Tortoise Enclosure

[Randi]

I have a baby Cherry Head, she's a little over 55 grams. I rescued her in July and had the tank available. She lives in a twenty gallon and I feel it's time for a way bigger tank. I have a friend that builds custom tanks. I just need to decide on a size and if I want ramps, etc. I'm wondering if anyone can help me with determining the size. I'd kind of like to get a tank for her that could house her as she reaches adult size. Would it be per 1 in of tortoise = 10 gallons of space required? So over 100 gallons? Is anyone able give me comfortable dimensions for one? Even if there's a trusted site for enclosure ideas.

I've also been told she may not feel comfortable in such a big tank while being so small but in the wild there are no restrictions on space so I don't see how this would make a difference. A bigger tank will allow for her to move around more, I will be adding live plants as well as a grazing area inside the tank.

I feel a tank is best as I can retain humidity and heat quite well. It's cold here most of the time and summer is short, so keeping her outside all the time is not an option.

Thank you for any advice that can be offered.

 

[Yvonne G]

I would say maybe a 2'x4'??? I think that would give you enough room to have some plants and other "furniture" in there and still be plenty of room for the tortoise to exercise.

 

[Randi]

How long do you think a tank that size would last for? The tort is very small now and I'm not sure how quickly they grow. At 55 grams, how old would this tort be? I'm sure she's stunted due to her previous life so it is hard to give an answer. Would a closed chamber style tank benefit her at her age and for many years down the road?

I have been reading about closed chamber tanks to keep humidity and heat in. I was thinking of using plexiglass on top of the screen to help keep it enclosed. Would it be easy with my t5 fixture? It will be 36" long. I'd probably have to cut an area out in the plexiglass so I could drop the light in so it rests on the screen and not the plexiglass, right? I'd be having the heat lights screwed in to place inside the tank.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[cmacusa3]

That's how my set up is and it works great!