Oil filled heater installation

Mandysaur

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I have a 4x4 dirt floor, well insulated night box for my 20lb sulcata. I have a heat panel on the side wall but an experiencing mixed results. I would like to install a mini oil filled heater on my inkbird thermostat. I am very concerned about fire hazards. How do you mount or install the heater when it’s surrounded by so much wood and hay?
 

Tom

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First, a dirt floor isn't going to work. It will suck the heat out of your tortoise and the box, even if the air temp is able to stay warm. You need an insulated wooden floor. Eventually, your tortoise is going to start digging to China and filling the entire box with dirt.

Next, lose the hay. It doesn't do any thing. That only works when the animal sleeping in it generates their own body heat.

Once you have your floor installed, you can build a little wall around the heater and then chain the heater to the floor in the middle of the walled area. It can't move then, and it can't touch anything. Oil heaters are pretty safe. I've seen them on high, on all night with no thermostat, actually touching the wood, and no problem.

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I put a thin layer of dirt on the floor in my boxes and it makes clean up quick and easy.
 

Tom

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Here is how I build my floors:
IMG_4482.JPG

I frame them up with 2x4s and then fit 1.5 inch rigid foam insulation into the spaces.
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Then I run silicone caulking all around and cover with plywood. I made this one with extra framing because it will have a very heavy Aldabra tortoise in it.
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On this box, I also chose to elevate the heater to leave more floor space:
IMG_4539.JPGIMG_4541.JPG
 

Mandysaur

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I really like the elevated idea. I dont have to worry about it touching the wood? I had a stall mat but took it out. I can replace it until the bottom gets built.
besides dirt, what is a good bedding. Shavings are not recommended right?
 

Tom

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I really like the elevated idea. I dont have to worry about it touching the wood? I had a stall mat but took it out. I can replace it until the bottom gets built.
besides dirt, what is a good bedding. Shavings are not recommended right?
The heater doesn't touch the wood. Its mounted so that it can't move.

I don't use bedding. It doesn't work. You'll see as your tortoise gets bigger. You have to scoop it all out every couple few days because they make such a mess. Having substrate in there just isn't practical. Dirt. Cheap, easy, effective. Get a flat head shovel if you don't already have one. :)
 

Wolfen

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I have a 4x4 dirt floor, well insulated night box for my 20lb sulcata. I have a heat panel on the side wall but an experiencing mixed results. I would like to install a mini oil filled heater on my inkbird thermostat. I am very concerned about fire hazards. How do you mount or install the heater when it’s surrounded by so much wood and hay?
Would you please post your inkbird temperature graphs. I wanna see something
 

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