New owner seeking set up feedback

[cdumitru78]

I got three awesome western hermann's from Chris (by the way, the guy is incredible with this passion for these awesome creatures and willingness to help!) and I am looking for some feedback for my set up.

Currently using:

ZooMed Turtle tortoise house (i know this might not be idea due to difficulties in keeping humidity levels up, but that is what we ended up buying before I did all my research, planning to design and build a better set up once I move them into our garage)
Substrate - ZooMed Forest Floor natural Cypress Mulch mixed with Eco Earth Coconut Fiber, mixed ratio 2 to 1, about 3.5 inches deep. I thought the Mulch would hold moisture better and seems to be less dusty.
Lights - initially bought a ZooMed Dual Dome fixture but quickly learned that is not recommended, so swapped to a
Zilla 8.5 reflector dome with a 100w repti basking spot lamp and a reptisum terrarium hood with a 10 UVB lamp.
Using 2 of the cheap dual analog thermometers/humidity gauges, plan to replace them once I find a nice wireless multiple probe unit, open to suggestions there.
Food - going off what Chris recommended, will also get the original Mazuri tortoise food.

Any thoughts, suggestions, thank you in advance!

 

[tinytortoise]

I use a 50 gallon stock tank and I've built it into a closed chamber to retain proper humidity. Not sure how you'll maintain humidity at the moment. Greenhouse Plastic

For temp/hygrometer I have a hand held probe as well as a Xaiomi Mi Temp/Humidity sensor which reports to my smartthings hub (need customer device handler). So I can check via my phone anytime. This wifi camera is great for remote viewing and motion sensing.

Maybe consider not your garage if cars come in and out, I wouldn't subject my tort to that.

Can check my other posts for more info.
Upgrading Greenhouse Plastic
Planning for a Hermann's
DIY Baby Closed Chamber

 

[cdumitru78]

Yeah, the housing is the biggest question for now, trying to find something that looks semi decent and does the job. For now, we spray it a few times a day and we seem to be able to maintain humidity. I thought about putting a cover on it at night, not sure about pro's and con's with that, learning as much as I can. There has to be someone that makes or offers a better option than a rubbermaid plastic enclosure, or I may have to try to build one from scratch.

 

[method89]

Definitely put a cover on at night, but make sure you turn off heat.. read Chris's care sheets for both Greek and hermanns. 98% of all the questions you can think of are answered there.

Inkbird makes a nice wireless, app friendly temp and humidity gauge... It's on Amazon. I will try to find link and post it

 

[method89]

I was planning on going with the Rubbermaid bin as well but once the Mrs saw it she said I had to change it... Without delay, I placed the Animal Plastics order...12-18 weeks out.

 

[cdumitru78]

Anyone has any experience with these, they seem pretty nice.
https://www.diycages.com/products/new-48x24x24-cf-pvc-front-sliding-display-cage?variant=33747107789