Closed Chamber Convert

[Strawb]

Hi guys. So ive been reading and trying to learn from the post, topics and experience of the forum experts here as well as observing and doing my own trial and experimentation in temperature, humidity and substrate settings.

I started out with so many newbie mistakes in terms of bulbs to buy, pairs in one enclosure, substrates, etc etc etc.

This was my initial set-up in my turtle room



In the end i was convinced that i would get optimal results with the 80/80 setting for temp and humidity.

Started out with placing a greenhouse tent over my tub enclosures and i got a good increase in the humidity and the stars were eating better.





Eventually i had to go all in as i felt that the tubs were just too small for my stars. I finally got to move them in a 6’ x 3’ closed chamber and they are enjoying it!!!!





Ive never seen them this active before. Its just so fulfilling to see them thriving more than ever.

Set up is 100w CHE on temperature control at 31’c with a 60watt halogen flood lamp in the basking area. 2 6500k 3ft T5 flourescent tube lamps and a 12% UVB 39W T5 Arcadia tube lamp. Ambient temperature is at 30-31’c and humidity is at 80-90%

The chamber has been up for a day now and im still observing them to see if i need to change or adjust anything.

Thanks for all the tips and advice

Cheers!!!

 

[Relic]

Outstanding set-up!

 

[wellington]

Love both your tub set up and use of pvc pipes for hanging lights/heat and lights and love your newest set up too.
Pleas post pictures of both your set ups in the enclosure section. People are always needing ideas on how too enclose a tub and how too hang heats/lights.

 

[Strawb]

Love both your tub set up and use of pvc pipes for hanging lights/heat and lights and love your newest set up too.
Pleas post pictures of both your set ups in the enclosure section. People are always needing ideas on how too enclose a tub and how too hang heats/lights.

Thankyou

Here are a couple of photos from the tub pre-closed chambering

 

[no one]

That is dedication, very nice upgrades!! How old are your Stars?

 

[Strawb]

That is dedication, very nice upgrades!! How old are your Stars?

My guesstimate is 10-12 months based on the photos and size of the other stars i see on here

 

[no one]

That was my guess aswell. Based on their (star) lines.

 

[no one]

I have an idea for you, my little stars love hanging out under these silk plants I have on the walls of my enclosures. Makes them feel save. I have the end of the plants on the substrate, so they can crawl under.

Exo terra silk plant ficus large. Maybe you can find some for your Stars. Just an idea, cause I really think you are doing a great job.

 

[Alex Z]

That is a beautiful upgrade! Can post pic of the 6x3 upgrade inside?

 

[Strawb]

That is a beautiful upgrade! Can post pic of the 6x3 upgrade inside?

Thankyou





Still needs the Arcadia to be installed. Im having trouble looking for the 39watt T5 fixture. Most of which is available here in the local market are 21watts. Hopefully i get thos sorted in a couple of days

I still need more visual barriers i guess

 

[SweetGreekTorts]

Check out www.reptilebasics.com for the light fixture. They have the Arcadia T5 HO ones for the cheapest prices I have found online. Pangea Reptile also carries them, but they are currently "sold out" with the 24" and 36" sizes.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

I like the PVC idea. I have a tub enclosure for my baby sliders and I just ended up screwing the light into the wall

 

[Strawb]

Check out www.reptilebasics.com for the light fixture. They have the Arcadia T5 HO ones for the cheapest prices I have found online. Pangea Reptile also carries them, but they are currently "sold out" with the 24" and 36" sizes.

Hi. I already have the T5 HO tube with me. The issue i have with the ones from reptile basics is that they use a 110v power requirement which would mean i need a step down transformer as we use 220v power sockets here.

I will have a look at it again though.

Thanks

 

[Strawb]

I like the PVC idea. I have a tub enclosure for my baby sliders and I just ended up screwing the light into the wall View attachment 254802

Hope this helps

 

[Alex Z]

Thankyou

View attachment 254812

View attachment 254813

Still needs the Arcadia to be installed. Im having trouble looking for the 39watt T5 fixture. Most of which is available here in the local market are 21watts. Hopefully i get thos sorted in a couple of days

I still need more visual barriers i guess

Stunning craftsmanahip and looks elegant. How did you make the doors?

 

[Strawb]

Stunning craftsmanahip and looks elegant. How did you make the doors?

Thanks

Doors are made out of 18mm thk MR MDF with High Pressure Laminate pressed on both sides with a solid wood lipping on the outside of the door to hold the 6mm thk glass.

Took a lot of tips from @Markw84 build for his closed chamber like placing proper space for the all around gaps of the doors to anticipate expansion of the mdf from humidity

The only paint work done in my closed chamber is the solid wood framework on the top panel to hold the lights. All the cut and bored mdf panels were also sealed using a paint sealer and all the joints were caulked with non toxic silicon

 

[Alex Z]

Thanks

Doors are made out of 18mm thk MR MDF with High Pressure Laminate pressed on both sides with a solid wood lipping on the outside of the door to hold the 6mm thk glass.

Took a lot of tips from @Markw84 build for his closed chamber like placing proper space for the all around gaps of the doors to anticipate expansion of the mdf from humidity

The only paint work done in my closed chamber is the solid wood framework on the top panel to hold the lights. All the cut and bored mdf panels were also sealed using a paint sealer and all the joints were caulked with non toxic silicon

Marvelous.

 

[Strawb]

Added some fake plants as visual barriers and shade.




The closed chamber is a game changer. Humidity is at 99% with just 30-31’c ambient temp with a moist substrate

Hopefully i get good results from this set up

 

[Strawb]

Arcadia 39W 12% UVB installed in between 2 6500k T5 fliurescent lamps

It currently sits 22” from the substrate and is on a timer from 9am - 2pm

Ambient temp during daytime is from 32-35c and night temps are on the CHE set at 31c

Humidity at 99%

The stars look healthier, they eat better and have adapted to the daily routine






Would appreciate your critic on the enclosure so i can improve on what i missed

Thanks

 

[Strawb]

Some photos from inside the chamber