Maximum hatchling encloser/best UVB bulb

Jessica03

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Mar 8, 2019
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Canada
Hello,

I’m getting a Hermanns hatchling soon and am building him/her an enclosed enclosure and was wondering what the maximum enclosure size would be? Without it being too big that they feel lost/scared. Also, is the Reptisun or Arcadia a better bulb for a Hermanns hatchling? I’ve read so many mixed opinions.
 

Jessica03

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Mar 8, 2019
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Canada
I should add I live in Canada Saskatchewan and the weather varies, so I won’t always be able to put him outside, especially in Winter.
 

TechnoCheese

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There isn’t really a maximum size, so you can really go as big as you want. But 4x2 feet is a good starting point. Just keep in mind the larger the enclosure, the more you’ll have to clutter it, and I wouldn’t go so big that you can’t find the tortoise.

Adults require a minimum of 8x4 feet, but you might loose a hatchling in an enclosure that big. You could always build one and divide it in half/in fourths.

Both reptisun and Arcadia are good, but I’ve heard great things about Arcadia. Personally, I would just go with whatever one is easier to get.

Great to hear you’re willing to give your tortoise lots of space!
 

Tom

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There is no enclosure bigger than the continent where they come from. They won't be lost or scared in something huge. I think 2x4' is a nice size to start a baby in, and a 4x8' is a nice size for them to live in as an adult.

Either of the HO bulbs work. The Reptisun 10.0 HO is preferred by some people and the Arcadia 12% HO bulbs preferred by others. Either will work for you, but I recommend a UV meter to check UV levels since your tortoise will be mostly indoors. https://www.solarmeter.com/model65.html

This might help too:

There are four elements to heating and lighting:
  1. Basking bulb. I use 65 watt floods from the hardware store. I run them on a timer and adjust the height to get the correct basking temp under them.
  2. Ambient heat maintenance. I use ceramic heating elements or radiant heat panels set on thermostats to maintain ambient above 80 degrees day and night for tropical species. You'd only need day heat for a temperate species like Testudo or DT.
  3. Light. I use florescent tubes or LEDs for this purpose. Something in the 5000-6500K color range will look the best. Most tubes at the store are in the 2500K range and they look yellowish.
  4. UV. If you can get your tortoise outside for an hour 2 or 3 times a week, you won't need indoor UV. If you want it anyway, get one of the newer HO type fluorescent tubes. Which type will depend on mounting height.
Check this one out too:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
 

aqualungs

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Feb 19, 2019
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236
Location (City and/or State)
Perry, OH
Definitely go with T5 tube in Arcadia or Reptisun. You can’t go wrong with either and I’m trying Arcadia next. Can’t wait to see the build. I started with 2x4 for my baby Cherryhead. It’s pretty nice size for him and takes me a bit to find him. Can’t believe how well they camo! Sometimes he’s right there lol. I did a wood enclosure and wish I went pvc. Fingers crossed my 4 coats of Kilz keeps the wood from rotting. Babies need quite a bit of humidity, even Hermanns.
Best thing is have fun with it! IMG_2050.jpg IMG_2006.jpg
 

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