New Enclosure

[7oasty23]

Just built a new enclosure for my russian in an attempt to better control the temps. My square one did not allow for a cool side. What do you guys think?

 

[EchoTheLeoTort]

very nice. Was going to say put a top on for humidity but seeing as you have a Russian nevermind that you did a good job I think and it seems pretty spacious.

 

[7oasty23]

very nice. Was going to say put a top on for humidity but seeing as you have a Russian nevermind that you did a good job I think and it seems pretty spacious.

It's 2 by 6, so pretty large for a 4 inch tort.

 

[lynnedit]

Nice size, very nice enclosure.

 

[samsmom]

you did a great job, looks real homey

 

[7oasty23]

Thanks for the replies, I actually had to move my flatscreen to a less desirable place to make room for the enclosure. haha. I think I'm going to get a second light, and get some lower wattage bulbs, I'm still having trouble with the temps.

 

[7oasty23]

So my basking spot is about 90 degrees now, I switched to two 45 watt bulbs, and his eyes are doing much better. They're super wide open now, and my cool side is in the mid 70's. However he hasn't eaten much since I put him in the new enclosure, is this normal?

 

[Tyrtle]

Wow that looks great!

 

[lynnedit]

I wish you could nudge the basking area temp up more. I wonder if a piece of plexi glass over part of it near the basking light would help raise the temps.
Or perhaps bump one 45w bulb to a 75w (just an incandescent house bulb will do it while you are making these adjustments).

Getting the basking temps up are one way to encourage appetite. Once you have the conditions correct (lighting, temps,substrate, soaking), then you can wait and see how it goes.

 

[7oasty23]

I wish you could nudge the basking area temp up more. I wonder if a piece of plexi glass over part of it near the basking light would help raise the temps.
Or perhaps bump one 45w bulb to a 75w (just an incandescent house bulb will do it while you are making these adjustments).

Getting the basking temps up are one way to encourage appetite. Once you have the conditions correct (lighting, temps,substrate, soaking), then you can wait and see how it goes.

I've got some glass I can try to put over it, I'm having a lot of problems because the higher wattage bulbs hurt his eyes and he closes them constantly. I'm wondering if he has sensitive eyes, I might try a 60 watt bulb tomorrow, because I have one at the house. All the reptile specific bulbs are too bright for him, I got regular incandescent flood lights from home depot today.

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Lights are about 13-14 inches from the substrate, could I safely lower them?