Modify to closed or semi-closed chamber?

[kewp]

I would like to try and make this a closed chamber enclosure (or as close as I can get to one). How would I go about it? It's for a baby Sulcata. I just can't keep the humidity up despite spraying multiple times a day......

 

[Yvonne G]

Actually "spraying" doesn't do too awful much to add humidity to the viv. It evaporates too quickly. I pour an actual pitcher full of water over the substrate then mix it up with my hand.

That fine mesh screen is filtering out the beneficial UVB rays from the light. I would get rid of that altogether. Then you can just place a piece of glass or clear plastic with holes cut out for the lights over the aquarium. (Glass and plastic filter out the rays too)

 

[kewp]

Thanks. I was wondering about the mesh and the UV light. I tried taking it completely off because the cat has taken to lying on it. The second I did, he jumped into the enclosure, laid down and made himself right at home. I'll look into the plastic and glass options. I saw someone using foil or plastic wrap. Would it be possible to cut holes in the mesh for the lights then using the foil or wrap around it?

My next paycheck will go towards buying the zoo med fogger.

 

[Yvonne G]

Yes, that that would be easier and cheap. Cut out holes for the light then cover the screen with foil.

 

[kewp]

Cool! I was worried about her getting enough air, but I guess those holes would be big enough.

 

[Zach B]

I had similar problems with my baby sulcata tub. I live in AZ and it's incredibly dry! I used Coco Coir as substrate, about 3-4 inches deep. I poured tons of water in it and mixed it until it was moist enough to hold shape when squeezed. I add water every 3-5 days if needed. I then cut a hole in the lid for the light to fit through, and drilled some small ventilation holes as well. I threw out the log hide, replaced it with a tupperware upside down with moist sphagnum moss in it, cut a hole big enough for him to come and go and a couple vent holes, The humidity in the hide stays a constant 95%. I also bought a zoo med fogger and ran the spout through the enclosure lid, I connected it to a zoo med hygrotherm. This was a pretty expensive way to go (the hygrotherm runs about $65 and the fogger was about the same) but the enclosure stays at a constant 75%. The temp is much easier and cheaper to maintain as well.

BTW this was mostly drawn from the wisdom of Tom, and my previously stunted and dehydrated hatchling is now growing steady and smooth. I owe Tom a huge debt of gratitude!

 

[leigti]

Plexiglass would work well also. You can cut holes in it just slightly smaller than the fixtures. You might have to line the edges of the holes with aluminum foil to keep it from getting too hot.

 

[kewp]

I covered the top with tin foil and that did seem to help a bit. Has anyone tried putting a wet washcloth in there? Not sure if that would be a good idea, but it would raise the humidity and it would give my tort something new to climb on (climbing and stomping seem to be her favorite pastime).

 

[Zach B]

A washcloth is going to mildew and get stinky really quick. Have you changed the substrate? Try pouring water into the substrate, you'd be surprised how much it can hold before becoming a puddle! If you haven't changed it, I would really try some coco coir. It holds moisture extremely well and does not mildew. Do you have a large shallow dish of water in there as well?

 

[kewp]

Darn. I thought the washcloth was a stroke of genius. I didn't think about the mildew. I just changed the substrate and am using coco coir. I dumped about 2 bottles of water in there. There is a water dish. The humidity fluctuates between 50 and 60%. It seems to be lower if I have the basking light on full blast.

 

[Jodie]

The basking light absolutely dries things up. I add several cups of water daily to my enclosure for young leopards.