Marginated Tortoise hatchling help.

[Meggbateman]

Hello all. I did a lot of research before I got my marginated hatchling. But I didn’t come to this forum. Now I see that a lot of what I found out isn’t the best.

My turtle (agent Pendergast) is about 3”. I have him in garden soil topped with coconut coir. He is in a 30 gallon plastic trough. I know I will need a bigger one once he’s a little bigger.

From what I have seen here about first time owner mistakes, I need advice.

So what lighting system would you recommend? Brands?
How do you get the humidity right?
How far away from the enclosure does the light need to be?
What is the absolute best substrate?
What plants are safe? So far I have some aloe and succulents.
I’ve heard yes on tortoise hay and also no on it?

I so appreciate your help. I should have looked for a forum before I got him. Hindsight, and all. But I love him and I am willing to start from scratch.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Welcome to the forum!

I am heading to bed (it is late here in Finland) but I wil quickly answer two of your questions:

I’ve heard yes on tortoise hay and also no on it?

Yes on hay for species that eat hay, but not for those that don't. Marginated tortoises aren't a hay eating species. No on hay as substrate, especially in a humid environment needed for a tortoise that small.

What is the absolute best substrate?

The three safest ones are orchid fir bark, soil like Coco coir and cypress mulch.