Tortoise enclosure update w pics-almost done!

[Mrgeez]

I completed 95% of my electrical aspects of my enclosure yesterday. I did a “pre-test” of the heating and am more than satisfied that no matter the barn room temp, 1800 watts the CHE’s can produce will maintain 85-90 deg. They did so without the sliding windows. I have a feeling i will remove some of them in the future.
The 3 below pis are of my finished uvb / basking areas.








I really don’t like any bulbs hanging from chains or cords so i found these neat bulb extenders on amazon. The jointed ones are really nice to point the light exactly where needed.


I installed (6) 1 watt dimmable mini spots to maybe have some dim lighting when all other lights are off.







As usual, any comments are much appreciated.

 

[Mrgeez]

1/19/2025 video update.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Yay! Looks remarkable!! Have you got an area in there they can retreat that’s just a bit cooler? More 75? In the cave for example? Only ask because 80-90 all over will be a bit warm at all times, but honestly the fact you’ve got it to that in your colder barn is fantastic! Especially come cooler weather! Is there a basking area in there reaching around 95 too?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I completed 95% of my electrical aspects of my enclosure yesterday. I did a “pre-test” of the heating and am more than satisfied that no matter the barn room temp, 1800 watts the CHE’s can produce will maintain 85-90 deg. They did so without the sliding windows. I have a feeling i will remove some of them in the future.
The 3 below pis are of my finished uvb / basking areas. View attachment 385871



View attachment 385872


View attachment 385873

I really don’t like any bulbs hanging from chains or cords so i found these neat bulb extenders on amazon. The jointed ones are really nice to point the light exactly where needed.
View attachment 385874

I installed (6) 1 watt dimmable mini spots to maybe have some dim lighting when all other lights are off.

View attachment 385875

View attachment 385876

View attachment 385877

As usual, any comments are much appreciated.

Looks great! Maybe you can add some live plants there (probably in pots - coco coir isn't great growing medium and you'll need something to handle roots left in substrate).

 

[zovick]

I completed 95% of my electrical aspects of my enclosure yesterday. I did a “pre-test” of the heating and am more than satisfied that no matter the barn room temp, 1800 watts the CHE’s can produce will maintain 85-90 deg. They did so without the sliding windows. I have a feeling i will remove some of them in the future.
The 3 below pis are of my finished uvb / basking areas. View attachment 385871



View attachment 385872


View attachment 385873

I really don’t like any bulbs hanging from chains or cords so i found these neat bulb extenders on amazon. The jointed ones are really nice to point the light exactly where needed.
View attachment 385874

I installed (6) 1 watt dimmable mini spots to maybe have some dim lighting when all other lights are off.

View attachment 385875

View attachment 385876

View attachment 385877

As usual, any comments are much appreciated.

It looks very nice. Great workmanship, too. I am sure your tortoise(s) will enjoy their new surroundings when you get it/them.

 

[Yvonne G]

I really like it! I know the tortoise isn't there yet, but just a reminder to wet the substrate, then pack it down with the palm of your hand. Then you can measure the humidity too. I don't remember, is this for a baby or a full grown tortoise? If for a baby you want the humidity around 80% day and night. A full grown only needs the substrate moistened, and not so much the air.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

I really like it! I know the tortoise isn't there yet, but just a reminder to wet the substrate, then pack it down with the palm of your hand. Then you can measure the humidity too. I don't remember, is this for a baby or a full grown tortoise? If for a baby you want the humidity around 80% day and night. A full grown only needs the substrate moistened, and not so much the air.

He’s getting three adults and going to have a go at breeding them

 

[Mrgeez]

Looks great! Maybe you can add some live plants there (probably in pots - coco coir isn't great growing medium and you'll need something to handle roots left in substrate).

Under the coco coir i have 4” potting soil.

 

[Mrgeez]

I really like it! I know the tortoise isn't there yet, but just a reminder to wet the substrate, then pack it down with the palm of your hand. Then you can measure the humidity too. I don't remember, is this for a baby or a full grown tortoise? If for a baby you want the humidity around 80% day and night. A full grown only needs the substrate moistened, and not so much the air.

Hopefully full grown. I plan to moisten the substrate periodically.

 

[Mrgeez]

Yay! Looks remarkable!! Have you got an area in there they can retreat that’s just a bit cooler? More 75? In the cave for example? Only ask because 80-90 all over will be a bit warm at all times, but honestly the fact you’ve got it to that in your colder barn is fantastic! Especially come cooler weather! Is there a basking area in there reaching around 95 too?

Temp will be constant due to the recirculating fan. Also with 12 CHE’s i could fine tune both sides of the “L” to get desired temps. Plan is to reduce temps overnight. I also am planning some sort of shade area, probably a small grass roofed type structure.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Temp will be constant due to the recirculating fan. Also with 12 CHE’s i could fine tune both sides of the “L” to get desired temps. Plan is to reduce temps overnight. I also am planning some sort of shade area, probably a small grass roofed type structure.

You’re in the home stretch now!