Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone! I first want to say thank you, for the wealth of information you have provided me over the past couple of months.

Over the next few months, I would like to acquire a GTP (or possibly an ETB, but leaning more towards the GTP at this point). I'm looking at either a neonate or yearling, and plan on using a tub for housing, until old enough to be moved to an Exo Terra 18x18x24. I would appreciate some input on how I am planning on setting up the Exo Terra.

- I plan on using a radiant panel on top, to provide the overall heat. It will be hooked to a HerpStat II, with the probe placed at limb level.

- I will also use a UTH under a mix of Jungle Earth and moss. The primary function will be to provide the base humidity. The UTH will be attached to the HerpStat as well, but set to a lower temp, and the probe near the substrate. In my mind, this should also give me the desired thermal gradient.

- I plan on using a fogger (looking at the ZooMed) attached to a HerpStat Humidity, to maintain the humidity level produced by the UTH, so there is minimal fluctuation. This would also allow me to easily control the day/night fluctuation.

- Finally, I would run the system for 1-2 months, before adding anything live. I would want to know that the system works the way that it should, with only deliberate heat/humidity fluctuations occurring.

Does this sound like a suitable system, that would be stable as well?

Would ventilation be adequate?

Would it be acceptable to house the GTP in a tub, within the system (assuming it works as planned)?

Now for the big question, am I asking for trouble?

Sorry for the long post, but thanks for reading,

Matt

First of all i wish you the best of luck in your new venture and it sounds like you have put a lot of thought into you caging. That shows you are looking to have the highest level of success. However i don't recommend using Exo Terra cages for chondros. They don't hold heat or humidity well do to the top venting this brand uses. if you use this brand i recommend modifying it to suit your animals a little better. If possible i would try to build your own cage using rear or side venting. this will help hold heat and humidity. I'm not an expert but i have made the same mistakes already. Good luck.