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  1. DarkerGraphic

    Sulcata returning to warmth when outside in uk

    I’m case this thread helps. I’m doing a smaller enclosure right off the shed that I can lock off from the bigger runs I’m connecting to. https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/sulcata-shed-conversion.202231/#post-2036211
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    It’s been a month with the new set up, everything is working great. My guys have finally figured out the mats, though it took come coaxing. Thank you all for the feedback, I’ll update this thread again once I start on doors and the connection to the outdoor pen. We’ve had weather all over the...
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    We dropped to 19 last night, the hide kept the temperature in the 70’s. It’s not getting much above freezing today before another low drop to 20 expected tonight. I think I’ll be adding a 3rd oil heater on a separate thermostat set to 70 for future peace of mind. 🤞 I did opt to cover the...
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    Peninsular Cooter - Hard Freeze

    Located in the FL panhandle, south of Tallahassee. Expected temps are down to 20 for a couple hours before returning above freezing
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    Peninsular Cooter - Hard Freeze

    Hey all, I set up a 400 gallon above ground pond this year and we have a peninsular cooter and a diamond back terrapin in with a pond heater. They’ve done fine in a pond year round before, but we’re about to have a hard freeze. Should I be concerned with the cooter overnight? Cooter is 10 yrs old.
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    I was actually starting to wonder that as well given Magz post. The mats aren’t small (18x28) and I built the frames to be 22” x 36” thinking they would lounge on them as they often do on big flagstones in their enclosure. I might try bigger frames if they don’t use them for another day. The...
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    So I relocated the mini heaters lower and more central today, they’re on metal L brackets (screwed) and 5/4 scrap (zip tied). I also ran a 12’ 2x4 to suspend 3 lights (low watts) to incentivize them to bask near the mats. Tonight drops to 30 so we’ll see how they do. Added a mesh WiFi point and...
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    I may enclose the side with the mats a bit more so it feels like more of a hide/burrow.
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Since it’s a new set up they don’t really have a spot yet. I might try and position a lower watt light above them to see if that incentives them to move
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Hey Tom, do you have any tricks for incentivizing the tortoises to use the Kane mats, or does it just take time for them to realize they’re a heat source? So far they’re all avoiding them.
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    All installed. I added 2x4’s with a piece of deck board on top as an extra lip to block the cypress from getting in. Tonight will be the first night with just the heaters and mats
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Built 3 raised platforms for the Kane mats, testing them before the install. 2x4s underneath, 5/4 for top, extra 2x4 pieces to protect the plug connections
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Thanks Tom, so if my shed has a baseline of 80 degrees, at what air temperature would you have the mats thermostat set to in order to come on? Again, using the self regulating mats and the thermostat we discussed before. Temperature probe will be far away from them and not near a heat source.
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    What temperature point would you set the thermostat to for the Kane mats? (Using the thermostat linked earlier in the thread)
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    I wouldn’t use store bought soil either. I’ll raise the mats when I install them.
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    They’re 700 watts each but set on low and on thermostats. I have each on a separate circuit. Planning to split the Kane mats on the two circuits when I install them. I’m on an electrician waiting list for a few additional GFIs to be installed on their own breaker just for the tortoises. When...
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Tom, I’ve installed 2 of the mini oil heaters on thermostats and am now getting ready to install the Kane mats. We have a few days in the next week which will be 28L/42H exterior temperatures, so I’m working to get it set up and tested ahead of that. What beddings have you tried that work well...
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Sorry, I must have missed this question. I haven’t cut the exterior doors yet to access the enclosure from the shed. Since this wasn’t originally a part of their enclosure, I’m moving cinder blocks to connect it to them and will then be working on the doors for them to let themselves out. Based...
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Not at all, they’re blocked by 5/4 boards (4-5 high depending on the spot. On the foil tape, I’ve had both, this one was awesome and sticks wonderfully
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    Sulcata shed conversion

    Mostly done with the door insulation. Used a combo of carpet tape and foil duct tape (till I ran out)
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