Question on heating

[TommyTurtle]

Hi All,

I know meacy has posted a question regarding thermostats / che's earlier, however my question is slightly different

I have come to the conclusion that tommy's enclosure isn't warm enough given his tendency to stay tucked up all the time (also temp reading from gauge is quite low).

Planning on investing in the following items, so was just looking for some final advice on bulbs i guess?

Twin Thermostat:
http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/h...r-channel.html

Will prob need 2 of these as well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reptile-To...item1c2f3250c5

Just not sure what wattage bulbs I should be looking at.

I was thinking that perhaps a 100W bulb for where his basking light is and perhaps a 50W for close to where he normally sleeps?


Pic of how his enclosure looks at present:

[Lane]

That looks like a good price for the twin stat!
I find it helps to lay a piece of wood or Perspex over part of the top keeps some heat in rather than escaping.

[yuna1971]

What are your basking area temps, Tommy?
You'll need to bear in mind that their behaviour can change just like that - if say the temps outdoors are low. At the moment they are. There are odd times where we've had some sunshine but I wouldn't say it's that warm. And with the constant spurts of snowfall I'm surprised if most torts know if their coming or going lol
The light quality when there's no sun is also pretty poor and IMO this means another thing to bear in mind with your indoor set up. Are there areas where it's a bit dark (apart from the sleeping area). Light coverage as well as heat coverage is nearly just as important.
Positioning of your table can also impact light and heat. Too near a door/window - draughts.
But saying that near-ish to a window so that the natural light can benefit the table as a whole (will need reviewing once we get to hotter days). xx

[TommyTurtle]

Thanks for the replies.

Lane - will have a look into constructing something as thats a good idea for heat retention which is definately required!

Yuna - took some readings last night / overnight and have the following. Basking spot is about 27.8 deg C, while the other end of his enclosure is about 20 deg C but would be a bit wary of this reading! Overnight the temp dips to about 13 deg c (or at least thats what it was this morning)

Hopefully the above helps.

[yuna1971]

IMO that's a bit on the cold side for the basking spot. You're aiming for about 32-34 degrees. The night time temps are borderline.
I would suggest as you say - extra heating for the basking area and also definitely for the night time heat. 2 CHEs should do this. Youll need the stands and holders and like you mentioned a good thermostat. Sounds like youre on the right track, Tommy.
Do bear in mind the weather - especially at the moment. Its blumming freezing. I doubt that torts feel particularly active when its like this. He might perk up when it stabilizes outside. But for now, yes - getting the warmth will defo help.
If you find nothing is working - it could be a lighting issue in general - as in you may need an additional strip to boost things. But again...this will be solved once we actually get some better natural light quality outside. xx

[Leo's_Ma]

Dunno if this'll be any help but... If you want to add a warm spot close to Tommy's bed check out the light bracket clip holder thingys in Home Bargains, I noticed them today, they are under a couple of quid and can hold a 60w bulb.

[TommyTurtle]

Thanks, i have a spare strip light holder but also have some spotlights which i'm contemplating using (mixing halogen and LED bulbs for brightness / added warmth).
Got home today and his "cool" area is 14.5 deg c so its definately too chilly but he's buried himself so i'll leave him and not wake him till tomorrow for a shower
I did get one of those lamp holders from homebargains but the bayonet to screw fitting doesn't work so i'll just get a proper scre fitting one plus the ones on ebay are more adjustable but good idea

[Leo's_Ma]

Hiya. i considered Halogen lighting BUT I have a couple of Halogen heaters dotted about the house, lovely and warm when they're on but as soon as you switch it off the room goes cold, so although I don't know much about heating I figured if a heater goes cold then the basking spot will too? Dunno anything about LED but that's my concern about Halogens. Shame about the home bargain lamps, sorry crap suggestion!

[TommyTurtle]

Originally Posted by Leo's_Ma

Hiya. i considered Halogen lighting BUT I have a couple of Halogen heaters dotted about the house, lovely and warm when they're on but as soon as you switch it off the room goes cold, so although I don't know much about heating I figured if a heater goes cold then the basking spot will too? Dunno anything about LED but that's my concern about Halogens. Shame about the home bargain lamps, sorry crap suggestion!

homebargain lamps is a good suggestion i think i just prefer the ebay style ones as they are adjustable.

maybe a good point about the halogen, will get some che's or the likes