IJ temp cage

[Aanayab1]

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n621/Aanayab1/IMG_1336_zps9438be26.jpg (http://s1143.photobucket.com/user/Aanayab1/media/IMG_1336_zps9438be26.jpg.html)

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n621/Aanayab1/IMG_1335_zps2ac95cd3.jpg (http://s1143.photobucket.com/user/Aanayab1/media/IMG_1335_zps2ac95cd3.jpg.html)

Keep in mind this is temporary. I will be building a proper enclosure very soon. Please let me know if you think I can add or take out to make this one more suitable.

[Mikoh4792]

What is the ambient temperature in the house? Are you in an area that gets cold in the winter?

I'd suggest getting a lamp fixture that is solid and not wired, most of the heat will escape. i'd also cover most of the screen top to retain heat and humidity.

Other than that it looks like a great setup, lots of climbing space and hiding spots.

[Aanayab1]

I'm not sure yet for stable temps as it was set up today. I will be checking each basking spot with my temp gun often and recording them to get average over the next two days. I have a digital hygrometer/temp recorder that will check the cool side for the first 24hrs and then I'll move it to the hot side to do the same. I have not brought the IJ home and will not until parameters are met. I have 75% of the screen top covered from the inside with .125" acrylic panels. In hopes to help hold heat and humidity. The only screened place is where the light is and it is 7.75"x 17". I live in Florida so it does not get cold here.

[Aanayab1]

as of now the cool side is 72 with humidity at 47%. the warmest basking spot is 101 then 92, 88, 84. All the basking spots seem okay but the highest. I will have humidity and temperature results for the hot side tomorrow morning.

[Mikoh4792]

as long as you have cooler hot spots 101F is fine. I had 100f hotspots for my carpets, many other members give their animals very hot basking spots as well.

Other than that do you have a thermostat controlling the temperature?

[Aanayab1]

no thermostat till the new cage, when I get the RHP... I am leaving the light on 24hrs a day to be sure it wont get to hot, its only a 75 watt incandescent RB type bulb. after the first full 24 hrs it has only reached 101 in the hottest spot, I will know tomorrow morning what the max temperature is after 48hrs of being on constant. I suppose I could take the VE-200 thermostat temporarily off my incubator for now as it is not currently in use.

[HoldenC]

I suppose I could take the VE-200 thermostat temporarily off my incubator for now as it is not currently in use.
Do you have the VE-200D? I don't think the standard 200 model is compatible with incandescent lamps.

[Aanayab1]

It has the option for just strait on/off or the pulse proportional. I would just order a RHP if I decide to use it on this set up.

[Aanayab1]

Okay... well the hot side is not so hot... only sitting at 78... seems I need to use some supplemental uth. I suppose I will use some 11" heat tape on the hot side and use the VE-200 off of my incubator for the time being. Other than that I think everything is good to go.

[pdomensis]

Some thoughts for you that may help. My bredli didn't like the 24 hr red light so I switched to a CHE. I agree with putting a dome over the lamp. It will save you money in lost heat. I also insulated the sides of my tank with styrofoam and/or cardboard to retain heat.

[shaunyboy]

a non light emmiting ceramic bulb,a bulb guard and a thermostat,imo would be the easiest and the best way to heat your tank

basking spot 86F to 90F

cool end temps high 70's to low 80's F

cheers shaun