So, I've been agonizing over how to do a better enclosure for my red foot, and for now I've settled on using a grow tent, this one in particular. It's Vivosun 4x8, 80" tall.
I'm hoping I can put it on its side to have a floor space of 8 foot by 80", only 4 feet tall.
Note: My tortoise isn't full grown, but I know red foots need a lot of space. I'm going with this option for now because she needs in a better enclosure ASAP. This seemed to be the quickest option (no building involved) and relatively cheap, so its fine if it's not a forever home. I'll probably be back soon with questions on building her that, lol.
For now I'm just looking for help to get her setup right as quickly and easily as possible--I feel like I've read over half the forums the past week, but all the info is scrambled in my head. I have read the care sheets. I have some of this stuff already, but just want to work from a blank canvas to get what's best. On that end if there's anything where there's a certain brand of something I should get, as opposed to just whatever Amazon has that looks good, please let me know!
My checklist for her enclosure:
Tarp/plastic lining
Chains for hanging lights from frame
UV--T5 HO 12% Arcadia or Zoomed, with hood. Should I get the longest possible?
Light-- Ambient LED in 5000-6500k color range, incandescent flood lamp (65w?) for light+heat. I've seen it said that redfoots don't bask so is this necessary?
Heat: CHE or radiant heat panels. I've not used the panels before so unless there's a reason they're preferable, I'll probably use CHE. I assume I'll need 2--what strength should I get?
Thermostat--I have one, but if it doesnt work for this, I think I've seen inkbird 306 recommended.
Timers for Light and UV.
Temp and humidity gauges (suggestions?)
Fixtures--other than chains, what else do I need to be able to mount the bulbs? Do I want domes for the CHE?
Temp gun
I currently use cypress mulch and coco coir substrate, but going to look into orchid bark as well.
I believe the tent comes with a floor tray, but not sure how high its sides are, and if I put the tent on its side I can't use it. I'll have tarp, but any quick and easy ideas for a bottom support?
I'll have terracotta for hides and water, slate for her food. I'll be adding plants and more into her enclosure, but I'm mostly trying to make sure I get all the essential supplies.
Thank you!
I'm hoping I can put it on its side to have a floor space of 8 foot by 80", only 4 feet tall.
Note: My tortoise isn't full grown, but I know red foots need a lot of space. I'm going with this option for now because she needs in a better enclosure ASAP. This seemed to be the quickest option (no building involved) and relatively cheap, so its fine if it's not a forever home. I'll probably be back soon with questions on building her that, lol.
For now I'm just looking for help to get her setup right as quickly and easily as possible--I feel like I've read over half the forums the past week, but all the info is scrambled in my head. I have read the care sheets. I have some of this stuff already, but just want to work from a blank canvas to get what's best. On that end if there's anything where there's a certain brand of something I should get, as opposed to just whatever Amazon has that looks good, please let me know!
My checklist for her enclosure:
Tarp/plastic lining
Chains for hanging lights from frame
UV--T5 HO 12% Arcadia or Zoomed, with hood. Should I get the longest possible?
Light-- Ambient LED in 5000-6500k color range, incandescent flood lamp (65w?) for light+heat. I've seen it said that redfoots don't bask so is this necessary?
Heat: CHE or radiant heat panels. I've not used the panels before so unless there's a reason they're preferable, I'll probably use CHE. I assume I'll need 2--what strength should I get?
Thermostat--I have one, but if it doesnt work for this, I think I've seen inkbird 306 recommended.
Timers for Light and UV.
Temp and humidity gauges (suggestions?)
Fixtures--other than chains, what else do I need to be able to mount the bulbs? Do I want domes for the CHE?
Temp gun
I currently use cypress mulch and coco coir substrate, but going to look into orchid bark as well.
I believe the tent comes with a floor tray, but not sure how high its sides are, and if I put the tent on its side I can't use it. I'll have tarp, but any quick and easy ideas for a bottom support?
I'll have terracotta for hides and water, slate for her food. I'll be adding plants and more into her enclosure, but I'm mostly trying to make sure I get all the essential supplies.
Thank you!