Hi all,
I'm just asking for advice on where to go with the tortoise home we are building. We have a Russian and he is currently in a 2 foot square vivarium which I know is no good. This is what he came in and not what we put him in.
I'll own up and say I got him on a whim and have read quite a bit now about their requirements and admittedly should have done all this prior to agreeing to home him.
Some things I am able to provide however I will have to compromise on others. I'll explain what and why as I continue and am grateful for advice as I want to do my best for him and am still unsure on some things such as lighting given what we are making.
Diet and general care: aware of all needs, safe feeds, supplements, slate to feed on, access to water, daily baths, suitable substrate and depth etc.
Habitat: So, here is where the compromise comes in. From reading, he should have a 6 foot x 3 ft minimum table and not vivarium. I don't have a space for that and also have a chihuahua that would harm him which is why we have opted for glass front box and not an open table. I know this is generally not accepted due to difficulties with regulating temperature and humidity but I'm confident that conditions can be made right using thermostats, using different basking bulbs to get right temp etc and I'm happy to spend what I need to to make it work.
My husband is making a 5 foot by 2 foot box but all the sides, top and back will be cut out and covered with a sqaure grid/mesh (this is to cover for the dog getting access to her due to where said new home has to be situated which is next to the settee). It is 80cm tall and will have a second tier to allow for more floor space without increasing the footprint (the 5ft x 2ft was as big as we could go for where it has to go in my living room)
The ramp to the second floor will be boxed in so he can't fall off the edge and will be wide enough to account for maximum growth so he doesn't outgrow it.
Lights: this is where I'm unsure and need advice. I was advised to buy the Arcadia T5 desert pro kit at 12% . Given the length of the box, I ordered 2 of the 54W ones (one for the top tier and one for the bottom to ensure continual exposure to the UVA/UVB wherever he decides to go). I'm aware these are very powerful bulbs and they recommend setting them at 20-24" height. We have approximately 13" of height at the top and bottom tier and this would be too small to fit those lights and would potentially burn him or his eyes.
My question is, would the same kit but the Forest 6% bulbs be adequate to fit them at that height? Would they receive enough UVB (I think the table said 4.50 at this height with this bulb) if not, do I have other options regarding the lights I.e a different brand that can be set at 12-13"?
I should point out that the basking heat lamp is on order too and will be separate as I'm led to believe this is the best way.
Sorry for the lengthy first post but just wanted to make sure it was obvious what our intentions/design/flaws are. Pics of current enclosure and unfinished box enclosed also.
Happy to answer any questions and listen to concerns or suggestions.
I'm just asking for advice on where to go with the tortoise home we are building. We have a Russian and he is currently in a 2 foot square vivarium which I know is no good. This is what he came in and not what we put him in.
I'll own up and say I got him on a whim and have read quite a bit now about their requirements and admittedly should have done all this prior to agreeing to home him.
Some things I am able to provide however I will have to compromise on others. I'll explain what and why as I continue and am grateful for advice as I want to do my best for him and am still unsure on some things such as lighting given what we are making.
Diet and general care: aware of all needs, safe feeds, supplements, slate to feed on, access to water, daily baths, suitable substrate and depth etc.
Habitat: So, here is where the compromise comes in. From reading, he should have a 6 foot x 3 ft minimum table and not vivarium. I don't have a space for that and also have a chihuahua that would harm him which is why we have opted for glass front box and not an open table. I know this is generally not accepted due to difficulties with regulating temperature and humidity but I'm confident that conditions can be made right using thermostats, using different basking bulbs to get right temp etc and I'm happy to spend what I need to to make it work.
My husband is making a 5 foot by 2 foot box but all the sides, top and back will be cut out and covered with a sqaure grid/mesh (this is to cover for the dog getting access to her due to where said new home has to be situated which is next to the settee). It is 80cm tall and will have a second tier to allow for more floor space without increasing the footprint (the 5ft x 2ft was as big as we could go for where it has to go in my living room)
The ramp to the second floor will be boxed in so he can't fall off the edge and will be wide enough to account for maximum growth so he doesn't outgrow it.
Lights: this is where I'm unsure and need advice. I was advised to buy the Arcadia T5 desert pro kit at 12% . Given the length of the box, I ordered 2 of the 54W ones (one for the top tier and one for the bottom to ensure continual exposure to the UVA/UVB wherever he decides to go). I'm aware these are very powerful bulbs and they recommend setting them at 20-24" height. We have approximately 13" of height at the top and bottom tier and this would be too small to fit those lights and would potentially burn him or his eyes.
My question is, would the same kit but the Forest 6% bulbs be adequate to fit them at that height? Would they receive enough UVB (I think the table said 4.50 at this height with this bulb) if not, do I have other options regarding the lights I.e a different brand that can be set at 12-13"?
I should point out that the basking heat lamp is on order too and will be separate as I'm led to believe this is the best way.
Sorry for the lengthy first post but just wanted to make sure it was obvious what our intentions/design/flaws are. Pics of current enclosure and unfinished box enclosed also.
Happy to answer any questions and listen to concerns or suggestions.