Basking spot/decor question

[FlorrieJ]

Hi, I just set up a 4x2x2 zen habitat for my 7 month old. I put the basking spot I had been using previously in for now but it is hard to clean so I plan on replacing it and removing it. I just bought this what I think is a guinea pig house from pet valu. Just wanted an opinion on it before I open it and put a piece of tile on top. I would of course sand down any sharp or splintery spots.

 

[Sadie]

Hi, I just set up a 4x2x2 zen habitat for my 7 month old. I put the basking spot I had been using previously in for now but it is hard to clean so I plan on replacing it and removing it. I just bought this what I think is a guinea pig house from pet valu. Just wanted an opinion on it before I open it and put a piece of tile on top. I would of course sand down any sharp or splintery spots.View attachment 36977

Looks cute - I would try and find something w/ cushion rather than tile - a matt of some sort w/ no grooves in it for easier clean up- tile is very hard on the joints - you can use tile in the tank small piece to keep the tails down - something w/ texture but nothing coarse that would give abrasions and something not smooth so hes slipping all over - run your hand over it -

 

[FlorrieJ]

Thanks Sadie, I do have a piece of leftover reptile mat from another enclosure. It's not cushioned though so I'll have to figure out something to put under it.

 

[FlorrieJ]

Sadie, you gave me a home made idea, I had bought a wooden plank yesterday for another idea so was able to put it together. Although the black almost holds too much heat. Should I keep looking for another basking idea?

 

[Sadie]

Sadie, you gave me a home made idea, I had bought a wooden plank yesterday for another idea so was able to put it together. Although the black almost holds too much heat. Should I keep looking for another basking idea?View attachment 37008

The tank looks great -- keep an eye on the temp where hes sitting in the picture - you dont want it over 110- adults dont like heat over 100 for surface basking temps- the distance for the UVB is what? It almost looks over 15 inches -- love the house bed on the tile?

 

[FlorrieJ]

After I took that pic, I changed out the bulb to a 50 watt and raised the basking area. I still have work to do on it because it's still not quite right. The 75 watt was too hot and the 50 W is too low. The 50 watt is an exo Terra but I might change it to a 50-watt halogen that you recommended.. can't remember the brand at the moment... And not sure that will make a difference

 

[Sadie]

After I took that pic, I changed out the bulb to a 50 watt and raised the basking area. I still have work to do on it because it's still not quite right. The 75 watt was too hot and the 50 W is too low. The 50 watt is an exo Terra but I might change it to a 50-watt halogen that you recommended.. can't remember the brand at the moment... And not sure that will make a difference

I am not sure either but it would be a Arcadia Halogen - you can also try a flood light that will make the heat a broader area -- instead of shining down on one spot