For heat I put a heating pad under the wood, but the still comes in. Is it ok?No. Besides not providing very much UVB, those compact bulbs have been known to be too harsh on tortoise's eyes. My UVB light of choice is the tube type T-5 fluorescent UVB bulb:
View attachment 288372
Then I use either a CHE:
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or a Radiant Heat Panel:
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for heat.
No. No heating pads for tortoises. The exception would be Kane mats for housing large tortoises outdoors. None should be used for babies in indoor enclosures.For heat I put a heating pad under the wood, but the still comes in. Is it ok?
One more voice agreeing with Yvonne. These bulbs are ineffective for their stated purpose and potentially dangerous to your tortoises eyes. They should even be on the market, but they keep selling them because people keep buying them. Spread the word. Please.Is the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Compact Fluorescent Reptile Lamp, 26-Watt good for Russian tortoise?
Because they burn themselves on them. When a tortoise feels too hot, it digs down into the earth to try to cool off. If over a heating pad, they dig down closer and closer to it and end up overheating. Why don't they just move off of it? I don't know. This is not their instinct that has helped them survive for millions of years.Why are they bad @Tom?
So should I just get rid of it, because that is his only night heat.Because they burn themselves on them. When a tortoise feels too hot, it digs down into the earth to try to cool off. If over a heating pad, they dig down closer and closer to it and end up overheating. Why don't they just move off of it? I don't know. This is not their instinct that has helped them survive for millions of years.
You should replace it with something more suitable ASAP. A CHE or RHP controlled by a thermostat.So should I just get rid of it, because that is his only night heat.
Where would I put the Che?I also, actually have thrown away those exact same bulbs. 3 of them at about $42 each.
They are a horrible choice.
It's a lesson I won't forget.
Use a T5 HO UVB for daytime light, UVB and a CHE for day and night heat. This is both very simple and very effective.
I’m getting a 10.0 ho uvb tube light. Is that ok?Where would I put the Che?
I don't know what your enclosure looks like. But, can you place a rod across the top and hang the CHE on a small chain?Where would I put the Che?
That is a great choice.I’m getting a 10.0 ho uvb tube light. Is that ok?
That is a great choice.
Here’s my enclosure: he likes to sleep in the covered part and the log. So how would I do the heating?I don't know what your enclosure looks like. But, can you place a rod across the top and hang the CHE on a small chain?
It'll have to be around 10" away depending on the wattage of the CHE and the type of tortoise to get the right temperature.
So should I just angle it at the opening.That type of enclosure is very common. But far from ideal.
Hopefully the enclosed area would provide some type of insulation and will stay warm if you place the CHE close to the opening.
DO NOT place a CHE right near the wood. They get really hot.
Well, doggone it, wish I had seen this before.One more voice agreeing with Yvonne. These bulbs are ineffective for their stated purpose and potentially dangerous to your tortoises eyes. They should even be on the market, but they keep selling them because people keep buying them. Spread the word. Please.
Here is the care info for Russian tortoises. Most of what you find, and most of what the pet store will tell you is wrong. Questions are welcome.
Beginner Mistakes
To comment on Tom's article, go here: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-split-Beginner-Mistakes#axzz1tG8s05M5 Over the years many of us, myself included, have made many of these mistakes, and we have certainly seen them made many times by others. With springtime upon us and many new...tortoiseforum.orgRussian Tortoise Care Sheet
Russian tortoises have great personalities, are very hardy, tolerate a wide variety of enclosure parameters, stay small, and are generally a good "starter" tortoise in my opinion. Here is how I like to set them up: Indoor Enclosure type and size: Most people want to know the minimum size...tortoiseforum.org