Last Updated on September 16, 2022
If you are looking for a way to build a table for your tortoise, you should look no further than a bookcase. You can follow my steps to create a table for your tortoise, from the frame to the UVB tube. I also suggest that you keep a door inaccessible to your tortoise. These tips will make your project a success.
Build a tortoise table from a bookcase
You can convert your old bookcase into a tortoise table by removing the shelves, replacing the cardboard backing with plywood, and attaching the shelves to the sides of the table. You can also use a plastic tub with a lip, such as one used for mixing cement. You can seal the bottom and place it inside the table, leaving the hole at the top for ventilation.
You will need to buy a bookcase with a solid frame, preferably one that is 1 meter long and 50 cm high. You will need to nail or screw the frame into the backboard, which is a piece of wood inside the bookcase. The backboard is a good place for gluing together pieces of wood, if you are unsure how to do it.
Once you‚ve got the wood, you can paint it a protective varnish or stain. This will ensure it‚s waterproof and will last longer. Once the varnish is dry, you can start fitting out your tortoise table. Then, you can add internal furnishings, such as lighting. Make sure to keep all wood clean and safe from insects and rodents. After the final step, you‚ll have an attractive, functional tortoise table for your home.
Before you start building your table, you should be aware of the dangers that may exist to your baby tortoise. You should only use wood that has been treated with waterproof lacquer to protect it from rain and other moisture. Make sure to position it near a window so that the drapes are left open during the day. Also, be sure to use a light that will provide UVA and UVB light to the tortoise‚s environment. Make sure to avoid placing the table under a brightly-lit area.
Once you‚ve finished building the table, you‚re ready to begin the next step: choosing the substrate for your turtle‚s habitat. The substrate must be moist, as most tortoises need a high humidity environment to grow and develop properly. You can purchase a UV light for your tortoise. A humidifier can be placed on the table top and set to work for several hours each day, or run continuously. Make sure the tank holds water, which will last longer.
Using pond liner
A bookcase makes an excellent base for a tortoise table. Its rounded shape and stability are ideal for this type of reptile, so this type of table can be used indoors or out. The pond liner is a durable, flexible material that is easy to clean. The liners can be secured using wood batons or adhesive, and they can be colour coordinated to the rest of the furniture. If you don‚t want to make your own tortoise table, however, you can always buy a readymade piece of furniture instead of putting together a custom one.
You can also add a basking area to your new tortoise table by using a heat lamp. This light can be in the form of a small incandescent bulb or a ceramic heat emitter. This heater will provide a temperature gradient along the table‚s length so that your tortoise can choose a comfortable temperature in each position.
If you‚re not sure if you can use a bookcase to build a tortoise table, you can line the bottom of the bookcase with plastic pond liner, and then fill the remaining space with topsoil or Kokosnot from Ikea. You can also fix shelves to the sides of the bookcase to raise it up. If you are going to use a tortoise table as a pet, make sure that it has a deep substrate, as horsfield tortoises like a thick, deep substrate.
A wooden tortoise table is a popular choice for keeping tortoises, but you don‚t have to buy one. You can make a tortoise enclosure out of a bookcase by refinishing it with a waterproof material. Most common pond liners are made from PVC, so be sure to buy a pond liner labeled with the appropriate “fish safe” label.
While wood is an inexpensive and practical material, it does not always last. Tortoises hate frequent and drastic changes. Their preferred habitat is one that is familiar to them. It is also recommended to choose a pond liner that is safe for children, since wood is a natural product. If you use a chemical-treated wood, there‚s no risk to your tortoise‚s health.
Adding a UVB tube
Adding a UVB tube is a great way to make your own tortoise enclosure table. This setup allows you to control the temperature, lighting, and other aspects of the enclosure. The table also has walls to isolate it from outside disturbances. As your tortoise grows, you can gradually reduce the temperature, and you can adjust the UVB tube‚s intensity to match your pet‚s needs.
Once you have your new tortoise‚s enclosure in place, you can add a UVB tube and heat mat. While the latter option doesn‚t require any UVB tubes, they provide gentle heat for a large area. But a heat mat will be far too intense for the nighttime hours. So you should look for an option that offers a mix of UVB and heat.
Firstly, you should purchase a UVB tube, starter unit, and reflector cover. If you‚re making a tortoise table out of a bookcase, it will need a UVB tube of at least 5%. The 5% UVB tube will need replacing every 6 months, while a 10% UVB tube will last for around 12 months.
The simplest way to make a tortoise table out of a bookcase is to use two L-shaped brackets to form the sides of the table. The length of the brackets should be the same as the width of the top of the table. The sides should be fitted with screws or wood glue, and the vinyl should be facing inwards. Ensure the table stands on sturdy legs. If necessary, use braces to strengthen them.
Another option is to make a small hideout for your tortoise. A small plastic container with mesh on top is a great option. A small enclosure will reduce interaction with humans. Old bookshelves or boxes will also work as hideouts. You can also use an old bookcase or a large basin as a tortoise table.
Keeping a door inaccessible to a tortoise
If you have room for a tortoise table, you can make one from an old bookcase. Lay it on its back and remove the shelves. You can buy a decent tortoise table for under $100 and make it yourself, too. This design is easy to clean and is relatively inexpensive. Just keep in mind that you may need to modify it slightly in order to hide the doors and light fixtures.
Using a small UV bulb is not sufficient. You need to mount a UV strip light across the length of the tortoise table. This way, the tortoise will always be in the direct line of light. If you want to use UV lights, ensure they emit UVA and UVB. If you cannot find a UV bulb that emits the right kind of light, you can use a shielded UV lamp.
If you have a large bookcase, consider a bookcase with a recessed door. This way, if the bookcase has a door, you can keep it inaccessible while still keeping the tortoise table accessible. Keeping a door inaccessible from a tortoise table from a bookcase can help you keep your tortoise safe. You should also keep a door inaccessible to the tortoise table when you‚re working on it.
Another good option is a bookcase that has solid lower walls. This way, the tortoise will not be exposed to excessive stress or over stimulation. Glass walls also create a greenhouse effect which can cause health issues in a tortoise. While some types of tortoises can live on a tortoise table, such as the subtropical ones, need frequent misting.
About The Author
Tess Mack is a social media expert who has fallen down more times than she can count. But that hasn't stopped her from becoming one of the most well-known Twitter advocates in the world. She's also a web nerd and proud travel maven, and is considered to be one of the foremost experts on hipster-friendly social media. Tess loves sharing interesting facts with her followers, and believes that laughter is the best way to connect with people.