This is going to sound direct, it's going to sound blunt. I can't help that. Ignore the advice if you wish, but it's what you need to hear.Originally Posted by Eavlynn
That set up is not going to cut it. You need - now, not later - the following:
1. A minimum of a 130 degree basking spot. Minimum.
2. A deep diggable substrate deep enough to hold humidity, form burrows and provide the necessary security the animal needs to lower his stress level and recuperate. The humidity needs to be over 60% period outside of a burrow - much higher in it.
3. Stop handling and soaking this animal. It is most likely extremely stressed and suffering from renal and metabolic issues from being improperly kept.
4. An enclosure of sufficient size and strength to provide the thermal gradient required, along with holding in the moisture and providing for the aforementioned substrate.
I recommend going to your local tractor supply and getting either a plastic or metal stock tank. Preferably 4x2x2. Fill it up with 18" of 40% play sand and 55% good oil garden dirt. Mix in about 5% decomposed granite. Wet it to the point that it forms a ball when compressed but is not dripping wet. If possible, build a retes stack - it's fairly simple - and place it under the basking light.
Use a 4x2 piece of plywood or plexiglass for a makeshift lid. Drill a few holes in it with a small drill bit to provide for a small amount of ventilation. Perhaps 10 to 15 1/8" drill holes towards the center of the lid.
The basking light can be mounted to the underside of this make shift lid or you can cut a circular hole big enough to set a dome fixture on the top and place some mesh underneath it (think Vision Cage setup in this regard).
You can also find stock tanks on Craigslist.
It sounds like a lot of work but it isn't. With proper basking temps, a deep, diggable and moist substrate, he will begin eating and thriving. The odds of your success will improve. The setup you have now is only nominally better than the one you rescued him from.
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