New Musks - Scran & Spanner

[Zekee]

How do you provide a heat lamp with a lid??

[crazy_sailor]

The lid I have had an integrated compartment which has a day and night light fitted. Fortunately they were the same lamp size as the Arcadia compact UV lamps so I swapped the 'day' lamp for a UV lamp. The night light is just a blue lamp which I dont use. Unfortunately the fittings lay horizontally across the lid and was no use for a basking lamp. I got an ES batten fitting from a pet shop and made a mount for the underside of the lid and ran cable through the back. Obviously with the lid I am using much lower wattage lamps and am closely monitoring the basking temps.

[Zekee]

What is your basking temperature?

[crazy_sailor]

Basking temp at edge of floating platform is about 28 which I know is a little low but is skewed because it is wet. I estimate the air temp to be more like 30. This temp reduces to about 26 at the extremities. Water is about 26. The log which I have seen them also bask on is also about 29.5.

I have been changing lamps to get the best result of between 28-32. Ive only had them a day but am fairly content. The 15W is slightly cooler than I would like, the 42W is too hot and unfortunately the 25W is too long and protudes to far down. Im looking for a shorter 20W to try next.

[Zekee]

You know, if you removed the lid you could use a normal spot bulb in a clamp on lamp.

Also prevent the risk of RI which hatchlings are prone to.

[crazy_sailor]

Yes but I have a feeling I would have no turtles and guilty looking dog with a wet face when I got back from work.

If the water temp and chemical composition is correct, basking temp is correct (regardless of method), humidity is not too different from the external environment, their diet is correct then there is not much else I can do to prevent RI.

[Zekee]

Ok, as Clare said build a mesh top.

We can only advise on past experience if you're unwilling to take it. Not much else anyone can say to you.

Good luck

[crazy_sailor]

Zekee

As I said I am happy for advice. My ventilated lid with lighting achieves exactly the same conditions as a mesh lid with clamp on lights but is a bit neater. I can find no actual scientific reason why I should change it if all my temps and other environmental recommended parameters are met.

In the beginning of the thread we discussed the depth of water and it was recommended I make mine more shallow or provide areas for rest for them. I have taken in the advice and will look into rectifying this until they are bigger. For example based on the advice, tomorrow I am getting some more plants which will also help my water quality which I have also been monitoring. Longer term I will buy a shorter heater or make a platform (even if it is just a massive rock!).

Thank you

[ClareandCo]

Where is the tank that your dog could get into it. Presumably it is on a stand or table?

[crazy_sailor]

It is on a table next to a sofa. Diesel (3 year old Shih Tzu) is very active and jumps around a lot and often is found dosing on the back/arms of the sofa. Being inquisitive I'd rather not give him the option of putting his face/paws in the tank when our back is turned.

I checked the humidy this morning and it was comparible inside and outside the tank but I have now propped open the feeding flap at the front to be absolutely sure.