Making Redfoot Enclosure...

Scute Mob

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I am in the process of making my Redfoot enclosure before having my hatchling shipped to make sure that my levels are correct. I decided to go with a 40 Gallon tank because It was recommended by the breeder and because I figure it is more stable then some of the greenhouse enclosures. I absolutely plan on (in the next six months) building a wood/plexiglass LARGE enclosure , but I don't personally have the crafting ability to do that. My boyfriend does, but right now is his busy season with work.

I wanted to ask a few questions:
1. Would it be possible/recommended to create essentially a closed chamber by hanging the lights inside the tank and using a plexiglass cover?

2. What set of lights are recommended? I know many use CHE, UVB and a Basking bulb, I would love for some brand recommendations as well as tank placement recommendations.

That's all for now! Any help is appreciated.
 

Merrick

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A glass tank is not good for torts a plastic storage bin of the same size is better and cheaper for lights you will need a long tube uvb light 10.0 should be good you can use the plexiglass glass idea and try different wattage for heat that work for you everybody's house is a little different also add lots of plants
 

Scute Mob

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A glass tank is not good for torts a plastic storage bin of the same size is better and cheaper for lights you will need a long tube uvb light 10.0 should be good you can use the plexiglass glass idea and try different wattage for heat that work for you everybody's house is a little different also add lots of plants
Besides being see-through, is there another reason you do not like the tanks? I have read on the forum that there are many who swear by tanks and many who dislike them. Overall, I have read that there are many very experienced keepers who still support the use of glass tanks. If visibility is an issue, I am happy to put a layer of construction paper to block the torts view.
 

Merrick

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Besides being see-through, is there another reason you do not like the tanks? I have read on the forum that there are many who swear by tanks and many who dislike them. Overall, I have read that there are many very experienced keepers who still support the use of glass tanks. If visibility is an issue, I am happy to put a layer of construction paper to block the torts view.
The greenhouse effect to much heat
 

Scute Mob

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The greenhouse effect to much heat
I'm not meaning to argue, but wouldn't that apply to all closed chamber enclosures? How would the humidity be kept high enough in a completely open top? I am open to any ideas for the most suitable habitat. :)
 

Merrick

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I'm not meaning to argue, but wouldn't that apply to all closed chamber enclosures? How would the humidity be kept high enough in a completely open top? I am open to any ideas for the most suitable habitat. :)
The greenhouse affect is caused by the transparency not from being a closed chamber the heat from the heat lamp wich is more controlled evaporates the water creating humidity
Closed chambers that are not glass are good because they stop the water vapor from escaping
 

Scute Mob

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The greenhouse affect is caused by the transparency not from being a closed chamber the heat from the heat lamp wich is more controlled evaporates the water creating humidity
Closed chambers that are not glass are good because they stop the water vapor from escaping

I guess I am getting a bit lost. So if my tank were to be a closed chamber, according to what you've just said, the heat would be more controlled. If, because the tank is transparent, it were to heat up more than necessary/expected, I could use lower wattage heat bulbs that would, in the closed chamber, be more consistent.The humidity would be consistent because it is a closed chamber maintaining the temperature. Correct?
Are you saying that my tank needs to not be transparent and I need to cover the entire outside of my tank?
 

Merrick

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Yes it needs to not be transparent and you have to cover the top of the enclosure and give air holes on the side
The closed chamber does not affect heat it affects humidity
 

Scute Mob

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http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/

On that thread is some examples from experience members of their closed chambers. Some are in plastic, some are in wood and plexiglass, some are in glass tanks. It seems that if I did not want the tank to over heat, I need to monitor the temps and most likely use a lower wattage bulb. I had planned on the top of the enclosure being covered to maintain a constant temperature and humidity because if the temperature fluctuates, without a doubt the rate of evaporation (humidity) will as well. Air flow could absolutely effect the temperature as well as the humidity, but perhaps not as much.
The plastic tubs many are using are slightly transparent and many of the higher quality closed chambers built by hand have an entire side of clear plexiglass. There are also many who keep the sides of glass tanks completely open. Would it be safe to say that covering three sides and keeping one transparent side would be suitable?
 

ZEROPILOT

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I use long, short walled aquariums with plexiglass tops as closed chamber housing for my Redfoot babies. I use simple duct tape for a hinge for the top, orchid bark covered with a layer of potting soil and a tube florescent UVB strip light with a 5.0 tube. I hang the light under the plexiglass with holes to vent for the light as shown in the photo.
I use no other heat source. (I am in Florida) No other light source. It works great for me.
Temps 79-87 and humidity 80-90%.
 

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