There is so much to learn here.... we had to buy the 10 gal aquarium with lid and light from the reptile people.... they said the lid and light will keep humidity and temps perfect...no worries. I just got my scanning thermometer in the mail and it appears that it is between 74 cool and 80 warm side. I am not sure I like this but I haven't changed the set up the store told us to use. He is getting his baths and misting but I wonder if he is warm(ish) enough..... thoughts greatly greatly appreciated :0)
temps in aquarium
- Thread starter teriangeletti
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Before we assist you can you please tell us, what species and age are we talking about?
Different species have different requirements. Different ages within the species have slightly different care.
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Different species have different requirements. Different ages within the species have slightly different care.
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Theresa, is this about the sulcata baby that you introduced the other day?
You have some serious issues here that need to be resolved TODAY! I emphasize this because a little baby will get sick quick in the wrong conditions.
First thing is that enclosure is way too small. The smallest size I would recommend for a hatchling sulcata is a 40 gallon, but even that is only good for a few months at most.
Your temps are way too low. They need a basking spot of near 100 directly under the bulb, and the cool end should fade to no lower than 80 ever, day or night. This is most easily accomplished with a CHE on a thermostat to maintain ambient temps day and night, and then a basking bulb on a timer for light and basking heat. All this heat will dry things out which os also not so good, which is why a closed chamber is highly recommended. At the very least try to cover most of the top and make sure you have a proper humid hide.
You should also have a large, safe, outdoor enclosure so your baby can get some UV while the weather is still nice there. There are two links in my signature for how to do this cheap and easy.
All this is explained in more detail in the care sheets at the top of the sulcata page. Please fix these issues right away before its too late for your baby.
You have some serious issues here that need to be resolved TODAY! I emphasize this because a little baby will get sick quick in the wrong conditions.
First thing is that enclosure is way too small. The smallest size I would recommend for a hatchling sulcata is a 40 gallon, but even that is only good for a few months at most.
Your temps are way too low. They need a basking spot of near 100 directly under the bulb, and the cool end should fade to no lower than 80 ever, day or night. This is most easily accomplished with a CHE on a thermostat to maintain ambient temps day and night, and then a basking bulb on a timer for light and basking heat. All this heat will dry things out which os also not so good, which is why a closed chamber is highly recommended. At the very least try to cover most of the top and make sure you have a proper humid hide.
You should also have a large, safe, outdoor enclosure so your baby can get some UV while the weather is still nice there. There are two links in my signature for how to do this cheap and easy.
All this is explained in more detail in the care sheets at the top of the sulcata page. Please fix these issues right away before its too late for your baby.
Hey Tom.... yes, it is the 2 month old sulcata....sweety said it IS a 20 gal....(he said sorry for the mistake). The light bulb the reptile people put in the wood lid is a 25 W Highlights tubular aquarium lamp. This is actually what they make you buy if you get a tortie from them to start off....We have been taking him out for 20-30 minutes to get the sun.... we will re-read and fix asap..... the reptile people said that "people's torties die because they listen to "all the stuff on the internet instead of them" and "if you do this it will eliminate any problems". I am much more interested in what the experts here say!!! Thx!
There IS a lot of bad info on the internet. Fortunately we have a lot of good experienced members here that are happy to share what they know. We here on TFO are doing our best to combat the same bad info that your pet store warned you about. And by the way, pet stores, with a few notable exceptions, are known for giving horrifically bad tortoise advice. Your store might be great, but most are not. Just something to keep in mind.
There is a lot of photographic evidence to back up what I'm telling you. Look up some of my threads to start with, and then check out the hundreds of others that are doing the same things and seeing the same excellent results.
Once you are good and convinced, go ask your pet store for pics or evidence of all the dozens of tortoise they've raised smooth and healthy under a 25 watt bulb in a 20 gallon tank. Like most people that want to tell you all about what's right or wrong, I'll bet they have very little to back up what they are saying. We do. I've got a three and a half year long running thread thread on this in my signature. Here's a link to it for you:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-15137.html
Anyhow, food for thought, huh?
There is a lot of photographic evidence to back up what I'm telling you. Look up some of my threads to start with, and then check out the hundreds of others that are doing the same things and seeing the same excellent results.
Once you are good and convinced, go ask your pet store for pics or evidence of all the dozens of tortoise they've raised smooth and healthy under a 25 watt bulb in a 20 gallon tank. Like most people that want to tell you all about what's right or wrong, I'll bet they have very little to back up what they are saying. We do. I've got a three and a half year long running thread thread on this in my signature. Here's a link to it for you:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-15137.html
Anyhow, food for thought, huh?
I am convinced :0) will remedy ASAP!!! This little guy is super and I am gonna do it right!!! Now...on to the enclosures pages ! Thanks so much!!!
sweety gothis baby into a 75 gallon...the baby looks like he is lovin it! will post pictures when I get home from work!
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A 75 gallon is a great size for a baby.
Looking forward to pics
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Looking forward to pics
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