I started building a new enclosure about two weeks ago and have been working on it during my free time.
It is slightly larger than 2'x4'. The base is two feet tall and the enclosure is about two and a half feet tall. I was planning on having six to seven inches of dirt/sand mix on 3/4 of the enclosure and the last quarter go down into a burrow like area with slate covered area overhead.
In the hood area there will be a double 4' t-8 fixture and two other halogen fixtures. The bottom and lower half of sides will be covered with FRP board with the corners siliconed to protect it from moisture.
I am planning on planting aloe and sedum along the rear is slightly raised section that I hope will prevent the tortoises from uprooting it too badly.
Here it is so far. The enclosure is 1/2 plywood. I used primarily pocket hole screw construction so no frame was necessary. I did use a frame on the base for extra support.
The final color will be black.
I have the front part of the hood hinged for better access to the lighting. Also all the halogens have dimmers built in and all lights are on a timer.
I put the first coat of black paint on today and will probably need another two to get the finish I want.
Then install the glass and FRP board.
After that I'll install the electrical and the actual interior for the torts.
Let me know what you think and any other ideas you have.
It is slightly larger than 2'x4'. The base is two feet tall and the enclosure is about two and a half feet tall. I was planning on having six to seven inches of dirt/sand mix on 3/4 of the enclosure and the last quarter go down into a burrow like area with slate covered area overhead.
In the hood area there will be a double 4' t-8 fixture and two other halogen fixtures. The bottom and lower half of sides will be covered with FRP board with the corners siliconed to protect it from moisture.
I am planning on planting aloe and sedum along the rear is slightly raised section that I hope will prevent the tortoises from uprooting it too badly.
Here it is so far. The enclosure is 1/2 plywood. I used primarily pocket hole screw construction so no frame was necessary. I did use a frame on the base for extra support.
The final color will be black.
I have the front part of the hood hinged for better access to the lighting. Also all the halogens have dimmers built in and all lights are on a timer.
I put the first coat of black paint on today and will probably need another two to get the finish I want.
Then install the glass and FRP board.
After that I'll install the electrical and the actual interior for the torts.
Let me know what you think and any other ideas you have.
