Why are vivariums and glass tanks bad?

[Kirkie]

You need a controllable heat source in a viv I think. I've been using a four foot one for hatchling boxies and I use an AHS microclimate rig and a UV tube. You get a temperature gradient, the turtles bask near the ceramic heat output and still have a range of temperatures. I dont think MVB's would work as well, less control and nowhere for the excess heat to go. Humidity is always around the level I want it too.

[vwcranky]

My own views on vivariums/vivs You just need to think out side the box, so to speak....

I do agree that most shops will sell a viv on the bases of making a profit and as they come would not be the best/ideal place to have your tortoises long term as they are to small and too expensive

If possible get one propose built to your spec the min that I would have is 5ftx3ftx3ft vented front so that when they come in from the out side it not to must of a shock.

But the main reason I keep reading about is the temp and the humidity, all the viv's I have seen have the vent holes to the rear and in the corners, no problem with this, in fact you need to expand on these ...


check youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx7nR4cDBR0
(the yellow wire is not needed so any old phone charger will do the job)

screw these fans over the holes (make sure they are blowing in the wright direction) what you now have is the means to control the temp, IE
1- have it on all day
2- linked to a timer
3- linked to the heater

or link the fans to the thermostatic controller.
this takes care of the stagnate air in the viv and at the same time brings in to the viv the humidity from the room itself.

just like any enclosures I would likely mist spray every couple of days to

[EJ]

Kind of defeats the purpose of a viv if there is too much circulation.

Originally Posted by vwcranky

My own views on vivariums/vivs You just need to think out side the box, so to speak....

I do agree that most shops will sell a viv on the bases of making a profit and as they come would not be the best/ideal place to have your tortoises long term as they are to small and too expensive

If possible get one propose built to your spec the min that I would have is 5ftx3ftx3ft vented front so that when they come in from the out side it not to must of a shock.

But the main reason I keep reading about is the temp and the humidity, all the viv's I have seen have the vent holes to the rear and in the corners, no problem with this, in fact you need to expand on these ...


check youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx7nR4cDBR0
(the yellow wire is not needed so any old phone charger will do the job)

screw these fans over the holes (make sure they are blowing in the wright direction) what you now have is the means to control the temp, IE
1- have it on all day
2- linked to a timer
3- linked to the heater

or link the fans to the thermostatic controller.
this takes care of the stagnate air in the viv and at the same time brings in to the viv the humidity from the room itself.

just like any enclosures I would likely mist spray every couple of days to

[vwcranky]

Originally Posted by EJ

Kind of defeats the purpose of a viv if there is too much circulation.

Correct, but to little gives the same result?
But as stated their are a number of ways to control this, and depentent on the size of the viv will need to adapt it..

The main point is that a simple solution will resolve these issues ...

[EJ]

I'm wondering where the idea got started that air circulation is a necessity... don't bother... I know.

I have trouble understanding the rest of your point.

Originally Posted by vwcranky

Correct, but to little gives the same result?
But as stated their are a number of ways to control this, and depentent on the size of the viv will need to adapt it..

The main point is that a simple solution will resolve these issues ...

[Anita Sayles]

I use both


Marley comes and goes as he pleases.


Temp in the viv around 26 deg - temp under lamp 32 deg. For two hours mid day the UVB switches off, so it's just ambient temps. Throughout the day he wanders from one to the other.

[16 shells]

Originally Posted by Anita Sayles

I use both


Marley comes and goes as he pleases.


Temp in the viv around 26 deg - temp under lamp 32 deg. For two hours mid day the UVB switches off, so it's just ambient temps. Throughout the day he wanders from one to the other.

Have missed this if been shown before, like the idea best of both also a good winter setup .

[Herpard]

Originally Posted by Anita Sayles

I use both


Marley comes and goes as he pleases.


Temp in the viv around 26 deg - temp under lamp 32 deg. For two hours mid day the UVB switches off, so it's just ambient temps. Throughout the day he wanders from one to the other.

Oooohhh now I like that!

[yuna1971]

Yep, that's a clever set up there Nita xx

[Anita Sayles]

Thanks guys and Rach
The set up gives Marley a choice - he uses both. I like the idea that the viv gives a warmer ambient without the intensity of the UVB.
There's a heat mat out of his reach attached to the back wall of the viv controlled by a thermostat.
It is handy in winter because of the cooler room temps - we are all at work 4 days a week so there's no heating on.
Just takes the worry out of things...