Night Care

[Brandon King]

I've read several discussions regarding night care, but I am having trouble reconciling all the differing opinions.

1. What wattage ceramic heating element should I use?
2. Where should I put the CHE? Next to the Powersun, or on the cool side for night use?
3. When do I use the CHE? During the day? Or only at night?
4. I have a temp gun.

Thanks!!

 

[wellington]

Usually the 100 watt is good enough. However, it depends on how cold it gets at night where you are. Usually two are needed.
Place at least one close to the hide and if you need another one to keep the temps where they are suppose to be at night for your species then put that one at the opposite end.
Oh and if you need them for day time heat then use them day and night. You would need one next to the power sun, they give off enough heat.

 

[Tom]

I've read several discussions regarding night care, but I am having trouble reconciling all the differing opinions.

1. What wattage ceramic heating element should I use?
2. Where should I put the CHE? Next to the Powersun, or on the cool side for night use?
3. When do I use the CHE? During the day? Or only at night?
4. I have a temp gun.

Thanks!!

Hi Brandon!

1. Only your thermometer can answer this. If a 60 watt maintains the correct night temps, then that's all you need. If not you can go with a 100, a 150, or even two 100's to spread the heat out over a greater area. Your CHE(s) should be set on a thermostat. The thermostat will turn the heat on when its needed, and keep it off when its not needed.
2. Generally, you want it over the middle to warm the whole enclosure. The CHE is meant to maintain ambient temp, and keep the whole enclosure warm.
3. Set it on a thermostat and it will work 24/7, as needed, to keep the correct temperature. I like this thermostat: http://www.lllreptile.com/products/13883-zilla-1000-watt-temperature-controller
4. Awesome! Do you also have a regular digital thermometer? With or without a remote probe? Like this: https://www.lowes.com/pd/AcuRite-Digital-Weather-Station/1000162483 You need one or two, if not.

All of this and much more is explained in here:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/for-those-who-have-a-young-sulcata.76744/