Indoor enclosure cover for hatchling Hermanns..?

[Equivix]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the early stages of building an indoor 5x2x1 planted tortoise table for hatchling hermanns.
Planning on using an MVB for basking/UVB during the day, and a CHE at night if temps drop, both on thermostats of course! The rest of the enclosure will be lit during the day by a 2' fluorescent fixture to promote a bit of plant growth and get even lighting throughout. All fixtures will be hanging from a PVC pipe structure above the enclosure.

I don't keep my house at an ambient 27C, and I don't think a single MVB/CHE on one side of an open enclosure will keep things warm/humid enough for hatchlings. My question is what kind of covers do you guys use that can go OVER the light/heat fixtures to maintain temps and humidity?

 

[leigti]

I would just build a frame out of the PVC pipe and then you could put plastic over it, like a clear shower curtain. I think hatchlings need a constant 27° throughout the enclosure. So you might need a heat source on both ends. A temperature gun is handy to test all areas of the enclosure.

 

[Equivix]

I would just build a frame out of the PVC pipe and then you could put plastic over it, like a clear shower curtain. I think hatchlings need a constant 27° throughout the enclosure. So you might need a heat source on both ends. A temperature gun is handy to test all areas of the enclosure.

Makes sense, might be a pain to take off and put back on for feeding. As for two lights, I could do that but I'm concerned there won't be enough of a gradient to allow them to find a cooler spot if they want to.. Thoughts?

 

[leigti]

I have not raised a hatchling but I have read on here many many times that they don't need a gradient when young. Just when they are older. That the temperature must stay above or at 27° because they also need more humidity. Cold temperatures and dampness leads to respiratory infections. You could just flip up one side of it if you need to get into it.