Welcome from Pennsylvania and a fellow red foot keeper!
Sorry to hear about the rocky start. Did Blackwater refund you for the price difference at least (they usually charge more for cherry heads)? When I was new to the reptile hobby I also purchased from them and I received a snake that was...
Oh my goodness! That's so sad. How is his mobility? Is he able to extend his limbs and move about properly? I wonder if he stays on land because he has trouble swimming and moving about in the water.
Ceramic heat emitter--this is a great heat source that can be used 24/7 and it does not give off any light. As someone stated earlier in this thread, redfoots aren't a basking species and really don't need a basking spot. The best set up is a UVB light and a CHE to help keep the temperature...
Thanks so much for wanting to get this guy healthy! I'd probably recommend getting him a humid hide. An easy and inexpensive hide is to get a rubbermaid tub, cut a door in the side , and flip it over. This will also help with the humidity for him.
Randy--thanks so much for wanting to give your tortoise the best life. :)
I'd probably recommend putting the plexi in place of the screen sides first when adding all of the humidity/foggers/misters. I can speak from experience that it is difficult to maintain the proper temperatures and...
I would also recommend researching each species of tortoise, before tortoise shopping. Greek, Hermanns, and Russians are different speices with different personalities and needs. I would first do loads of research to decide which species is the best fit for you and your lifestyle. Then start to...
Are the sides of the enclosure screen or glass/plexi? I'd also add a CHE or two, like JoesMum mentioned. These guys need constant heat and humidity. The enclosure is quite large, which is great, but you will need to ensure that the entire enclosure is consistently warm (mid 80's) and humid...