how to keep the heat in an aquarium

[cruiser12]

I was wondering how i can keep the heat in an aquarium. the reason im concerned about this is because i've read you want to keep the temperature at 80-100 F at the warm/basking end and 75-85 at the cool end. I've actually stole my leopard gecko's light to try to raise the temp! In the day i have an average of about 80-85 F and at night about 75 F. just wondering if thats a good temp thanks!!!

 

[Jacqui]

Refresh my mind, what kind of tortoise?

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Also what types of lights are you using? A CHE or undertank heater? What size tank and do you have a lid on it or is it open topped?

 

[cruiser12]

hes a redfoot

 

[theelectraco]

What tyoe of lighting and uvb are you using? What size is the tank, is there a lid? What are your day/ night heat sources? Do you know your basking temp, ambient temp, cool temp? Details.

 

[cruiser12]

its a 75 gallon i think, and there is a screen lid. im currently using a 100 watt black night heat bulb(just picked that up today), a regular 50 watt heat bulb, and a 12 watt uva/uvb light. the basking temp at the moment is about 85 F and the cool end is around 82 F.

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oh and also there is no heat pad at the bottom.

 

[theelectraco]

You want to have a higher temperature, around 90-95

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Basking* you will probably want to get a reflective basking spot light

 

[cruiser12]

so should i try to get a higher wattage day bulb also?

 

[terryo]

I keep my Cherry Heads at 80 - 85 throughout the vivarium. I have (in the 195 gal tank) two holes, one on each side of the tank with 100 wt. heat emitters on each side. The holes are in a screen on top of the tank. In the middle is a long tube UVB 5.0 light. The CHE's stay on 24/7. The rest of the screen is covered with clear wrapping tape to hold in the heat and humidity. Just what works for me.

 

[cruiser12]

woah, 195 gallon tank!!! thanks for the info. ill try the masking tape to see if that works out. thanks!

 

[DeanS]

Convert to a closed chamber...i.e. Build a solid lid for your tank! Drill holes just large enough for the cords of your bulbs/heaters to fit through! There is enough air exchange when you feed, water, clean...that you don't have to worry about stale air or anything like that!

 

[terryo]

Convert to a closed chamber...i.e. Build a solid lid for your tank! Drill holes just large enough for the cords of your bulbs/heaters to fit through! There is enough air exchange when you feed, water, clean...that you don't have to worry about stale air or anything like that!

I think this Summer when the torts are outside, I'll ask my son to do something like that for me. Terry K. showed me some pictures like that only for a tub like enclosure

 

[MasterOogway]

Convert to a closed chamber...i.e. Build a solid lid for your tank! Drill holes just large enough for the cords of your bulbs/heaters to fit through! There is enough air exchange when you feed, water, clean...that you don't have to worry about stale air or anything like that!

I have a 150 gallon tank with a plexi glass closed lid like you are describing and I run a 150 watt Power Sun during the day and a 150 Che at night . Tank is always warm cool end 80 degrees warm side 90s with basking temp higher.Humidity is always 80 or higher. I simply water the plants once a week. I don't need a fogger.