Hi,
Untill I get/make a more final solution, I've been cooling it by introducing refrigerated elements into the vivarium:
- Frozen water botles - I made a whole (just the right size and shape) in the gravel which is the lowest layer, where I place these. Then I cover them with rock slabs which tend to absorb the cool temperature and gradually release the coolness into the air and surroundings. I cover the slabs with moss. I change these 2 x day.
- A small tray with rounded pebles - I keep it in the freezer, and whenever I need a more intense or lasting drop of temperature, I replace another one that is already in the vivarium covered with moss, and cover it with moss as well.
- Refrigerated mist - I keep a hand mist pump in the refrigerator, and regularly cool and humidify it with this.
although not as simple as I would like, I've been managing to keep temperatures just as I intend, considerably lower then the room temperature at this time of year.
Pse note that with this system the temperature may differ considerably in different areas of the vivarium, so make sure that you take several readings. Although temperatures may be a litle bit higher then intended closer to the lid, they remain very cool at ground level, where most hiding spots, water and food sources are anyway. I guess this mimics summer reality in the wild anyway: air temperature rises and sallies seek cool and moist spots to hang out on.
hope this helps, although on a temporary basis.
W
