Hello, new Russian Tortoise owner here.
I'm trying to get the heat on my tortoise table to the correct level for my Russians. They live in my basement, where the heat is usually in the 59-64 degree range, ish (I live in a cold area). They are in an open-top tortoise table that I built. The table measures 3' x 6'. Of that, 3'x5' is open for them to run around in, while 3'x1' is their hide (and the hide is covered).
I've got a 100 watt Mercury Vapor Bulb on one end, situated just over a foot above the substrate. Even with it that close, it's looking like it's only getting up to 82 degrees directly under the bulb. Based on that, I think I have to add a Ceramic Heating Element.
So the question is, what watt CHE do I need? I'm debating between 100 and 150. I've been searching through the forums, and can't seem to find a recommendation for a setup similar to mine. Many say to go with the lower wattage, for safety's sake, since higher watt CHEs can get so hot. But others say go higher, so you have the capacity if you need it. I've got four little boys (real boys, not tortoise boys!), so my gut is to go with something that puts out less heat so they won't accidentally burn themselves. But I also don't want to buy the 100 only to find out that it just isn't enough heat to get the temps where they need to be. With the moola I've already spent (yikes!), I'd prefer to get the wattage right the first time so I don't have to buy yet another item.
Also, is a ZooMed Deep Dome lamp the right fixture for a CHE?
Oh, and if it matters, the RTs are juveniles, I suppose, at 5 (male) and 5 3/8 (female) inches long.
Thanks for your help!
I'm trying to get the heat on my tortoise table to the correct level for my Russians. They live in my basement, where the heat is usually in the 59-64 degree range, ish (I live in a cold area). They are in an open-top tortoise table that I built. The table measures 3' x 6'. Of that, 3'x5' is open for them to run around in, while 3'x1' is their hide (and the hide is covered).
I've got a 100 watt Mercury Vapor Bulb on one end, situated just over a foot above the substrate. Even with it that close, it's looking like it's only getting up to 82 degrees directly under the bulb. Based on that, I think I have to add a Ceramic Heating Element.
So the question is, what watt CHE do I need? I'm debating between 100 and 150. I've been searching through the forums, and can't seem to find a recommendation for a setup similar to mine. Many say to go with the lower wattage, for safety's sake, since higher watt CHEs can get so hot. But others say go higher, so you have the capacity if you need it. I've got four little boys (real boys, not tortoise boys!), so my gut is to go with something that puts out less heat so they won't accidentally burn themselves. But I also don't want to buy the 100 only to find out that it just isn't enough heat to get the temps where they need to be. With the moola I've already spent (yikes!), I'd prefer to get the wattage right the first time so I don't have to buy yet another item.
Also, is a ZooMed Deep Dome lamp the right fixture for a CHE?
Oh, and if it matters, the RTs are juveniles, I suppose, at 5 (male) and 5 3/8 (female) inches long.
Thanks for your help!