Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just got done building my sulcata a home.Just wanted to check if it looks ok and if the supplies i have in the box are ok.I am gonna hang the basking light in the open area and put the UVB light in the hole in the lidded area.Is this ok?Also how long do i leave each light on for and both during the day or night or what.Thank you very much in advance for the help!!!

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How old is your tortoise--is he/she a Sulcata?
When I housed my indoors I would leave the heat lamp/uvb light on for 10 hours a day, it never got cool enough at night to leave the heat light on 24/7. My indoor temps would never drop below 70.

Which state do you live in? If at all possible outside sun/exposure is the best so during they day you may want to build something outside for this tort.

Just something to think about... Particle board, MDF, and most plywoods contain formaldehyde, these product also contain many poisonous glues and fillers that can be hazardous to your tortoise. The warmer the cage gets, the more formaldeyde is released into the environment. You can actually smell it if the wood is warm, or when you cut the material. The chemicals found in products like these don't evaporate out. They are bonded at the time of pressing.

I would suggest using oak, maple, or poplar... Hardwood. Better yet look into a plastic container.

I have a young Burmese Black Mt. tortoise which I constructed an "inside" cage for. I went to Lowes and bought a plastic mixing pan.. $10 , and built a poplar box around it. I also insulated it with styrofoam. The pan measures roughly 4ft X 2ft X 10inches deep. This setup is extremely easy to clean and disinfect. I don't need to worry about mold or fungus growing into the wood, nor spills destroying the floor. Clean, easy & safe!

PB and MDF also expand and hold moisture which can cause fluctuations in humidity levels.

I think what you have will work just fine, I just wanted to point out some things that many people do not know about man made woods, laminates, and particle boards... MDF etc...

-Kory