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Hello everyone! This is my *current* closed indoor (temporary) setup for my western hermanns hatchling I will receive from GST soon! I am very excited but know that this still needs perfecting.
Sterilite container 31.5"L x 20"W x 14 3/8"H
Substrate is a mixture of coconut coir and reptibark. Substrate is filled to around 1 and a half inches tall.
I drilled four holes on the top of the front and back walls for breathability.
50 watt basking bulb from ZooMed and 10.0 uvb bulb
Using analog ZooMed hygrometer (mounted in the middle) and ZooMed ReptiTemp digital Infrared thermometer to measure spot under basking light and cooler side.
Plastic bucket cut with an entrance for humid hide
My main concern is that the temperatures are not right. Quick note on humidity: On my analog hygrometer humidity was looking good when I initially added substrate, staying at around 90% for a couple of days. This number has dropped to 70% because of the condensation happening at the top and sides of the enclosure. I wiped most of the condensation away and suppose I can just mist it to get it back up there (?)
Now for temperatures. On my analog hygrometer the middle of the enclosure reads to be really low 70s (right now its is 71) with the lights ON. with the lights off it typically reads low 60s. The spot under basking light (using digital infrared thermometer) is typically low 80s (right now I got 83.5) and the cool side BARELY reaches 70. I have read information on the ideal temps for hatchlings in enclosures and my enclosure is too cold.
I suspect this is because of the holes I drilled on the sides of the enclosure. Perhaps the heat is coming out into my cooler room (mid 60s) so I thought taping the holes up might fix the problem. Another solution I have considered is replacing my 50 watt bulb with a basking light of higher wattage. Thinking of 60-70 watt bulb.
If you have any suggestions please let me know! I am mainly concerned about the temperature. I'm also thinking of adding little rocks (around 1.5 in to 2 in long) as decoration as well.
I would also like to know at what length my western hermann's would have to grow for it to have outgrown this enclosure, as it is pretty small (and so it the tort lol). I estimate this enclosure would suit it for almost a year? Please correct me if i'm off. This is my first time owning a reptile and I really want to make sure I have this right 😖