Building a closed chamber

[CharlieD]

Im going to get working on a closed chamber this weekend. I had a few questions and I will update with my progress. I am aiming for a 3'x5.5' size enclosure.

Right now I am using a 100w PowerSun. I plan to allow at least 30" of height from the bottom of the enclosure. Does this seem to allow sufficient room for adjustment for that wattage?

I have concerns about sealing the wood, I see some people do it and some dont. It is so cold where I am that doing a polyurethane application will be tricky, but if it is essential then I will find a means to get it done.

I have a RF, I plan to use cypress mulch as substrate, as this seems to be one of the more preferred ones.

Thanks

 

[Chrisbarrett27]

The enclosure I just bought was sealed with grout. It seems to have worked pretty well.

 

[CharlieD]

I am making some progress and decided to seal the wood with a water based polyurethane. I am at a point of designing the top for my chamber.

I had questions regarding probe placement for both thermostat and humidistat. I assume that because we want these measurements to be ambient, that I can just hang the probes from the top a bit above the substrate?

I just want to know if that is correct or if I need to plan for these probes to be in any different area, say above or within the hide.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

You are right about probe placement. Just run it down along the back wall stopping a few inches above the substrate level.

 

[CharlieD]

Ive completed my closed chamber and moved my RF in last night. Any suggestions or input is appreciated. I will be adding plants soon.

So far, so good. It took some tinkering to get the environment dialed in. Humidity is set and holding at 85% and temps have been: 78 at the hide, 90 basking and 82 ambient.

I have both the thermostat and humidistat probes on the back wall just behind the hide.

 

[wellington]

I would try to get the hide up to 80, although 78 isn't bad. However, hot and humid is good, cold and wet equals a sick tort. Otherwise it looks good.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

The plants will really add to it. Good job.

 

[sibi]

Man, that's a fantastic setup! Great job.