Hi everyone,
I am designing a new tortoise table for my star tortoises and I am in need of some advices. I am trying to maximize the indoor space that I have so my maximum size would be 220cm x 60cm (86" x 23"). Thanks in advance for any inputs!
Note: I live in a tropical climate with the following measurements
outdoor temperature of 24-34 degrees, humidity 60-90% (quite similar to Southeastern India)
indoor temperature of 23-30 degrees, humidity 40-65%
cool area of the current tortoise table 24-25 degrees, humidity 55-65%
basking area of the current tortoise table 32-34 degrees, humidity 30-40%
I am considering the following alternatives:
Alternative #1 - 2 separate table for wet + dry area connected by a ramp 15cm (6") in height.
This is the idea I've been spending msot of my time on. I have made a 3D visualization for this method.
Wet & Dry Table 110 cm length x 60 cm width x 70 cm height (86" x 23" x 27.5")
Wet Table (Left)
- soil substrate depth 20-30cm (8-12") (thinking it would be ideal if the female starts laying eggs)
- floor height to lamp 35-40cm (15-19")
- timer for rain/misting system to keep the area humid
- top front window removable
- top cover removable for maintenance and ventillation
Dry Table (Right)
- coco husk depth less than 5cm
- base floor is slightly higher than 1st table
- floor height to lamp 50-55cm (20-21.5")
- no top cover
- fixed window (even though the render doesn't show the window)
Alternative #2 - 2 dry table
This idea is a simpler idea that I very much prefer since it will require less maintenance.
2x tables are connected by a doorway for a total 220 cm length x 60 cm width x 55 cm height (86" x 23" x 21.5")
Coco Husk substrate for the cool area with misting system to keep the area just slightly wet
No soil
Floor height to lamp 50cm
Alternative #3 - Vivarium/Terrarium
I initially do not consider this as an option due to the year round tropical weather at where I live. I'm afraid the vivarium/terrarium will get stuffy and grow unwanted mold and bacterias.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I am open to ideas and suggestions since this will be their permanent indoor home for a while. I do have an
Alternative #4 which is to keep them outdoor in the balcony (no garden) and give them an open table there but I am concerned with heavy rain which would blow right into the table unless the table is high up on top of a table and coverable in case of severe weather. Then I will bring the tortoises indoor until the weather improves.
I am designing a new tortoise table for my star tortoises and I am in need of some advices. I am trying to maximize the indoor space that I have so my maximum size would be 220cm x 60cm (86" x 23"). Thanks in advance for any inputs!
Note: I live in a tropical climate with the following measurements
outdoor temperature of 24-34 degrees, humidity 60-90% (quite similar to Southeastern India)
indoor temperature of 23-30 degrees, humidity 40-65%
cool area of the current tortoise table 24-25 degrees, humidity 55-65%
basking area of the current tortoise table 32-34 degrees, humidity 30-40%
I am considering the following alternatives:
Alternative #1 - 2 separate table for wet + dry area connected by a ramp 15cm (6") in height.
This is the idea I've been spending msot of my time on. I have made a 3D visualization for this method.
Wet & Dry Table 110 cm length x 60 cm width x 70 cm height (86" x 23" x 27.5")
Wet Table (Left)
- soil substrate depth 20-30cm (8-12") (thinking it would be ideal if the female starts laying eggs)
- floor height to lamp 35-40cm (15-19")
- timer for rain/misting system to keep the area humid
- top front window removable
- top cover removable for maintenance and ventillation
Dry Table (Right)
- coco husk depth less than 5cm
- base floor is slightly higher than 1st table
- floor height to lamp 50-55cm (20-21.5")
- no top cover
- fixed window (even though the render doesn't show the window)
Alternative #2 - 2 dry table
This idea is a simpler idea that I very much prefer since it will require less maintenance.
2x tables are connected by a doorway for a total 220 cm length x 60 cm width x 55 cm height (86" x 23" x 21.5")
Coco Husk substrate for the cool area with misting system to keep the area just slightly wet
No soil
Floor height to lamp 50cm
Alternative #3 - Vivarium/Terrarium
I initially do not consider this as an option due to the year round tropical weather at where I live. I'm afraid the vivarium/terrarium will get stuffy and grow unwanted mold and bacterias.
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I am open to ideas and suggestions since this will be their permanent indoor home for a while. I do have an
Alternative #4 which is to keep them outdoor in the balcony (no garden) and give them an open table there but I am concerned with heavy rain which would blow right into the table unless the table is high up on top of a table and coverable in case of severe weather. Then I will bring the tortoises indoor until the weather improves.