Princeofpita
New Member
Hello all!
I’m new to the world of tortoises and would like some advice about the enclosure I’m setting up for western hermanns. I have read both Tom’s guide as well as hermannichris’ guide and am striving to follow both as well as I can.
Currently I have a 2ft by 2ft by 4ft stock tank (I know a closed chamber could be beneficial but am working with what I have right now). Using a 24in UVB HO strip light paired with a 100watt halogen bulb and CHE. The hot spot sits at 93-100 degrees from time on to fully heated. Ambient on the hot side is around 80 degrees. The cool side drops to about 76 at the lowest and at night the whole enclosure is high to mid 70s. I am using top soil mixed with peat moss (I know Tom’s guide recommends orchid bark and Chris’ has cypress mulch topper) so I plan to add a layer of orchid bark over the top. The humidity levels drop to 50 percent during the day but no lower and hit 85-90% after being sprayed down. A humid hide has been provided that is always around 90-100%. It is not 100% finished yet but curious as to any recommendations or things to change!
Humidity is one thing that stresses me out as obviously it will not be as easy to maintain or keep consistent as a closed chamber. If this is something that is an absolute must to foster a healthy baby then I will find a work around!
I’m new to the world of tortoises and would like some advice about the enclosure I’m setting up for western hermanns. I have read both Tom’s guide as well as hermannichris’ guide and am striving to follow both as well as I can.
Currently I have a 2ft by 2ft by 4ft stock tank (I know a closed chamber could be beneficial but am working with what I have right now). Using a 24in UVB HO strip light paired with a 100watt halogen bulb and CHE. The hot spot sits at 93-100 degrees from time on to fully heated. Ambient on the hot side is around 80 degrees. The cool side drops to about 76 at the lowest and at night the whole enclosure is high to mid 70s. I am using top soil mixed with peat moss (I know Tom’s guide recommends orchid bark and Chris’ has cypress mulch topper) so I plan to add a layer of orchid bark over the top. The humidity levels drop to 50 percent during the day but no lower and hit 85-90% after being sprayed down. A humid hide has been provided that is always around 90-100%. It is not 100% finished yet but curious as to any recommendations or things to change!
Humidity is one thing that stresses me out as obviously it will not be as easy to maintain or keep consistent as a closed chamber. If this is something that is an absolute must to foster a healthy baby then I will find a work around!