- Joined
- Feb 5, 2012
- Messages
- 7
I am beginning the designs for my Redfoot's permanent home(s). For most of the year, I would like to keep him outside, since I can set aside a very generous amount of space for him. During the winter months, he will be brought inside.
My outdoor enclosure concept begins with a large elevated tort table, but as I live in Boise, keeping humidity up in an open enclosure is near impossible. So I am working on a design for a tort table that is fully enclosed - essentially a small greenhouse (with lots of plants). However, I want your help with a few roadblocks:
First: I want to have a clear top and sides to this construction, but all signs point to no clear material being able to transmit UVB rays (this will be in indirect sunlight only, so I am not concerned with overheating). I am looking at plexiglass (acrylic), Polycarbonate (single and multiwalled), clear corrugated fiberglass, and regular glass. Should I bother worrying about this, or should I just pick whatever is cheapest and supplement with a UVB lamp?
Second: during the spring and fall, night temps can get a little on the low-side, so I want supplemental heating on a thermostat. What would be best, heat-ropes under the substrate (good for humidity), CHEs, or something else?
Third: With an enclosure like this, ventilation will be key. I need to find a balance of keeping in heat and humidity in, but still have adequate ventilation. Should I do forced air (small fans) or will holes in the sides do? Where should they be located (near the substrate, middle of enclosure, or near the top)?
and Finally: I plan to hook up a misting system on a timer. Does anyone have any good plans/suggestions for a low-maintenance system that I don't have to refill constantly?
I think that is enough to get me started. Once I have some drawings, I will post them to get some feedback.
My outdoor enclosure concept begins with a large elevated tort table, but as I live in Boise, keeping humidity up in an open enclosure is near impossible. So I am working on a design for a tort table that is fully enclosed - essentially a small greenhouse (with lots of plants). However, I want your help with a few roadblocks:
First: I want to have a clear top and sides to this construction, but all signs point to no clear material being able to transmit UVB rays (this will be in indirect sunlight only, so I am not concerned with overheating). I am looking at plexiglass (acrylic), Polycarbonate (single and multiwalled), clear corrugated fiberglass, and regular glass. Should I bother worrying about this, or should I just pick whatever is cheapest and supplement with a UVB lamp?
Second: during the spring and fall, night temps can get a little on the low-side, so I want supplemental heating on a thermostat. What would be best, heat-ropes under the substrate (good for humidity), CHEs, or something else?
Third: With an enclosure like this, ventilation will be key. I need to find a balance of keeping in heat and humidity in, but still have adequate ventilation. Should I do forced air (small fans) or will holes in the sides do? Where should they be located (near the substrate, middle of enclosure, or near the top)?
and Finally: I plan to hook up a misting system on a timer. Does anyone have any good plans/suggestions for a low-maintenance system that I don't have to refill constantly?
I think that is enough to get me started. Once I have some drawings, I will post them to get some feedback.