Just a thought (galvanized water trough?)

[oknursedana]

Has anyone used a galvanized steel water trough for their indoor enclosure for their Sulcata? I'm thinking about purchasing one that is 8x3x2. Thought?

 

[leigti]

I think that would be a good idea. I use 160 gallon stock tank for my indoor enclosures. Mine is a black plastic type material though not galvanized. mine is not as big however because I don't have the room for two of them that size.

 

[oknursedana]

I just hadn't seen any pics so I just wanted to see if I was crazy before I mentioned it to my husband who will definitely say I am. Lol. I'm thinking 300 gallon which should be more than enough room for now and in the future when tiny moves out.

 

[leigti]

How big is your tortoise?here is a picture of mine for my Russian tortoise. It is a semi closed chamber. but you don't have to make yours a close chamber.

 

[Tom]

I have used them in the past. They work fine, but the open top allows all the heat and humidity to escape. I did a thread on it a while back...

 

[leigti]

I have used them in the past. They work fine, but the open top allows all the heat and humidity to escape. I did a thread on it a while back...

I missed to that thread. Mine is not a tight close chamber, it's sort of jerryrigged. But it allowed me to go from hundred 25 W chicken lamp down to regular 100 W lightbulbs to provide heat. I don't feel like I am cooking the top of my tortoise as much this way. and I don't have to add water to the enclosure is often either. I will keep them as close chambers for the winter while the heat is running in the house. and I will keep them open when I just use them as night time enclosures rest of the year.

 

[oknursedana]

I would make a top for it out of plexiglass so that it would be a closed chamber. I'm also thinking about putting wheels on it for when I need to move it. Tiny is 3.5 lbs as of last week. I would post a pic but it appears that in all my wisdom I have deleted quite a few pics off my phone.

 

[oknursedana]

I'm going to attempt to find that thread Tom. Hopefully I have better luck with that than finding my pics. Lol

 

[oknursedana]

I love the pic of yours!!!! Thanks!

 

[leigti]

I think wheels would be a good idea. Those puppies get heavy! just moving mine around when they were empty was a pain in the butt I put those sliders that you used to move furniture undermine so if I have to I can shove them around the room a little bit. I don't have a sulcata so I don't know how long they need a close chamber and high humidity. but you can definitely make one pretty easily. and then take the top off when it's not needed anymore. I made mine with a cheapie shower curtain and some plant frames. it's just thrown together but it seems to be working okay, I will pretty it up this weekend. The inside dimensions are about 52" x 38" x 20" hig so not huge but it works for winter. I have an adult Russian and an adult Boxturtle so the humidity is not as vital. as for a young tortoise. @Tom can you give us the link to your thread?

 

[johnsonnboswell]

I've used plant dollies under stock tanks. My only concern would be the way metal conducts both cold & heat, but if your ambient temperatures are comfy it should be okay. I use rubber stock tanks & like them.

 

[leigti]

Plants dollars would've been a good idea. Wish I would've thought of that before I put all the stuff in it :-( oh well. The metal might get cold and it can get very hot. Mine is a plastic/rubber type material. I'm not sure what you call it. It is not the foam kind though. It does not absorb the heat too much even though it is black

 

[oknursedana]

I love the plant dolly idea!!!! My house is consistently between 68-74. It will also not be in direct sun light. I will post pics once I finally get it going. Lol

 

[oknursedana]

I got this today. 110 gal tank. I can and will upgrade again when needed.

 

[oknursedana]

I have used them in the past. They work fine, but the open top allows all the heat and humidity to escape. I did a thread on it a while back...

Can you point me in the direction of the thread mentioned above?

 

[Yvonne G]

I think you'll be happier with the black than you would have been with the galvanized.

 

[oknursedana]

So far so good.

 

[oknursedana]

Complete. Still trying to get everything right temp and humidity leveled out.

 

[G-stars]

Nice, how well does that wood top work? It looks like it opens right in the middle? Take pics of it when you can. I have a 300 gallon Rubbermaid I've been meaning to covert into something like this.

 

[oknursedana]

The middle is a 2x4. The 2 rounded parts are attached to it with hinges. The middle board has 2 holes in it for either another che or light. I will take a closer pic after my daughter finishes reading to me.