Please give me some advice (new)

BrianWI said:

No, you just have bad data. Safe.

Burned by a 5 Watt under tank heater thru 5 inches of substrate? You must have big Watts where you are LOL!

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Hi there Brian. Can I call you Brian? Cool.

Stalker here, chiming in to add some clarity if I might. Tom did not in fact offer data, bad or otherwise (as in numbers or measurements ) he provided his observations. As such, you don't make a compelling counter-argument by just saying 'no'.
I don't know Tom, but I have made similar observations of eye injuries, both in my setups and those of accomplices and kindred spirits. Based on these observations, I don't use CFLs or recommend them to others. How could I? Perhaps I too have fallen victim to the 'bad data' (sic), but other than your one word rebuttal or your various other claims of vast knowledge I haven't noticed any data provided on your behalf. Based on your multiple posts on a public forum, you're clearly interested in sharing information. So please do. Share information I mean. I for one, and I suspect many others like to learn and would appreciate information. I'll repeat the word 'information' for emphasis. Lightweight ad hominems implying Tom can't install lights or his role is merely to yell Danger only makes you seem mean spirited and petty and does nothing to advance your point. I look forward to a factual and rational explanation as someone with your experience and knowledge could provide.

Coconut0000 said:

Hi, I have an 3 inch Indian star tortoise. Set up in a 2 ft fish tank with corn bedding. Have to lamp clip, 1 is for heat and the other for uvb. Am staying in Singapore so just want to check what watt to get for heat and uvb bulb from exo terra brand? I have been googling on the web to find more info but each time different answer so I'm confused. As Singapore weather is quite hot so do heat bulb really a need for her? And how long for the lights to be on. I really hope that u can guys can offer some advice so that I can provide the best care for her. Thanks

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I live in Morocco where it is also pretty hot. Heat bulb not needed. UVB only if your tort doesn't get regular access to sunshine.Only needs a few hours a week.
If you can't get the rest of the products suggested, then good local greens and a substrate of decent, slightly moistened groundsoil that you are sure is free from chemicals is perfectly fine.
ignore the squabbles.

Coconut0000 said:

Hi, I have an 3 inch Indian star tortoise. Set up in a 2 ft fish tank with corn bedding. Have to lamp clip, 1 is for heat and the other for uvb. Am staying in Singapore so just want to check what watt to get for heat and uvb bulb from exo terra brand? I have been googling on the web to find more info but each time different answer so I'm confused. As Singapore weather is quite hot so do heat bulb really a need for her? And how long for the lights to be on. I really hope that u can guys can offer some advice so that I can provide the best care for her. Thanks

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Please ask if you have any more questions.
Most of us here will be happy to respond and love tortoises.

BrianWI said:

People like you are the worst. I call you "Shining Knights". I am sorry, you don't get it. If you think questioning the user of heat mats is an ad hominem attack, than you seem to take the position that the heat mats themselves are intrinsically dangerous. That, like the bulb claim, puts the burden of proof on you. Therefore, you would need to present REAL DATA supporting both claims, which neither of you has done. I can make claims any misused item is "unsafe". With all these issues you have seen, where is one single bulb that is known to have caused an issue. Just give me one. Is that so hard?

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Dear OP,

My sincere apologies for contributing to the thread hijacking. Despite what you may have heard, people like me are not in fact the worst, even if we are inexplicably called 'shining Knights". (A hypothetical case could be made that a self-aggrandizing pontificate may in fact be the worst, but I digress). You will find various opinions on various topics and one of the most difficult aspects you will face is determining which advice to follow. I suggest not using CFLs because I have found them to be problematic. Not every time or even most times, but sometimes. So I don't suggest using them. Others will have other opinions. These opinions may be expressed with any number of self-important asides and unintended ironies, but that in and of itself does not negate the information provided (although it can make it grating to wade through). It also though, does nothing to substantiate the opinion. I suggest you explore the source of the information. Claims of vast experience and knowledge are easy to make; look for photos, explanation of process, and weigh the risk/benefits of the various ideas being put forth. Having said that, I would not be a quality source. I'm barely here and rarely take the time to help new folks or establish credibility when I am. Some people do though, and they are not hard to find. Best of luck.

Peace out!

The bottom line, coconut0000, is - SOME folks have seen eye problems in their baby tortoises after having used the compact fluorescent bulbs ( the curly shaped bulb), and some folks have used them without any problems. All I'm saying is, because SOME folks have seen problems, I'm not willing to take the chance with my tortoises. I won't use the bulb.

Thanks all for the great advice! Can I check with u guys something? I have brought the mazuri and the calcium power. How often do I feed the baby tortoise?

Your tort needs feeding every day and needs a tiny pinch of calcium powder on food three times a week.

JoesMum said:

Your tort needs feeding every day and needs a tiny pinch of calcium powder on food three times a week.

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How about mazuri? Can I feed daily mix with green?

Coconut0000 said:

How about mazuri? Can I feed daily mix with green?

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I would restrict Mazuri to 2-3 days a week but have no experience with your species

JoesMum said:

I would restrict Mazuri to 2-3 days a week but have no experience with your species

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You could feed every day in lesser amounts as well. Same effect.

I am feeding Mazuri at least every other day at this point. My sulcata eats a ton already. Now that I found out how big her parents are, it is no wonder!

halo @Coconut0000 . I just came across this thread - I live in Singapore too. it might work for us to exchange pointers about our torts! I think mine girl is about the same 'age' as yours. I have her just weeks earlier than you and it's been challenging getting the heat and all else sorted out. currently, just be mindful of the mini gusts of strong wind we are experiencing - mine doesn't take to that too well. get yours well covered - this is as much as I can share for now as i'm still in the process of learning how to care for such a young baby!

muakmuak said:

halo @Coconut0000 . I just came across this thread - I live in Singapore too. it might work for us to exchange pointers about our torts! I think mine girl is about the same 'age' as yours. I have her just weeks earlier than you and it's been challenging getting the heat and all else sorted out. currently, just be mindful of the mini gusts of strong wind we are experiencing - mine doesn't take to that too well. get yours well covered - this is as much as I can share for now as i'm still in the process of learning how to care for such a young baby!

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Hi I'am curious how are you housing your Tort?

A very warm welcome to the forum.

Gillian Moore said:

A very warm welcome to the forum.

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thank you

drawdeo said:

Hi I'am curious how are you housing your Tort?

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Yes, a picture of the tortoise in his habitat might be helpful for us.