much to the spring on the clamp because it won't need to open too much to hold on.

I plan on getting the terracotta plant saucer but have yet to find one. For now, it's plastic.

I so appreciate your help!
 
Joined
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Messages
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I never used anything larger than a 100 watt when I was using those kinds of bulbs. I found that the 100 watt was plenty warm enough for any size enclosure and anything larger was too hot. But now I use the tube type fluorescent UVB bulbs along with either a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) or a RHP (radiant heat panel). This combination works best for my enclosures.

For your rainforest tortoise, I would plant the 55 gallon tank heavily with either real or fake plants, to help diffuse the lighting, then a 100 watt CHE on one end and your UVB light on the other end, but you'll have to cover the enclosure to keep the heat in and your cool air from your house out.

There is a problem with posting pictures on the Forum. It has been reported to our Admin, Josh. He's looking into it.

Hi!!

Thanks for replying!

I don't think a heat panel would work for my situation. I actually thought beforehand, about an under-tank mat, but am leaning more toward a CHE. I don't know which is better, or more inexpensive.

I like the real plants idea. I just need to find the correct ones for him.

For the covering of the tank, I am actually using a large 3-sided shutter (opened up), which fits perfectly. I hang the clamp lamp from one of the shutter openings and it works great. The lamp is lower that is needed, so I plan to purchase the bendable clamp lamp which should be ok since it won't need to use the spring too much since it doesn't need to be opened nearly so much. Unfortunately his enclosure didn't come with a cover (probably a good thing because my cats love the heat and keep jumping up on the shutter. I'll post photos when the photo trouble is fixed on the site.

Thanks!!
 

Lyn W

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Is he getting uvb at the moment?
Torts need this for their digestive system and for the absorption of minerals - calcium etc
Have a look at the Enclosures thread for ideas on how to mount bulbs there are much safer options than the clamps and you need to make sure the light heat and uvb aren't at an angle in the enclosure. If you use the search facility there are numerous threads about lighting and heating and how to set them up so that your tort has a range of temps within his enclosure so that he doesn't get too cold or overheat.
 

Lyn W

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This is an example of a MVB lamp - available in different watts. They need a wide dome with a ceramic bulb holder.

images


This a ceramic heating element for night use and additional heat when needed, I also is a wide dome and ceramic fixture for this. Can also be white or cream.
images
 
Joined
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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
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Is he getting uvb at the moment?
Torts need this for their digestive system and for the absorption of minerals - calcium etc
Have a look at the Enclosures thread for ideas on how to mount bulbs there are much safer options than the clamps and you need to make sure the light heat and uvb aren't at an angle in the enclosure. If you use the search facility there are numerous threads about lighting and heating and how to set them up so that your tort has a range of temps within his enclosure so that he doesn't get too cold or overheat.
Perfect. Thank you. I'll take a look.
 
Joined
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This is an example of a MVB lamp - available in different watts. They need a wide dome with a ceramic bulb holder.

images


This a ceramic heating element for night use and additional heat when needed, I also is a wide dome and ceramic fixture for this. Can also be white or cream.
images
I'm working on getting that exact heat emitter. Ppl want an arm and a leg. I found a really good price. Though, thankfully.
 

Lyn W

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I'm working on getting that exact heat emitter. Ppl want an arm and a leg. I found a really good price. Though, thankfully.
You'll need a thermostat to run it through to make sure it doesn't get too hot or cold.
I use something like this but there are lots of different sorts available.
images
 

William Lee Kohler

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Buying online is cheaper than buying at a pet store.
Just noticed your from Michigan. I am a former Michigander.

I get my heat emitters at Reptile Expos for normally $27 each up to the highest wattage. I also recommend using 40 watt 5.0 or 10.0 by 4 foot long UVB flourescent tubes. As for going into "hides" that is what hides and shaded areas are for. Overall UVB lighting is more natural like the sun or outdoors than in just one spot the tortoise has to resort to to get any sun.
 
Joined
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Michigan
Buying online is cheaper than buying at a pet store.
Just noticed your from Michigan. I am a former Michigander.

I'm quickly finding that out but I needed to purchase something right away because he wasn't getting what he needed. The problem is, once I started researching the basking/heat/uvb/uva, it all became so very confusing because so many options pop up. Yesterday, I purchased a ZooMed 5.0 13 Watt tropical bulb (that's the best I could find under the circumstances, and more reasonably priced), and I think I need to get larger, or something completely different. The bulb is about 6" above his head, but it seems so faint. I think I'm going to try an all-in-one (if the store has such a thing) if it would be good to consider.

Have you ever seen this type of light system?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VMX588L/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

Or this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/slredirec...&pd_rd_r=b61d27af-aab1-45cd-bba7-31cf9a67152b



I like the idea of being able to attach to wherever in his enclosure, and have the ability to move the neck anywhere or as high/low as I want. Also, the ability to adjust the dial for output is a plus to me. Personally, I'd like to use the bulb on the bottom left:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VMX588L/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

I don't know. Just things I'm thinking about considering I don't have the traditional screened-top set up.

BTW, when did you move from Michigan. We actually had snow on our cars yesterday. That's Michigan, for you.
 
Joined
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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
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I get my heat emitters at Reptile Expos for normally $27 each up to the highest wattage. I also recommend using 40 watt 5.0 or 10.0 by 4 foot long UVB flourescent tubes. As for going into "hides" that is what hides and shaded areas are for. Overall UVB lighting is more natural like the sun or outdoors than in just one spot the tortoise has to resort to to get any sun.

I like the idea of an overall area. I just don't think I'd be able to afford what it would probably cost to run that type of bulb. My enclosure is exactly 4' long so the bulb would've had to be smaller. I still want to post photos so everyone can see what I'm talking about, but I haven't tried lately to see if the problem is resolved.

I acquired him from someone I am unsure whether to believe her story. I think if you'd had a tort for 22 years (or at least close to that), you won't need to read to me directly off a paper (attached to his tank) to give details about him. She provided (4) 250 watt flood light bulbs with a couple of dome lamps. He has a huge hide (she said he had a sister, which died, so I'm assuming it was to house both of them at once), which I'd like to cut down so that there's more room in the enclosure.

I may have to do more than one fixture to accommodate, and put the heat/basking areas in other areas of the enclosure.

I'm still working hard to accommodate him. It's just taking a bit longer than I'd like, and he needs. He does have natural light during the day (I'm trying to make it larger), and has a soaking bowl (which he loves).

I'm sure I'll get all kinds of help when I get those photos posted.

Thanks,

Lisa
 

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