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Soon to be BTS owner - enclosure questions

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2019 10:24 am
by MeepyMeeps
I am in the market for an enclosure at the moment and had some questions about some possible terrariums. I believe the site tells you to aim for at least a 48 x 24 in terms of floor space.
One of the enclosures up for sale is a 60 gallon. I hope to contact them soon for further details but I believe they sit at 48x12. Is this a big enough size for the life of a northern?
There was another at 75 g but the seller hasn't answered back sadly. These ard both resales as i hope to see my options before spending more on a completely new enclosure.

Re: Soon to be BTS owner - enclosure questions

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2019 12:16 pm
by splashy07
Is 12 the width? If so, would say no. Width of at least 18. I would think a 60g would be wider, but I've seen many different configurations of a 60g, depending on manufacturer. If 12 is the height, no problem, as I have a few 48 x 24 x 12's.

Re: Soon to be BTS owner - enclosure questions

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2019 12:48 pm
by MeepyMeeps
splashy07 wrote:Is 12 the width? If so, would say no. Width of at least 18. I would think a 60g would be wider, but I've seen many different configurations of a 60g, depending on manufacturer. If 12 is the height, no problem, as I have a few 48 x 24 x 12's.

The 48Lx12W is an avg ive seen online for common 60g's. I'm hoping its bigger than twelve but I won't know until the seller gets back to me. Thank you for the advice though, gives me a better idea for what I should be looking for.

Re: Soon to be BTS owner - enclosure questions

Posted: Tue Jul 16, 2019 6:00 pm
by kingofnobbys
splashy07 wrote:Is 12 the width? If so, would say no. Width of at least 18. I would think a 60g would be wider, but I've seen many different configurations of a 60g, depending on manufacturer. If 12 is the height, no problem, as I have a few 48 x 24 x 12's.


Only issue with 12" height is establishing a good thermal gradient .

12" height will work fine with T8 10% UVB or 12% UVB tube and reflector , or a T5HO 5%UVB or 6%UVB tube and reflector.

For height you need to know the height of the ceramic e27 fitting and the length of the basking globe & the distance to get the desired basking spot temperature especially if you are mounting under the lid of the tank.
If you are mounting the lights ontop a mesh lid, please keep in mid the mesh in the lid is going to block about 45% of the UV and will essentially cancel out the benefit of a reflector..


My double decker for my two adult easterns (home made) has bays 16" tall.

Width , needs to be at least the same as ADULT BT's total length for it to able to turn around comfortably in its tank, I'd recommend 24" width for a BTS.