I highly recommend the Inkbird wireless thermometer/hydrometer they make both a WIFI and a Bluetooth. It allows you to properly obsess over getting it right!!! Good Luck
Another pic - now with newly purchased T5 tube. (longer one is in the mail)
Does anyone have any ideas about safe decorations?
He’s starting to get pyramiding, he almost looks like mine but a tad bigger mine is 110 grams she’s almost 7/8 months I believe how often do you spray your enclosure/ keep it moistAnyone??
i would still call yours a Baby.Hi and congrats on your new addition!
To start off, we don't get sick and tired of answering the same questions over and over. The only dumb question is one not asked. The first couple or few years of your sully's development are the most crucial, so it's important to get it right from the start.
Question 1: Ventilation is not a huge concern in vivariums. There will be plenty of air exchange going on each time to you open the door(s). If you want a bit of added air circulation within the vivarium, you can install a small, low RPM fan towards the top of the enclosure.
Question 2: As for the humid hide, I prefer them as far away from a heat source as possible. Get rid of the curly-Q light! A better option (and recommended by most here) is the UVB T5-HO type fluorescent bulb similar to below:
I would use these types of bulbs in place of the curly ones and that mercury vapor bulb you have. They don't put out as much heat as mercury vapor which has been theorized by some here to promote irregular shell growth.
Question 3: See question 2 answers. The effectiveness and possible harm factors concerning those bulbs is still up for debate, so best to err on the side of caution. What you are feeding him is what is recommended: lots of grass and weeds. You can supplement the diet with Mazuri Tortoise Diet as well. Use the calcium supplement sparingly. A pinch per week at most in most cases.
Question 4: From what I can actually see in the pics (aside what has already been aforementioned), the one thing I would replace is that sloped feeder bowl. It is known to cause issues with the tortoise flipping over. Most here recommend a simple terracotta saucer (like what would go under a clay flower pot) sunk down into the substrate. They cost next to nothing and are very easy to maintain.
As for the basking temp, 35C to 40C is an acceptable range. Your enclosure should also have a "cool" side as well, with the overall ambient temperature at least 26C. And yes - babies and juvies should be kept warm, day and night. You can purchase a temperature gun to capture the temps within your vivarium, allowing you to adjust accordingly. A CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter), controlled by a programmable thermostat, seems to work best. Hope this all helps a little.
Already have one of those Mario - that is all that is in there now. It's looking very bare.
What do other people have in their vivs?
Hey guys.
I have some concerns......
I just weighed Alex for the month (it seems I either forgot to do so last month or the update to the chart didn't save properly). Anyway, he is losing weight?
14/01/2020 – 92.80 grams
16/02/2020 – 107.60 grams
16/03/2020 – 134.14 grams
15/04/2020 – 154.7 grams
15/05/2020 – 207.22 grams
21/06/2020 – 233.67 grams
22/07/2020 – 240.18 grams
20/09/2020 – 229.75 grams
I can't imagine that is normal? He has a portion of weeds and grasses a little bigger in size than him every morning. Do I need to increase his intake?
I've also attached some pictures....despite him being kept in an enclosed chamber with humidity between 80-90% and having daily 25 minute baths, he still appears to be pyramiding. I understand that what is done can't be undone - so perhaps it's not looking any better because he hasn't grown, based on the above weights?
the new growth look nice. remember the initial pyramiding will not ever go away but as they grow it becomes less noticeable your new growth does not look that bad imo. did u happen to weigh him after a good poop? I've weighed some larger poops at 10-30 grams lol. what types of things is he eating and how often do u feed him?
It’s surprising that you can’t control humidity in a closed chamber.
Is your chamber made with unsealed wood? That would be a way to loose humidity.
Is the top sealed? Mesh anywhere?