Hello!
I am looking to create a much better indoor enclosure for my red foot Scarlett. I live in Massachusetts and it is already very cold here, so I have plenty of time to worry about her outdoor enclosure.
I have a 55 gallon long tank that I can use. I was going to buy a 5 or 10 watt UVB long bulb and install it across the top of the tank, and then have a 150 watt CHE on one end (or do you think I should do two 75-100 watt CHEs on either end with the UVB bulb in the middle?). I will make a lid so that it holds in humidity while allowing some ventilation.
Now, my questions are, what should I use for substrate? I've been told a sand/crypress mix works well. Also cypress/cocofiber mix. But I need something that will work well for a few live plants. I was going to buy some moss to spread out, but I also (haven't chosen which ones yet) wanted some plants for extra hiding spots. What do you suggest I use for substrate?
Also, how high from the ground should the CHEs and UVB bulb be? It this something I'll need to use trial and error for?
Do you think the 55 gallon tank will work okay at least for this winter? I have plans to make a tortoise table, but between my work and my boyfriends work it feels like we never have time to actually get the supplies and work on it. I figured the tank is kind of an easy fix for now, anything is better than what she has now...
I just want to provide the best for my little girl. I've been having trouble with her heat and humidity so she's been pretty inactive, though still eating every couple days. I've also started giving her daily luke warm baths to splash in (my sink).
I like this idea from Terryo the best
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Solo-s-new-vivarium#axzz1cgnBJNeh
I am looking to create a much better indoor enclosure for my red foot Scarlett. I live in Massachusetts and it is already very cold here, so I have plenty of time to worry about her outdoor enclosure.
I have a 55 gallon long tank that I can use. I was going to buy a 5 or 10 watt UVB long bulb and install it across the top of the tank, and then have a 150 watt CHE on one end (or do you think I should do two 75-100 watt CHEs on either end with the UVB bulb in the middle?). I will make a lid so that it holds in humidity while allowing some ventilation.
Now, my questions are, what should I use for substrate? I've been told a sand/crypress mix works well. Also cypress/cocofiber mix. But I need something that will work well for a few live plants. I was going to buy some moss to spread out, but I also (haven't chosen which ones yet) wanted some plants for extra hiding spots. What do you suggest I use for substrate?
Also, how high from the ground should the CHEs and UVB bulb be? It this something I'll need to use trial and error for?
Do you think the 55 gallon tank will work okay at least for this winter? I have plans to make a tortoise table, but between my work and my boyfriends work it feels like we never have time to actually get the supplies and work on it. I figured the tank is kind of an easy fix for now, anything is better than what she has now...
I just want to provide the best for my little girl. I've been having trouble with her heat and humidity so she's been pretty inactive, though still eating every couple days. I've also started giving her daily luke warm baths to splash in (my sink).
I like this idea from Terryo the best
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Solo-s-new-vivarium#axzz1cgnBJNeh
