Sulcata Enclosure - Heating through glass?

Juliesabin

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I currently have a young Sulcata in too small of a tank with a mesh lid. No matter what I do the humidity is not working for me because of too much light and what not. I got a larger snake tank from a friend, but it’s a tad skinnier than I wanted it to be on the base. However, if I were to lay the tank on the side it would become the almost perfect tortoise table. I’ve figured out what I would like to do to ensure he has UVB in the tank if needed. However, I’m not sure how to go about heating the tank from outside the glass (now roof). I intend to cover the open side with plexiglass and make some sort of door that I can get into and to also better keep the humidity in. Does anyone recommend a safe way to heat the tank? Can a CHE be hung from a certain distance to still heat the area but not damage the glass? Should I use some sort of bulb for the day and switch it at night if needed?
 

Juliesabin

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I guess I should mention that because it is a tad skinny. I would only have about 12 inches from ceiling to floor. So hanging a globe type lamp inside is not possible, like I’m able to do with the UVB. Would anyone recommend a heat pad or rock? I’ve heard not so good things before, so I assumed lights were my best option. I can always build the tank in the normal manner, but it doesn’t give room for him to walk around his hides. Which makes me feel I would have to put a hide on the ends, which I feel then limits the ability to have a half and half hide or anything such as that. But maybe all of this is unnecessary. Im not sure, help a sister out.

I’ll also mention I have spent (literally) days reading all the beginner guides (Tom’s multiple times) and different issues specific to what I’m experiencing. I’m pretty sure I know what to do to solve the few issues I have, aside from these specific questions I’m asking. I just want to double check I can set this tank up how I’m thinking and get him in his perfect environment.
 

TechnoCheese

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I currently have a young Sulcata in too small of a tank with a mesh lid. No matter what I do the humidity is not working for me because of too much light and what not. I got a larger snake tank from a friend, but it’s a tad skinnier than I wanted it to be on the base. However, if I were to lay the tank on the side it would become the almost perfect tortoise table. I’ve figured out what I would like to do to ensure he has UVB in the tank if needed. However, I’m not sure how to go about heating the tank from outside the glass (now roof). I intend to cover the open side with plexiglass and make some sort of door that I can get into and to also better keep the humidity in. Does anyone recommend a safe way to heat the tank? Can a CHE be hung from a certain distance to still heat the area but not damage the glass? Should I use some sort of bulb for the day and switch it at night if needed?

Uvb cannot go through glass, you cannot heat the enclosure like that, and heat mats and rocks are dangerous for tortoises. I don’t think there is any way that this will work, and you really need to build your own enclosure or buy one from here-
https://apcages.com/collections/terrestrial-cages
 

Juliesabin

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Uvb cannot go through glass, you cannot heat the enclosure like that, and heat mats and rocks are dangerous for tortoises. I don’t think there is any way that this will work, and you really need to build your own enclosure or buy one from here-
https://apcages.com/collections/terrestrial-cages

As stated before, I have figured out how to get the UVB in the tank, not through glass. I was just wondering if there was a way to get heat (not UVB) through the glass safely?
 

Tom

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You could use a radiant heat panel to maintain ambient, but you still need a basking heat source.

I agree with TechnoCheese, that this enclosure isn't going to work. 12" is just not enough height to do what needs to be done here. Not a bad idea, but too difficult to execute.
 

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