Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and currently doing some research as I will be getting a Hermann tortoise in the near future. However I want to be absolutely sure I've covered all bases before I go ahead and buy one. I've been reading a lot on this forum about custom built tables using bookcases and I'm seriously considering going down this route as I can't find anything ready made that I like and don't feel comfortable building one completely from scratch!
Initially I'd like this to be approximately four feet in length by at least two, preferably three feet in width and with the sides at least one foot in height although I will probably use plexiglass as well to increase the height to prevent him or her from climbing out. A covered hide would be on one end for him/her to escape to/sleep in. I plan on strengthening the base of the enclosure with plywood or something similar, and I will be lining the base and sides of the enclosure with pondliner to protect the wood from moisture. The whole structure will be placed on an old sideboard so should be quite sturdy.
Substrate wise I was thinking of a mixture of either eco earth and coco coir or eco earth and reptibark. Would this be a good idea or is there something better I can use?
For this size enclosure what would my best options be for heating/lighting? I plan to have a basking lamp on the opposite end of the hide but what strength bulb would be more suitable? I was wondering if a 75 or 80w would be enough to get up to the appropriate temperature? I am also unsure on lighting. I do plan on taking the tortoise out in the garden as often as our temperamental UK weather will allow but I am aware I will also need some lighting. I've read that strip lights are the best option to ensure that the whole enclosure, apart from the covered hide, will get light. I plan to have both the light and the heating on a timer for 10-12 hours per day. Would this be enough?
Finally, what humidity should I be aiming for? I've read conflicting information about humidity for Hermann tortoises, some places I've read no more than 40-50% and others say more like 70% or even higher!
Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure everything is perfect before I go ahead and get the tortoise.
Thank you all in advance
Initially I'd like this to be approximately four feet in length by at least two, preferably three feet in width and with the sides at least one foot in height although I will probably use plexiglass as well to increase the height to prevent him or her from climbing out. A covered hide would be on one end for him/her to escape to/sleep in. I plan on strengthening the base of the enclosure with plywood or something similar, and I will be lining the base and sides of the enclosure with pondliner to protect the wood from moisture. The whole structure will be placed on an old sideboard so should be quite sturdy.
Substrate wise I was thinking of a mixture of either eco earth and coco coir or eco earth and reptibark. Would this be a good idea or is there something better I can use?
For this size enclosure what would my best options be for heating/lighting? I plan to have a basking lamp on the opposite end of the hide but what strength bulb would be more suitable? I was wondering if a 75 or 80w would be enough to get up to the appropriate temperature? I am also unsure on lighting. I do plan on taking the tortoise out in the garden as often as our temperamental UK weather will allow but I am aware I will also need some lighting. I've read that strip lights are the best option to ensure that the whole enclosure, apart from the covered hide, will get light. I plan to have both the light and the heating on a timer for 10-12 hours per day. Would this be enough?
Finally, what humidity should I be aiming for? I've read conflicting information about humidity for Hermann tortoises, some places I've read no more than 40-50% and others say more like 70% or even higher!
Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure everything is perfect before I go ahead and get the tortoise.
Thank you all in advance