At what temperature should I set the thermostat for night heat.

[JaySparks]

I noticed this morning that my tortoise enclosure was at 16c. I went into the room and it was quite chilly as the weather has been getting colder. I check for temperatures at night and as soon as I wake up and for the last month its been on a steady 20c in the mornings. I have a ceremic heat emitter and a thermostat ready to go but i was wondering where I should put the third sensor cable in the enclosure and what temperature should the thermostat be at?. His enclosure is currently covered with a see through shower curtain but I will replace the shower curtain with aluminium bubble wrap the type they use for isolation also his hide where he sleeps in is made of natural slate. He is a 1 year old eastern Hermann's

 

[GBtortoises]

16c (61f) at night is fine as long as the daytime temperatures within the enclosure reach activity levels each day of about 21-29c (70-84f). Eastern Hermann's are a temperate climate species that is very well adapted to a 15-20 degree temperature differential from day to night which actually encourages normal activity. What should be avoided is cool, damp temperatures at night.

 

[JaySparks]

16c (61f) at night is fine as long as the daytime temperatures within the enclosure reach activity levels each day of about 21-29c (70-84f). Eastern Hermann's are a temperate climate species that is very well adapted to a 15-20 degree temperature differential from day to night which actually encourages normal activity. What should be avoided is cool, damp temperatures at night.

Should I keep the temps at 16 when the winter truly comes with the thermostat? What about the probe where should I place it?

 

[Tom]

For babies, I like to let the night temp drop to about 19-20. For older ones 15-16 is fine. For both, they need to be able to warm up during the day.