Substrate Heat

[Madkins007]

Balboa- the details probably need some tweaking, but I think the basic idea is sound. It would be cool to try to think of a way to make it a working tropical tank with fish, etc. but the smaller scale would seem to be tough.

 

[Edna]

I thought I invented the term "Rainforest-enizer"? I have not seen the cartoon you are talking about. Dang. Another great invention someone already made.

OK, this may be a MASSIVELY stupid idea, but what about basically building a tort habitat on top of a tropical fish tank? Build your 'Tortubator' (hmmm, dorky, needs a better name but I am already using Tortarium for MY thing) with a water-tight bottom and a 'false bottom' that is permeable* above it. Fill the bottom with water and warm it with a couple big aquarium heaters so the heat and humidity rise up through the habitat. Add a filling port, insulate the bottom and sides so the heat moves up, and it SHOULD cost fairly little to keep the large volume of water heated once it gets to the target temp.

(* I am thinking about something like a couple layers of fiberglass screen held tightly in a framework, or a plastic panel with many screen-covered holes)

A floating stock-tank heater would put out more heat than an aquarium heater.

I'm happily using Repti-cable in my Christmas-tree storage enclosure, buryed right in the damp substrate. I'm using a 75 watt, but there are bigger sizes. Backed off with a rheostat, it keeps the substrate at 80 degrees. Nice!

I suggest fiberglass hog slats for the permeable floor. They're stout, clean, and you can control the size of the gaps between them in your installation.

 

[Tom]

TQ, who makes the Repti-cable? That sounds promising.

 

[PeanutbuttER]

I believe that's zoo med that makes repti-cable. I looked into it for a while, but the most they ever say is water-resistant and not waterproof. Since I more or less wanted mine submerged in water at times I was just too nervous about water-resistant. I'm glad though to hear that it's working well for you Edna. It looks nice and zoomed usually makes pretty decent things.

 

[zzzdanz]

the radiant floor heat is where im going, along with a steam generator type humidifier.but this is an expensive set up.of course its my trade so i can get the components for free.

My little Bro's a plumber and was telling me all about the radiant flooring.With-in a week I had him putting it in 3 bathrooms in my house.Worth every penny if I had to pay for it.

 

[Edna]

Right-O, Peanut, the Repti-cable is from ZooMed. I wanted the brand Madkins is using, but it was listed as out of stock. My assumption is that they are all using about the same materials/technology and have differing opinions in their legal departments. We run our house on the cold side, so the cable is making up an 18 degree difference to bring the temps up to 80. Nice for me (less worry, less work) and nice for the torts too.

 

[mousenut]

I've thought about the rainforest-enizer, and different permutations many times. I think mostly I just love the name. I'm kinda hooked on that stupid cartoon my kids watch, Phineas and Ferb, and just love the character of Doctor Doofenschmirtz, and this totally makes me think of him.

"Tremble before the awesome eeeeeeevil of my Rainforest-enizer, Perry the Platypus!!! .... wait wait... we haven't finished the backstory..."

Dr. Doofenschmirtz:

One of the best characters ever created.

No Rain-inator though (yet): http://phineasandferb.wikia.com/wiki/The_-inator