Outdoor enclosure :)
 

Ok i have found a solution for the outdoor security!

So out doors i am using a 10'x6' greenhouse, linked to a purpose built indoor insulated shed of 2.4m x 1.2m and 0.8m high. Firstly would this height be enough clearance for heating and lighting in this area?

This will then have a clear cat flap to go outside to their area which is going to be 13' x 7.5' as this is the biggest dog run i could find on the net at a good price. This will sit on sleepers for added outdoor security.

Now in the greenhouse i was going to use a T5 46" tube and will need some heating also, any idea's wether to go for ceramic or bulbs? Same for the indoor area, only this time i was again going to use the T5 tube but use tubular heaters, would this be ok? Any help on what timers/thermostats to buy would be great also. Would rather buy everything at once and get it right first time!

I need to get gowing on this as i pick the tortoises up in Febuary! Any help on equipment would be appreciated :) They are Hermann's btw :)

Thought I would bump this thread for you, so you can get some advice :)

Cheers :) It's mainly the thermostats and controlling night time tempratures. I have been told that when i collect them to bring them round out of hibernation, but for them to lay in April i must make sure that the night time temp does not drop below 13 in their enclosure. So aswell as daytime thermostats for basking spots/cold end i would need maybe night switch and timers to control through the night? Do i get a dual stat for both indoor and greenhouse? Confused lol thought i had it sussed but could do with some good advice.

http://i52.tinypic.com/e8v9ud.png

Thats the layout, just where to put stats controling what and if lighting etc would be ok :???:

You can get a habistat dual stat day and night, it will control the day heat source when switched off, the night heat tubes will be kicked in if needed. The shed/hut height look's fine to fix a heat source up. Look's a good setup.

Just re read for Herman's i don't think you will need two tube heater's on for night heat. Day heat running with a tube could be a Ceramic.

Thanks for the replies. They will be comming out of hibernation late Feb when i collect them. The guy im getting them from said to make sure the temp does not drop below 15 degrees night or day wherever they are or this will put them off laying. Think ive got it all sussed :)

You might want to check out this gadget :

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ad.php?t=44669

The Fortexx intelligent thermostat can control several devices at various tmeperatures and different times of the day and night. This costs the same as a habistat but has a far greater range of options and capabilities.

Looks good, i have done some research and decided to go for a 46" T5 lighting setup, then halogen basking x 2 and ceramic in the sleeping area. Going to put a couple of 2ft tubular heaters half way down the greenhouse aswell. I have decided to try the night area inside the greenhouse instead of outside to start with, making from ply and insulating forming a 42mm wide wooden carcase. Then outdoor run made of sleepers and hoping they will still use a catflap in their new home :)