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UPDATE: The majority of supplies have been delivered; we just need a radiant heat panel (supposedly arriving FRI) to finish construction. All light fixtures now hang from enclosure ceiling. I had to modify the original design since neodymium magnets couldn't support enough with a thick PVC wall...

Unfortunately, we've just discovered that RHP was damaged in transit (most likely by UPS). It's a real shame that design isn't modular; there's no way to simply replace mounting hardware. If the metal wasn't split/fatigued, I would use a C-clamp or pliers to straighten the corners. Wilbanks...

You're right, of course... placement of RHP in middle of enclosure (top panel) is what most guides suggest for ambient heat. I'd just like to utilize existing holes in ceiling panel which are close to basking zone. The best compromise solution (imo) was to place RHP in the lefthand third of...

UPDATE: Now that Aldabra enclosure has moved to its final position in our sunroom, the rough-in work may begin. I would rather not drill additional holes; the previous owner left enough behind that we need to utilize and/or plug. Since light fixtures don't arrive until FRI, we'll begin with...

An insulating skirt is a good idea. It may also be more aesthetically pleasing than CVS carts underneath. 🛒 The temperature in our sunroom varies with time-of-day and season, but I have not seen it drop below 68F (even during winter). 75-77F is more typical for daytime. I think you're right...

UPDATE: I had unforseen problems moving the AP enclosure; our sliding glass door has a stationary panel that wouldn't budge. The best option was a full teardown & reassembly of the enclosure in sunroom. We also applied fresh aquarium sealant, which should be fully cured in 3-4 days. Every day...

I also do this with my Boxie's substrate since latest enclosure cleaning. A few white bugs might stowaway on a geranium, but we don't see large populations anymore.

It would be tragic to accidentally poison a pet. I've written off several retail nurseries because of issues (pesticide, herbicide and disease) with 3rd-party wholesale stock. Most recently, we received thornless blackberry with incurable orange rust. Another retailer neglected to mention broad...

UPDATE: We've settled on a general layout for this enclosure. Reptile Basics will supply the majority of new hardware, including lights and Solarmeter. Spyder robotics will supply the thermostats; Dion was kind enough to sell me a (discontinued) Herpstat EZ1 and EZ2. They're not...

I just noticed the typo in my quoted comment. Too bad the window to edit has already passed! 🤦‍♂️ We're looking into different insulation options. Since the enclosure is mounted on wheeled dollies, direct application to underside may be tricky. I think we can stuff material into the gap between...

UPDATE: The enclosure plants arrived yesterday! Tripple Brook Farm (of Massachusetts) is one of the few no-spray nurseries that I've found online. Apryl and Joe are great people to do business with; we received multiple tortoise-safe freebies. As for the enclosure, it's been thoroughly cleaned...

Tahabl That's useful information. Thank you! We looked at chicken brooder heat panels during our latest TSC-Sutherlands-Atwoods circuit. The models I saw were broadly similar to reptile RHP, but made-in-China and significantly less expensive. Ultimately, we settled on RHP... but the choice was...

That makes sense. I can't imagine any shellbacks, except the pancake tortoise, using y-axis of this enclosure. I think we'll do as you suggest (blend of Layout A & B). I'll order 2x reflector lamps and 2x Arcadia solar bulbs; we can always hold 2nd lamp in reserve if I problems with setup. How...

Yeah. Aldabras are listed as "full sun baskers" on their guide, so a 14% lamp should be 18-24" away. I'm vacillating between a 12% lamp or 14% lamp for this enclosure. The latter may offer more flexibility on placement (ie: could be slightly higher and "overshadow" basking lamp). Conversely, a...

You're welcome... and thanks for commenting! I suspect that FB enclosure template is for a prehensile-tailed skink, since person chatting with me has that species as his FB profile. 🦎 6" seems too low for a basking lamp; my boxie's 100w lamp isn't nearly that close. I don't recall the exact...

Those were excellent suggestions, which I've incorporated in our v.2 layout sketches. Perpendicular (relative to LED bar) orientation of UVB light makes a lot of sense, and won't necessitate drilling as many additional holes. 48" UVB light is disproportionately large for this enclosure...

I can relate. We'd struggle without AC and HEPA filtration in this climate. It's been a few days since I could work outside (even the garage where tortoise enclosure is stored).

Nice! I'd like to hear your impressions once lighting is hung... especially how they compare (weight, mounting, reflector) with traditional T5 fixtures.

So... progress is being made on the enclosure. I should have lights/heating ordered soon; this design has undergone multiple revisions since the weekend. I'm talking with Bob of Pro Products (about radiant heat panel), and members of the Reptile Lighting FB group. These fixtures are important...

Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me that Arcadia has lighting guides. I used their site while designing Boxie's tank. I'll purchase a Solarmeter from my usual lighting source. This has become an essential item; we can't just rely on borrowed UV meter during initial setup.