I recently decided to make some improvements to my current "closed chamber" because I wasn't entirely satisfied as I thought I would be with how it functioned after a month of using it. I have been using an Aqueon 55 gal aquarium since August 7 and have been working on blueprints for a closed chamber similar to Tom's for Mickey, but in the meantime here are the improvements I've made. I changed the type of wood that was being used to hold my heat and lighting fixtures to Melamine, instead of Plywood to help retain humidity better. I removed the humidifier and the Zoo Med HygroTherm because the humidity levels were consistently staying above what I programed the HygroTherm to be set at and it kept getting "E1" malfunction errors. I continued using the Exo-Terra Monsoon RS400 High-pressure Misting System and set it to turn on 7 times a day total. It turns on every 2 hours for 16 second intervals for 14 hours a day and then completely shuts off when the lights go out. The thermostat I'm now using is a Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats set to 85 degrees, it's very simple to use and works better than Zoomed's HygroTherm in my personal opinion. I changed the substrate to fine grade Orchid Bark, which has been working great for keeping consistent humidity levels to my own desire. I also changed out the Zoo Med PowerSun UV 100W to a GE Reveal incandescent 100W because temperatures would sometimes reach up to 120 degrees on the "hot spots" and constantly kept reducing humidity levels day after day. I have also learned it was useless, given my tortoises spend 2-3 hours outside and I already use an 18" ReptiSun 10.0. Here are some pictures of the improved "closed chamber" and a growth comparison of Mio and Mickey since upon living in it.
THANKS FOR LOOKING!
THANKS FOR LOOKING!