ideas for a tortoise enclosure? ...

[speedmaster]

We've had a red-footed tortoise for a couple years, got her when she was very tiny. At the time our 19 gallon aquarium was huge for her. But no longer. She's getting bigger and we need a larger aquarium or some other solution.

One problem is that the larger aquariums get expensive, fast. Even used ones.

Any other cost-effective ideas or recommendations for something low-maintenance?

I see that some people use plastic Sterilite containers and I kind of like the idea. But could I use the heating pad under them, or a 40 watt warming bulb over the top of them?

Thanks very much in advance,
Chris

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Chris:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

May we know where you are?

I have a mylar seedling heat strip under the substrate and on the plastic of my Christmas tree storage bin. It doesn't get hot enough to hurt the plastic.

 

[Laura]

book shelf turned on its back with a lining...

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Just what Laura says. Turn a bookshelf on it's back and take out the shelves. Line it with a shower curtain liner, not the curtain itself and put in your substrate and away you go! I hope that idea helps you...

 

[SteveP]

If you live near me, I will give you a 55gal with a stand.

 

[speedmaster]

Thanks, all. I'm in Western NY state. ;-)

 

[pdrobber]

welcome.

 

[ripper7777777]

The main problem with a larger aquarium is, they will keep getting bigger and outgrow it also. I use 40 gallon breeder tanks, but once they outgrow those they will go to tables.

As far as other options, man there are so many, it all depends on the look you want, the budget and how much building skill you have.