Still looking for the correct enclosure

Cleopatra 2020

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Hi guys I've been trying to get an enclosure made for our baby Cleo a 3in hatchling and so far I got a tub that was 26 inch long 12 inch tall by 15 in wide so now I'm considering taking it back because I think it's too small I was thinking at least a three or foot-long tote that's 15 in tall and at least 15 to 18 in wide mainly the 15 in tall so that it's not too hot in there I was thinking of using a 5.0 reptile fluorescent tube for my UVB lighting and a night light also I wanted to get a repti fogger can anybody tell me an available size that I can get or order that will be big enough for her and a better description of my lighting and hide placement much appreciated
 

Kapidolo Farms

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rubbermaid roughneck 54 gallon are good for awhile.

 

Tom

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Hi guys I've been trying to get an enclosure made for our baby Cleo a 3in hatchling and so far I got a tub that was 26 inch long 12 inch tall by 15 in wide so now I'm considering taking it back because I think it's too small I was thinking at least a three or foot-long tote that's 15 in tall and at least 15 to 18 in wide mainly the 15 in tall so that it's not too hot in there I was thinking of using a 5.0 reptile fluorescent tube for my UVB lighting and a night light also I wanted to get a repti fogger can anybody tell me an available size that I can get or order that will be big enough for her and a better description of my lighting and hide placement much appreciated
What species?

5.0 bulbs produce almost no UV and are not worth the money.

A 3" tortoise should be in something at least 2x4'.

No tortoise species needs a night light. Some need night heat, but it should still be dark.

Foggers shouldn't be needed or used if your enclosure is set up correctly.
 

ZEROPILOT

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Use a T5. Not a T8 florescent UVB fixture like this one.
Neither a 5.0 or a 10.0 T8 provide much UVB.
(As has been mentioned)
 

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Cleopatra 2020

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What species?

5.0 bulbs produce almost no UV and are not worth the money.

A 3" tortoise should be in something at least 2x4'.

No tortoise species needs a night light. Some need night heat, but it should still be dark.

Foggers shouldn't be needed or used if your enclosure is set up correctly.
She's a leopard tortoise hatchling not sure how old she's like two and a half inches wide and 3 in Long

What size/brand/style bulb should I use?... I like the fact that the fluorescent tubes are cooler and not too hot more control over temperature

How tall should the tote be minimum?

What kind of heater works best for night Heat?

And lastly is a 10in round water dish sufficient for providing humidity in there? And maybe spraying her Coco fibers with water?
 

ZEROPILOT

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so you're saying not to use the one in the picture?
DO use the one in the picture. The T5.
It can provide adequate UVB from up to 20" away.
Your T8 will have to be no more than 8" away from your tortoise to provide any helpful UVB.
A T5 is much more powerful and versatile and is more or less the same cost as the older technology T8.
I don't want to put words into @Tom s mouth, but I think he was saying that at the height of the tote you are speaking of, a T8 5.0 will not be effective.
 

Kapidolo Farms

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@Cleopatra 2020 Since that post where I narrate the use of the rubbermaid tote I have moved away from using the red heat lamps. I now use radiant heat panels, and seedling starter matts, both/either should always be used with a thermostat. The seedling heat mat can be used along the inside wall where the hide is.

I have also used the seedling heat mat set between two flooring times, elevated on 2 x 4s so the tortoises can get under the area.
 

DJ Kirk

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Foggers shouldn't be needed or used if your enclosure is set up correctly.

Sorry but I disagree completely!
I need high humidity for my redfoot and without the fogger I wouldn't be able to achieve the 80%+ humidity I need.
It totally depends on the species.
 

Blackdog1714

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Sorry but I disagree completely!
I need high humidity for my redfoot and without the fogger I wouldn't be able to achieve the 80%+ humidity I need.
It totally depends on the species.
A well made closed cahmber-Vision Cage, By Mark, or home made (well insulated) and a fogger is not needed. I made my own eclosures for my leopard. One was a swimming pool I had plastic over with the lights inside for this one I had to use a fogger because I didn't accomodate for the basement floor (heat sink). It wouldn't alllow the mulch to stay as warm as I needed (65 degrees) which for my Russian is perfection. So next enclosure I built from scratch with 2x4 wall construction that I insulated in between with very dense insulation. This enclosure is on an old work bench so no floor contact and it has a large single pane window. With No Fogger I only add hot water daily with my mister system and my Humidity is 83% in the whole enclosure. The humid hide stays in the mid 90%. All this humidity with 2 minutes of the mister system spraying 132 degree water. The plants sure do like too. Wheat grass from seed to 6 inches tall in 6 days!
 

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Tom

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Sorry but I disagree completely!
I need high humidity for my redfoot and without the fogger I wouldn't be able to achieve the 80%+ humidity I need.
It totally depends on the species.
Actually, you've just agreed with my statement and proven it true. Your enclosure is not set up correctly.
 

Tom

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How so? I maintain 8 indoor enclosures with ideal humidity and temps and I'm not using a single fogger or humidifier of any kind. As are many other keepers here. How do you explain that? Seems pretty sensible to me.
 

Cleopatra 2020

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How so? I maintain 8 indoor enclosures with ideal humidity and temps and I'm not using a single fogger or humidifier of any kind. As are many other keepers here. How do you explain that? Seems pretty sensible to me.
okay guys well I'm not really a debate spectator I would just appreciate it if somebody could give me some insight as this site was intended for
 

Blackdog1714

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Education from a community. Obviously there are always outliers but on the whole TFO is suggesting the best possible ways for someone to raise and care for torts. I went from zero tort experience to enough that I can go on vacation now and not flip out about my torts care. We are not asking you to drink the kool-aid just read and decide for yourself. Read all the sad “My tort needs help now” posts that have folks following pet shop or bad breeders ways. After you stay on here long enough part of your heart will break at the number of baby torts that pass when new owners get old bad advice.
 

Yvonne G

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Hi guys I've been trying to get an enclosure made for our baby Cleo a 3in hatchling and so far I got a tub that was 26 inch long 12 inch tall by 15 in wide so now I'm considering taking it back because I think it's too small I was thinking at least a three or foot-long tote that's 15 in tall and at least 15 to 18 in wide mainly the 15 in tall so that it's not too hot in there I was thinking of using a 5.0 reptile fluorescent tube for my UVB lighting and a night light also I wanted to get a repti fogger can anybody tell me an available size that I can get or order that will be big enough for her and a better description of my lighting and hide placement much appreciated
You can set up a pretty nice "closed chamber" for a hatchling tortoise by using a Christmas Tree Storage Bin manufactured by Iris. Keep the lid and cut holes in it for light placement.
Here's a picture of how to cut out the lid for lights:

ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1431917699.129221.jpg

Once you cover the enclosure, there is no longer a need for a fogger. You just moisten the substrate (I pour a whole pitcherful of water over it and mix it up with my hand) and the lid keeps the warm air inside and the cooler air from the house outside the enclosure.
 

DJ Kirk

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How so? I maintain 8 indoor enclosures with ideal humidity and temps and I'm not using a single fogger or humidifier of any kind. As are many other keepers here. How do you explain that? Seems pretty sensible to me.

I maintain one enclosure with a fogger and the redfoot in it is perfectly happy and healthy.
It's a personal choice and with where I live and the challenges of the cold weather and a very dry house due a furnace constantly pumping out heat the fogger is a must.
I am done here.
 

Gingersherwood1968

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Hi guys I've been trying to get an enclosure made for our baby Cleo a 3in hatchling and so far I got a tub that was 26 inch long 12 inch tall by 15 in wide so now I'm considering taking it back because I think it's too small I was thinking at least a three or foot-long tote that's 15 in tall and at least 15 to 18 in wide mainly the 15 in tall so that it's not too hot in there I was thinking of using a 5.0 reptile fluorescent tube for my UVB lighting and a night light also I wanted to get a repti fogger can anybody tell me an available size that I can get or order that will be big enough for her and a better description of my lighting and hide placement much appreciated
Hi. I got my viv from a guy who makes them on ebay different sizes have a look.
 

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Tom

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I maintain one enclosure with a fogger and the redfoot in it is perfectly happy and healthy.
It's a personal choice and with where I live and the challenges of the cold weather and a very dry house due a furnace constantly pumping out heat the fogger is a must.
I am done here.
A fogger isn't a must. An enclosure that keeps the cool dry room air out of your tortoise's environment is a must. Try it. You'll be amazed at how easy it is, and how much better it is.
 

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