Closed enclosure suggestions.

[Gennifer11]

I'm working on building a closed enclosure for my baby sully since he doesn't seem to be getting better with a RI.

First attached is the basic 44 gallon (15"h x 53"l) enclosure before any work. Then I cut some holes and put a random test lamp with a test subject in there to look at its height. In my sully ' open enclosure the basking light is about 8" (95-105°) away from the substrate, in this closed enclosure it's about 7". And even with this red light it's a whopping 109° below.

I'm worried it's too close, I could cut the holes larger and bring the lamps up but I'm not sure how to make it structurally sound. Any ideas? I am also planning on attaching hinges and handles for easy opening. I need some ideas

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Those temps are dangerously hot.

 

[Gennifer11]

Those temps are dangerously hot.

I was told on here that he needs the hot basking temps to kick the RI. then cold side no lower than 85

 

[tortdad]

You do need to bring his basking temps up to help kick the RI. Shoot for 105 in the basking area. The red light is no good, torts see color so it's not dark like it's supposed to be. That light needs to be higher because once you add several inches of substraight that lamp will end up more like 4" from the tort and the temps will shoot up another 10 +\-degrees.

I don't think the walls of the sweater box are high enough to make a closed chamber out of. The benefit of closed chambers is that it holds heat and humidity in so it take less of those items to get the temps you need. Does that make sense, am I explaining that right?

 

[tortdad]

You do need to bring his basking temps up to help kick the RI. Shoot for 105 in the basking area. The red light is no good, torts see color so it's not dark like it's supposed to be. That light needs to be higher because once you add several inches of substraight that lamp will end up more like 4" from the tort and the temps will shoot up another 10 +\-degrees.

I don't think the walls of the sweater box are high enough to make a closed chamber out of. The benefit of closed chambers is that it holds heat and humidity in so it take less of those items to get the temps you need. Does that make sense, am I explaining that right?

You still need height because a proper closed chamber has lights inside the enclosure, not resting on top with holes cut in.

 

[Dizisdalife]

You are right about needing warmer temps for your baby to fight a URI. An ambient temp of 85° with a basking spot of 100° to 105° should do the trick. One thing that I have seen done to create a closed chamber is to build a stand for the lights and use it also as a frame for a plastic curtain (like a shower curtain) to cover the lights. Like a tent. Here is an example of one that is very effective. I think it is from a kit, but I may be wrong about that.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chamber-leopard-edition.109634/
If you don't have a thermostat you need to get one to control a heat source for the ambient temp. I suggest a ceramic heat emitter (CHE). It will replace the red bulb you have now. I have used one like this for over 4 years with no problem. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CZ0J3E/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[Gennifer11]

You are right about needing warmer temps for your baby to fight a URI. An ambient temp of 85° with a basking spot of 100° to 105° should do the trick. One thing that I have seen done to create a closed chamber is to build a stand for the lights and use it also as a frame for a plastic curtain (like a shower curtain) to cover the lights. Like a tent. Here is an example of one that is very effective. I think it is from a kit, but I may be wrong about that.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chamber-leopard-edition.109634/
If you don't have a thermostat you need to get one to control a heat source for the ambient temp. I suggest a ceramic heat emitter (CHE). It will replace the red bulb you have now. I have used one like this for over 4 years with no problem. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CZ0J3E/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

No worries about the red light it was just the only light I had that wasn't in use at the time. I have CHE's. Here are a couple of things I've seen on here, one is like the tent you were desribing but with pipes. And the other one has just the top of the lamp sticking out. Thats what I think I'll try if it doesn't melt the plastic top.... :/

 

[Gennifer11]

I suppose all in all I'm looking for suggestions with the lights.

 

[crimson_lotus]

What are you going to do for UVB? Never forget about your UV bulb, if you don't have one it can cause metabolic bone disease, their shells become soft, and they can die.

Why don't you try something like this?

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-rf-enclosure.6361/

Just instead of the clamp you can purchase a stand. The clamps tend to fall of and can cause a fire or seriously injure your tortoise. With the stand you would be able to adjust the height, because 8" is too low, especially with no substrate.

If the open gap bothers you, just cover it with tin foil.

 

[Gennifer11]

That would be good too, thanks! Im pretty sure those stands are cheap too. I also have a MVB. I already have a whole enclosure but it's open, I just want to switch to a closed enclosure. I really love the raised garden enclosure that @Dizisdalife posted. Maybe I can try to mimic that

 

[crimson_lotus]

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/what-do-you-recommend.38693/#post-373547

This thread has a picture of the bin and the two lights you need at a good height, but again the clamps are bad. You also seriously reduce the lifespan of your bulb when you tilt them like that. The stand would make them face straight down.

 

[crimson_lotus]

Yeah I was looking at that raised garden bed for a while too, it's a great idea.

 

[Gennifer11]

I'll definitely get that garden enclosure if I get any more torts. But something small to start. My plan is to have one CHE (maybe 2 if needed) on each end of the enclosure and th en the MVB in the center. With a temp timer for the CHEs. I can keep my open enclosure at a good 60-70% humidity now without much effort so I can't imagine that getting to 80% in a closed enclosure will be difficult.

After looking at that garden enclosure I started looking up some more, I bet if I can find one of these covers that would fit my enclosure it would be perfect. I could even hang my lights from the bar at the top. Now to scour amazon!

 

[crimson_lotus]

Excellent, I'm happy to hear you have a MVB, I don't think you will need two CHE's in there since the MVB produces heat as well. You can have the CHE for night time and the MVB in the day. I don't think that storage bin is big enough to need two heat sources.

 

[Gennifer11]

Well that's good news. Hopefully i can save some electricity! I can't wait to get this all set up thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone. If you think of any more please throw ideas my way