issues with colder weather

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big_red_tortoise

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I recently moved into my first apartment and went with lower price over better quality. I am a college student so I like cheap :). But anyway the windows are old and let alot of air in. It is starting to get cold and even with the windows closed and the fans off, I am having a hard time keeping the temperatures warm enough in my redfoot's enclosure. I cant keep his heat lamp on because it is so bright he wants nothing to do with it at night. Are there any other solutions? I have been looking at alot of under the tank heaters, but I have a plastic enclosure and I dont know if that would work. Anyway I need some advice. Sorry it took so long to explain this lol.
 

bluejen1313

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Hi! I have an infared bulb that provides heat and isn't so bright so it can stay on all night. I think it cost about 10-12 dollars, but it does the trick! Jennifer
 

pebbles mom

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I also just picked up a bulb from Wal-Mart in the light bulb section of the store. By the colored party bulbs (red, green etc.) Anyway it's made by GE and called "Blacklight" reptile rays, for nighttime heat. I don't think it was more than $7.00. There is even a picture of a snake on the box...
 
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Maggie Cummings

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big_red_tortoise said:
I recently moved into my first apartment and went with lower price over better quality. I am a college student so I like cheap :). But anyway the windows are old and let alot of air in. It is starting to get cold and even with the windows closed and the fans off, I am having a hard time keeping the temperatures warm enough in my redfoot's enclosure. I cant keep his heat lamp on because it is so bright he wants nothing to do with it at night. Are there any other solutions? I have been looking at alot of under the tank heaters, but I have a plastic enclosure and I dont know if that would work. Anyway I need some advice. Sorry it took so long to explain this lol.

I use a clamp light fixture bought at Kmart for $8.00 and black lightbulbs also bought at Kmart for $3.99
I use this inexpensive warming technique taught to me by my sister who has used the same set up for 30 years or so.
So for $12 you can keep your tortoise warm. I leave the black light on 24/7. They are 60 watts and really keep the animals warm...HTH
 

Yvonne G

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And to add to what Maggie has told you, fold some sheets of aluminum foil together so that you have a larger sheet, then cover the whole thing, lights and all, with it. That keeps the warm air in and the cold air out.

Yvonne
 

REDFOOTMATT

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I use ceramic heat emitters for my winter heat plus lots of lighting that comes on in the day with timers. They live outside 7 to 8 months of the year. The emitters and fixtures are not "cheap" though. When it comes to reptile heat and lighting, nothing good is cheap.:cool:
 

terryo

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I also use ceramic heat emitters. They last forever...I haven't changed mine in over a year, and they give out NO light, which is great for Redfoots, (so I've been told).
 

big_red_tortoise

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I ended up buying a bulb from walmart and tested it last night. It seems to do the trick. Thanks so much for all the advice! :)
 
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