Nephelle
Well-Known Member
Hey everyone!
Fall knocked on the first of October, and we went from beautiful to blustery overnight. I live in an older building, and the sudden temperature drop had us scrambling for long sleeves.
This is also making a difference in my tortoise enclosure, and while I was able to get a reading of 94F off her shell sitting under her basking light a moment ago, I can tell by the general use of her space that it's just not warm enough in there.
Since we're only getting started in terms of "cold weather", I wanted to ask for some short-term and longer-term solutions to keeping things toasty.
Current Heat Sources:
Light - 100W MVB @ 12" from the substrate
CHE hooked to hydrofarm thermostat set to 80 (probe in her favored hide)
Small Zoomed Undertank Heater attached to the side next to her hide
I'm not sure exactly the size of my tub but it's Rubbermaid and sits on a wooden side table.
Her enclosure is currently sitting in my living room. It's already topped with foil and looking like I am trying to slow roast a tortoise. I've seen mention of Styrofoam sheets, which I like the sound of, but wouldn't necessarily help the eyesore issue. I thought maybe of covering them with something...?
I have the plexiglass sheet to make a top for my enclosure, but am waiting to get a better idea if I am going to need to add lights, etc. before cutting it.
I've looked at lots of suggestions, from human heating pads to incandescent bulbs, but I am too unfamiliar with this to keep guessing (and spending money where I probably wouldn't have, had I asked here first!). I also want to make sure I set this up the safest way possible.
It dropped to -15F in Pittsburgh at night last winter. I am a born and bred Cali girl (northern), so my entire being sort of went into uncomprehending shock LOL. I need to be ready so I can keep my baby safe
Thank you for your suggestions in advance!
(Attaching a pic of my current enclosure set up. I took the foil off to show the set up)
Fall knocked on the first of October, and we went from beautiful to blustery overnight. I live in an older building, and the sudden temperature drop had us scrambling for long sleeves.
This is also making a difference in my tortoise enclosure, and while I was able to get a reading of 94F off her shell sitting under her basking light a moment ago, I can tell by the general use of her space that it's just not warm enough in there.
Since we're only getting started in terms of "cold weather", I wanted to ask for some short-term and longer-term solutions to keeping things toasty.
Current Heat Sources:
Light - 100W MVB @ 12" from the substrate
CHE hooked to hydrofarm thermostat set to 80 (probe in her favored hide)
Small Zoomed Undertank Heater attached to the side next to her hide
I'm not sure exactly the size of my tub but it's Rubbermaid and sits on a wooden side table.
Her enclosure is currently sitting in my living room. It's already topped with foil and looking like I am trying to slow roast a tortoise. I've seen mention of Styrofoam sheets, which I like the sound of, but wouldn't necessarily help the eyesore issue. I thought maybe of covering them with something...?
I have the plexiglass sheet to make a top for my enclosure, but am waiting to get a better idea if I am going to need to add lights, etc. before cutting it.
I've looked at lots of suggestions, from human heating pads to incandescent bulbs, but I am too unfamiliar with this to keep guessing (and spending money where I probably wouldn't have, had I asked here first!). I also want to make sure I set this up the safest way possible.
It dropped to -15F in Pittsburgh at night last winter. I am a born and bred Cali girl (northern), so my entire being sort of went into uncomprehending shock LOL. I need to be ready so I can keep my baby safe
Thank you for your suggestions in advance!
(Attaching a pic of my current enclosure set up. I took the foil off to show the set up)
