Posted by contemplate on May 12, 2003 at 22:08:43:
hello all, i'm constucting a 4x8 outdoor enclosure for my yearling red tortoise 'pugsly.' i need advice on heating options. I've heard under tank heaters are bad, but i think they're probably pretty efficient. pro radiant panels are cool but pricey. ceramic emmitters are ok but they might not heat that big of an area too efficiently. i plan on investing in a proportional thermostat such as the one offered by big apple products to control the temps, but i dont know which heat source to plug into it. I'd like for him to be ok outside year round.
i live in central florida where it is warm and humid for most of the year. however, we do get occasional winter nights that dip slightly below freezing. of course the ground temps are much higher, and it warms up to the 50's at least the next day. the cage is constructed with 1/4" galvanized screen with lattice around the walls. i'm going to try to sink the enclosure into the ground a foot or so. what would be best. i'd also like to keep electricity costs down if possible (i know, heaters require electricity). thanks for your help.
