Few questions. New owner

[razorseal]

Hey there.

We got a new pet. Her name is Cleo (We think she’s a girl) she’s bonded really well with us. Wife kinda hit me with it and I don’t know much about these animals.

I’ve been researching and I had a few questions…

We had a wire mesh too and I learned that we need a closed tank, so I closed the wire mesh with an acrylic plate… but now we aren’t sure how she’ll get some fresh air in there. Should I drill some holes in the acrylic so some air can get in?? I have a laser cutter so I can cut holes in. Acrylic plate no problem.

Also will be purchasing a uvb t5 ho 10.0 lamp. That will be installed on. Underside of the acrylic (so it’ll be inside). I don’t think uvb rays can get across the acrylic

For heat/lighting we’re using an Amazon reptile light kit that keeps it around 80 to 85 degrees. Some people here said ceramic heat bulb but I don’t see the point since the tank is at 80-85… that shines above the acrylic.

Lastly humidity. Trying to figure out a cost effective way to keep that at around 70%

Any suggestions for anything?

He seems to be super happy and loves interacting with us.

 

[SinLA]

@ZEROPILOT is our resident Florida and Redfoot expert.

Also Happy Birthday!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

First of all, where in Florida are you?
I'm in S.E Broward County and I have a bunch of extra supplies.
Welcome to the forum

 

[mojo_1]

Humidity should be mid 80's also. Fresh air gets in every time you feed or open the enclosure.

 

[razorseal]

First of all, where in Florida are you?
I'm in S.E Broward County and I have a bunch of extra supplies.
Welcome to the forum

I’m in West Palm but travel to pompano pretty often. Thanks!

 

[razorseal]

Humidity should be mid 80's also. Fresh air gets in every time you feed or open the enclosure.

So it’s ok when it’s sealed? Figure open it once or twice a day? More now cuz I’m keeping an eye on him. I’m sure he doesn’t breathe that much air but still… having it sealed worried me

 

[razorseal]

@ZEROPILOT is our resident Florida and Redfoot expert.

Also Happy Birthday!

Thank you!

 

[mojo_1]

So it’s ok when it’s sealed? Figure open it once or twice a day? More now cuz I’m keeping an eye on him. I’m sure he doesn’t breathe that much air but still… having it sealed worried me

If it's not an air tight seal it will be fine

 

[razorseal]

If it's not an air tight seal it will be fine

Yeah definitely not air tight, but no vents

 

[razorseal]

Also, any idea on the gender? We can’t seem to figure it out 🤔

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Check your PM

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Also, any idea on the gender? We can’t seem to figure it out 🤔

You won't be able to tell for years

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Yeah definitely not air tight, but no vents

I've used clear, aquarium silicone to glue hinges to a sheet of plexiglass and then I can easily open it or prop it open a bit if the humidity gets too high.

 

[razorseal]

Check your PM

Just responded. Thanks!

 

[razorseal]

You won't be able to tell for years

ahh... Gotcha.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Just responded. Thanks!

Don't buy anything expensive yet.

 

[razorseal]

I've used clear, aquarium silicone to glue hinges to a sheet of plexiglass and then I can easily open it or prop it open a bit if the humidity gets too high.

Not a bad idea. There are couple spots air can get in (just looked) and if humidity gets too high, you can crack it open a little to vent.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Not a bad idea. There are couple spots air can get in (just looked) and if humidity gets too high, you can crack it open a little to vent.

Yes.
If the humidity gets too high, condensed water will drop back down like rain and you don't want wet. Just humid.

 

[Maggie3fan]

I also keep a Redfoot in a greenhouse environment. Frankly, the plastic is kinda porous...my humidity generally is 85 degrees with 80-85% humidity... I don't worry about breathing...
this is 85% humidity
see how bright she is?