Advice on managing heat in a vivarium

The_Four_Toed_Edward said:

Any chance you can get more ventilation? How high is the basking spot? (You might be able to switch to a lower wattage bulb)

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Augustus1508 said:

So we're having a heatwave in the UK at the moment, and noticed my lil guys viv has a lot higher temps (not above 35, but the gradient between cool and warm is a lot shorter) he DOES have a cool hide which measure around 28degrees Celsius and he himself doesnt seem to be over heating.

What ive also noticed is when his heat lamp is off (he comes out side for natural sunlight/heat) is the temps are still high and noticed its somehow coming from his uvb (arcadia t5 39w) is there anything I can do about this at all?

Any advice is greatly appreciated as always

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Tom said:

One of the benefits of a viv is that you need a LOT less electricity to maintain the correct temperatures.

You probably need a lower wattage flood bulb for basking, and then lower it a bit to get the correct temperature under it. Check the temperature by laying a digital thermometer on its back directly under the bulb and letting it cook there for an hour or more. Raise or lower the fixture to get the correct temperature under it.

Also, your UV tube should only be on for a few hours mid day. You don't need it on all day. In your climate, I suggest 10-4. Or you could do something like 9-2 to help heat the enclosure after a cold night, but not over heat it on a warmer afternoon.

Since your UV tube will be off for all those hours during the day, you will need LED lighting to brighten things up and keep it looking "sunny". The UV tube should be relied upon for UV, not for lighting.

Having said all of that, your temps sound just fine. It's good for them to get variable temps throughout the year. What species are you keeping?

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Augustus1508 said:

Thank you for this!

What type of leds are recommended? I know it has to be 6500k but wasnt sure if strip lights would be ok.

Ive got an almost 2 year old greek spur thighed

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Tom said:

Any type of LED is fine. I use the screw in types and also the strip types depending on the application. Both work.

Your listed temps are okay for a greek as long as the tortoise is allowed to cool at night.

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Tom said:

Any type of LED is fine. I use the screw in types and also the strip types depending on the application. Both work.

Your listed temps are okay for a greek as long as the tortoise is allowed to cool at night.

Click to expand...