Closed Chamber enclosure conversion complete!

[theelectraco]

Bought this tv stand off Craigslist and converted it into a closed chamber for my Redfoot. Inner dimensions are 20x48. Only cost me 40$ so far, there are some some holes in the back originally for cords that I want to stick some vent caps on or cover with something nicer then tape, and I want to buy some chloroplast and create an actual bottom because the trash bag looks tacky and isn't working very great.

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And I need to buy some plants!

 

[sibi]

I think that's a great closed chamber. It does all the things that any other closed chamber can do. Good job. How old is your tort?

 

[theelectraco]

Age, unknown, prob 2 ish. Shell is exactly 4 inches.

 

[bigred]

Looks good, How did you attach the lights

 

[theelectraco]

Also, to add, the red bulb is getting replaced by a CHE in the next few days. Do you think 100w or 150w ??

 

[sibi]

He'll spend a lot of good time there. He should have a good healthy shell with your new enclosure. Great job! I would use 100 w because he doesn't need that much heat. Also, the enclosure is not huge, so, 100w should be enough. Do you have a temp gun? I'd not, you should get one to monitor the temps in the enclosure since it is a closed chamber. .Monitoring temps for the first few days is vital.

Age, unknown, prob 2 ish. Shell is exactly 4 inches.

 

[theelectraco]

The socket fits pretty snug in the hole I made and the dome inside has one screw into the roof

 

[bigred]

Also, to add, the red bulb is getting replaced by a CHE in the next few days. Do you think 100w or 150w ??

I think with the lamps that low a 150 watt CHE might be to hot unless you have a dimmer. Looks great for the price

 

[theelectraco]

I'm debating making the holes bigger and having the entire dome sit on top. I was just impatient and wanted to out it together, but I may make the holes bigger and have them on top, it just won't be as sealed as it is this way. I remember reading something to, wrote about his closed chambers only needi to be heated by one lower wattage CHE, so hopefully that will work for mine. I still want some type of light (day basking) to illuminate the cage, but I'm not sure.


I have a led light fixture with white day lights and blue dim night lights that I thought of adding to the opposite end of the hide, and just using that with two low watt Che's.

 

[bigred]

I'm debating making the holes bigger and having the entire dome sit on top. I was just impatient and wanted to out it together, but I may make the holes bigger and have them on top, it just won't be as sealed as it is this way. I remember reading something to, wrote about his closed chambers only needi to be heated by one lower wattage CHE, so hopefully that will work for mine. I still want some type of light (day basking) to illuminate the cage, but I'm not sure.


I have a led light fixture with white day lights and blue dim night lights that I thought of adding to the opposite end of the hide, and just using that with two low watt Che's.

I have built enclosures with the lights on the top like you are thinking about doing. I drill holes in the lamp and run a bolt through it and secure it to the wood, it works fine. I have a cat so Im always going a little overkill on attaching the lamps.

 

[kathyth]

I think you did a great job!