Temperature concerns

[atlasmommy]

So i have recently purchased an awesome little sulcata and I have built him a suitable enclosure with everything he needs to keep him from getting bored as well as a place to sleep. My only issue is the temperature in the enclosure. I have been using a 100w clear basking bulb in the day and a red 75w at night. But i cant seem to raise the ambient temp to above the mid 70s and under the bulb it gets to between 75-85 With the light about 10" from the substrate. Should i be worried about the low temps?

 

[Dizisdalife]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on purchasing the sulcata! You are right to be worried about the temperature in the enclosure. Covering the top of the tank is the most common method of raising the ambient temps in an enclosure. If after you close the top the temps are staying below 80F you will need to add more wattage. Instead of using a red colored bulb try a ceramic heating element. They seem to be more efficient and they emit no light. That way the tortoise has complete darkness with no "unnatural colors" to confuse him. I like to use a reptile thermostat with a CHE and a closed top to control the heat in an enclosure like the one you have. The combination keeps the ambient temps steady night and day.

 

[Zamric]

Welcome to the Forum!

High Heat and High Humidity are a MUST will young sulcatas! An enclosed enclosure is best at keeping heat and humidity in. Ceramic heat emitters and VERY good at bringing up the abient heat of an enclosure but almost always needs a thermostat! Heat cable also works well but is best used under a humid hide since it will need to be buried under the substrate. This too will need to be plugged into a thermostat.

Sulcatas ROCK!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

Your light is positioned up too high, that's why its not getting warm enough inside. You'll need to hang the light rather than use the clamp feature, and lower it so it's about 10 or 12" from the surface.