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| Weatherproof tube enclosure Posted: 20/07/2016 by Skip1USL |
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Hi I'm thinking of installing a 2' weatherproof fluorescent tube enclosure in the "day room" end of the tortoise house. The enclosure comes with a polycarbonate diffuser. Will this interfere with the ?UVB tube's output? TIA Paul | |
| Re: Weatherproof tube enclosure Posted: 21/07/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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Hello, Can you provide pics of your setup or a detailed description of it & the reasoning behind your question. Which species & what age are you torts ? Tom | |
| Re: Weatherproof tube enclosure Posted: 23/07/2016 by Skip1USL |
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Hi Thanks for taking the time to respond Tom. We've ordered a tortoise house from Northumberland Joinery (image attached). It's fully insulated. Our tortoise, when he comes to live with us, will be a 12 year old male testudo graeca. We were looking at another supplier's tortoise house which is very similar to the one we eventually ordered, and they can provide - and fit - a full set of electrical accessories. One of the accessories is a 2' UVB tube in a weatherproof enclosure fitted to the inside wall of the "day room". As I've read that glass, perspex, etc filter out UVB, I was concerned that the enclosure would render the UVB tube useless. I appear to be right. I'm now reviewing our plans. At the moment, I think that a ceramic heater in the sleeping area and a mercury vapour lamp in the day room should be sufficient, but I'd appreciate guidance. The ceramic heater will be fitted to a dimmer thermostat (Habistat), and the basking lamp to a timer. We're determined to make sure that our tort will be happy, comfortable and healthy! Thanks again. Paul | |
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| Re: Weatherproof tube enclosure Posted: 23/07/2016 by tomtortoise@tovevalley.net |
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That's ok Paul, I've looked on the N. J. website, they are pricey, you could have a greenhouse for that sum. It might work well, but it's not what I'd use. Anyway it's ordered. Forget the tube, a Megaray UVB bulb is much better. BUT only use it in cold weather, don't 'molly coddle' it, they are a hardy species. I guess it's T.ibera even if T.g. is on the A10 Cert. In warm weather block off the day room, leaving the sleep area for it to rest in. The latter doesn't need a heater, the temp' should drop at night. A 12yr old tort will need a 15sqm enclosure suitably planted. I applaud the fact that you want it to be comfortable, but if they are pampered too much it weakens them. Best wishes, Tom | |
| Re: Weatherproof tube enclosure Posted: 29/07/2016 by Skip1USL |
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Thanks Tom. I did actually want a greenhouse, but SWMBO said "No"! The tortoise house seemed like a good compromise. The supplier who also offers the electrical accessories charges a heck of a lot more. Thanks again Paul | |