Am I doing this right?

[Jeskie]

Heat lamp is over his log. Top soil, orchid bark, mulch stuff from pet store. I might need some help, please

 

[Maggie Cummings]

The only 2 things I see are that I don't think you can create any humidity with that substrate...And most people (I am not one of them) will tell you that you shouldn't raise a tortoise on an aquarium..Tape some paper around the outside at eye level for the tort so he can't see out, and think about making a better container. Remember that a tank that size with hot basking lights puts your tortoise on slow cook so you really need to soak him everyday. I've raised many babies in glass tanks you just need to be aware that you 'could' make him too hot and dehydrated.

 

[Jhwells46]

Mine looked very similar to this during the first few days I had my leopard. I quickly found this forum and things got much better and I became much more confident in my care of Tippy Here is what I have today, and Tippy is loving it there are a lot of really wonderful ideas and information in the Enclosure section of this forum, and really knowledgeable, nice people. It's great to have that at our disposal. Good luck!

 

[Jeskie]

If I was to build a home for em out of plywood would that be OK? I need ideas for a better home. The humidity is a tad low, living in FL does help a bit, but I will build better.

 

[Yvonne G]

I would either get a clay plant saucer or sink that waterer down into the substrate so it is level with the top of the substrate. Then I'd cover the whole tank with aluminum foil to keep the warm/moist air inside. What kind of light are you using?

 

[Jhwells46]

I would really take a look at the Enclosure section. Peruse the threads for ideas and species-specific set ups.

 

[Tom]

You need much more substrate, a humid hide, a much larger enclosure, and sink that water bowl into the substrate so the rim is near level with the surface.

Here are some threads to help you:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/how-to-raise-a-healthy-sulcata-or-leopard-version-2-0.79895/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/closed-chambers.32333/

 

[Neal]

How are you measuring the temperatures and humidity? What size tortoise?

 

[Jeskie]

I switched his bedding to coco fiber, holds the humidity much better. I have a digital thermometer in the corner on the warm side