dudemanbacon
New Member
- Messages
- 5
Hello!
I have a 10 month old Columbian Gold and she's currently in a 20 gallon long (temp). I was going to purchase a 48x24x24 PVC enclosure, but I just happen to have an empty Animal Plastics 48x24x12 PVC enclosure that I bought brand new from a guy on Craigslist that I haven't used yet. I wish it was taller, but Tegu's don't really like to climb anyway, so I think it'll work. The questions I have are around heat/lighting.
Typically, you would have heat lights, but this enclosure does not have any pre-cut holes for lights AND it is maybe too low to have a heat light anyway, though I could use a dimmer switch w/ a thermostat I suppose. Anyway, what is the best way to provide the heat that I need for my Tegu in this enclosure? Should I get a RHP (radiant heat panel) or would heat tape work better? I have a UVB light mounted inside, so that'll take care of the UVB requirements. Another option would be to reach out to Animal Plastics and see if they can ship me a new top for the cage which has holes cut for heat lights, if that is really the BEST way to go.
Also, what substrate is everyone using? I am currently using a mixture of Repti-Bark, Forest Floor and coco-fiber, but seeing a lot of pictures with what appears to be black dirt in enclosures. Is that better?
Thanks,
Nick
I have a 10 month old Columbian Gold and she's currently in a 20 gallon long (temp). I was going to purchase a 48x24x24 PVC enclosure, but I just happen to have an empty Animal Plastics 48x24x12 PVC enclosure that I bought brand new from a guy on Craigslist that I haven't used yet. I wish it was taller, but Tegu's don't really like to climb anyway, so I think it'll work. The questions I have are around heat/lighting.
Typically, you would have heat lights, but this enclosure does not have any pre-cut holes for lights AND it is maybe too low to have a heat light anyway, though I could use a dimmer switch w/ a thermostat I suppose. Anyway, what is the best way to provide the heat that I need for my Tegu in this enclosure? Should I get a RHP (radiant heat panel) or would heat tape work better? I have a UVB light mounted inside, so that'll take care of the UVB requirements. Another option would be to reach out to Animal Plastics and see if they can ship me a new top for the cage which has holes cut for heat lights, if that is really the BEST way to go.
Also, what substrate is everyone using? I am currently using a mixture of Repti-Bark, Forest Floor and coco-fiber, but seeing a lot of pictures with what appears to be black dirt in enclosures. Is that better?
Thanks,
Nick