I was struggling to get my temperatures up into an ideal range within my enclosure, so I decided to spend some extra cash on some acrylic panels to replace my plastic shower curtain screens. I also completely covered the back of my lid with a sheet of sanded plywood. And, after turning on my light and new 100w ceramic heat emitter, SUCCESS! Hot end 81 degrees, middle 77, and cool end 75! This was the first time during one of my heat trials that the thermostat I bought for my CHE actually kicked into gear and had to turn it off. Never before did it get warm enough to warrant that happening. I almost danced around the house in joy! Here's a picture of the completed closed chamber. I must say, those acrylic sheets, along with having a higher heat retention, look markedly clearer than any sort of plastic and much more professional.
![Acrylic Closed Chamber.jpg Acrylic Closed Chamber.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55568-5745ca332828140ab4eddb95e9f9591a.jpg)
I may have to trade in my current dome fixture for one with a dimmer, because the basking temperature is just a teensy bit too warm, but that's perfectly fine by me. Having a dimming option will certainly help in the summer. Out here in Michigan, we have hugely dynamic changes in seasons. It's bitterly cold up here right now, so I guess I've successfully made a closed chamber that's prepared to handle the worst. Just for fun, I snapped some pictures of what it looks like outside in Central Michigan for you guys to enjoy. Or, rather, perhaps pity me for, haha![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![House in the Snow 2014.jpg House in the Snow 2014.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55569-7700fc42919ea841cb7ae1e776e2cb0a.jpg)
![Mailbox in the Snow.jpg Mailbox in the Snow.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55570-1b4ea1f629aa861e1ca740d21af3f16b.jpg)
Yes, that is our mailbox. We're running out of places to shovel the snow. I've already had at least six snow days so far in 2014.
![Snowy Street 2014.jpg Snowy Street 2014.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55571-b2cee3c04222f884ecd193fa2a97ad48.jpg)
So, as you can see, it doesn't look like I'll be getting my tortoise shipped to my any time soon
Oh well! That just gives me plenty to time to perfect everything.
![Acrylic Closed Chamber.jpg Acrylic Closed Chamber.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55568-5745ca332828140ab4eddb95e9f9591a.jpg)
I may have to trade in my current dome fixture for one with a dimmer, because the basking temperature is just a teensy bit too warm, but that's perfectly fine by me. Having a dimming option will certainly help in the summer. Out here in Michigan, we have hugely dynamic changes in seasons. It's bitterly cold up here right now, so I guess I've successfully made a closed chamber that's prepared to handle the worst. Just for fun, I snapped some pictures of what it looks like outside in Central Michigan for you guys to enjoy. Or, rather, perhaps pity me for, haha
![House in the Snow 2014.jpg House in the Snow 2014.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55569-7700fc42919ea841cb7ae1e776e2cb0a.jpg)
![Mailbox in the Snow.jpg Mailbox in the Snow.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55570-1b4ea1f629aa861e1ca740d21af3f16b.jpg)
Yes, that is our mailbox. We're running out of places to shovel the snow. I've already had at least six snow days so far in 2014.
![Snowy Street 2014.jpg Snowy Street 2014.jpg](https://data.www.tortoiseforum.org/attachments/55/55571-b2cee3c04222f884ecd193fa2a97ad48.jpg)
So, as you can see, it doesn't look like I'll be getting my tortoise shipped to my any time soon
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