Building a night box this weekend.

voodoochild

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Wish me luck. I'm dreading this but if this turns out good I will be so happy! Figured I'd take pictures as I go. Wanted to ask about heating. Panel or radiator? I found this radiator for only $30 on Amazon. Says it will heat 70 sqft. I'm doing a 4x4'. Think it will work?
ImageUploadedByTortoise Forum1447277338.297002.jpg
 

bigbeaks

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Yes that is what I have in that size box. Be sure to use a thermostat with it and the thermostat is rated for the wattage the heater heater is.
 

bigbeaks

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Yes that is what I have in that size box. Be sure to use a thermostat with it and the thermostat is rated for the wattage the heater heater is.
 

Jodie

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I also use this type of heater. I think @Tom uses the panels in his new boxes. Maybe he can give you more info on which works better.
 

Tom

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I use those radiant oil heaters in my 4x8' boxes. They work perfectly, but they take up a lot of floor space once you contain them to keep the tortoises from touching them.

I'd use the Kane heat mat/radiant heat panel combo in the 4x4'.

These might offer some reference material:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/double-door-night-box.129054/

Even more important than which heating strategy you go with, is the insulation and silicone sealing. If you don't do those two steps right then the heating strategy isn't going to matter much.
 

voodoochild

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I use those radiant oil heaters in my 4x8' boxes. They work perfectly, but they take up a lot of floor space once you contain them to keep the tortoises from touching them.

I'd use the Kane heat mat/radiant heat panel combo in the 4x4'.

These might offer some reference material:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/double-door-night-box.129054/

Even more important than which heating strategy you go with, is the insulation and silicone sealing. If you don't do those two steps right then the heating strategy isn't going to matter much.


I am going to follow your insulation recommendations. I had a set back last weekend and could not begin construction but I was able to buy everything.
 

Tom

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I am going to follow your insulation recommendations. I had a set back last weekend and could not begin construction but I was able to buy everything.

I can't even begin to tell you about all the "setbacks" I encounter that hamper the completion of my tortoise projects...
 

Critta

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Wish me luck. I'm dreading this but if this turns out good I will be so happy! Figured I'd take pictures as I go. Wanted to ask about heating. Panel or radiator? I found this radiator for only $30 on Amazon. Says it will heat 70 sqft. I'm doing a 4x4'. Think it will work?
View attachment 155361

That's the exact same heater I ordered off of Amazon. I've got a 4x2 box and using a Hydrofarm 1000w thermostat. I've only been running it a few days now but so far it's done a great job.
 

jaizei

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I am going to follow your insulation recommendations. I had a set back last weekend and could not begin construction but I was able to buy everything.

Gives you plenty of time to charge the camera so you can take lots of pictures.
 

voodoochild

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So I am building a 4x4. This is my floor. I realized that my lid would need to be bigger than 4x4 so it can fit over the box. So the box actually 45"x45" right? That would give me 1.5" thick 2x4s. Of course that would be a very tight fit so I may need to give myself a little more room. So I guess I'm trying to confirm that the lip of the roof actually fits over the walls of the house? Am I doing that right? @Tom
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bouaboua

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Looking forward to see the finish product. ;);)
 
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