New Enclosure!!!
Overall dimensions (in ft) are 5 1/2 L x 3 W x 3 H
I started with this framing and I added hinges so when I move it is more portable:
This keeps the hinge from sagging and breaking:
I also added additional support with 2x3's and added the floor base:
Yep, that mortar tub is for a waterfall. I just cut it out of the flooring and added another plank underneath for support (not shown).
I didn't like the doors I had previously, so I went to sliding glass. It's 1/4 inch, beveled, and I had tracks installed on the glass professionally. All I had to do was install the aluminum runners and put the glass in. Each of the sides is held on with carriage bolts at the base and an L-bracket, this makes it very fast to breakdown for increased portability.
I saw someone else do this and I liked it, so I stole the crap out of it . One on each end.
I like to bury pots on the inside of the enclosure as hides. This way the tortoises can walk on top and feel very secure when inside. Here they are peeking out at me. I will be addding 1-2 more soon.
Completed waterfall. Still not 100% happy about this, suggestions welcome! There is a waterproof heat rope in here. It is intended to humidify the enclosure and provide drinking stimulus to the torts.
Two CHE's and a 50 watt halogen flood on the warm, bright end (84-86ºF)
One CHE on the cool, dark end (80-82ºF)
Here they are eating some Zoo Med FTD. Plants on the top shelf for upping air quality (pothos & spider plants...adding more soon!)
I still have a lot to add for plants and hides, I'm not done yet. I'm also looking to improve that waterfall area. It could be much better than it is currently, just toying with ideas still.
Please feel free to offer suggestions and/or ask questions.
Overall dimensions (in ft) are 5 1/2 L x 3 W x 3 H
I started with this framing and I added hinges so when I move it is more portable:
This keeps the hinge from sagging and breaking:
I also added additional support with 2x3's and added the floor base:
Yep, that mortar tub is for a waterfall. I just cut it out of the flooring and added another plank underneath for support (not shown).
I didn't like the doors I had previously, so I went to sliding glass. It's 1/4 inch, beveled, and I had tracks installed on the glass professionally. All I had to do was install the aluminum runners and put the glass in. Each of the sides is held on with carriage bolts at the base and an L-bracket, this makes it very fast to breakdown for increased portability.
I saw someone else do this and I liked it, so I stole the crap out of it . One on each end.
I like to bury pots on the inside of the enclosure as hides. This way the tortoises can walk on top and feel very secure when inside. Here they are peeking out at me. I will be addding 1-2 more soon.
Completed waterfall. Still not 100% happy about this, suggestions welcome! There is a waterproof heat rope in here. It is intended to humidify the enclosure and provide drinking stimulus to the torts.
Two CHE's and a 50 watt halogen flood on the warm, bright end (84-86ºF)
One CHE on the cool, dark end (80-82ºF)
Here they are eating some Zoo Med FTD. Plants on the top shelf for upping air quality (pothos & spider plants...adding more soon!)
I still have a lot to add for plants and hides, I'm not done yet. I'm also looking to improve that waterfall area. It could be much better than it is currently, just toying with ideas still.
Please feel free to offer suggestions and/or ask questions.