Newbie saying hello!

[D1105]

Hello everyone! I've been lurking this forum for a while now trying to get as much info as I can for my 12-yr old son who wants a pet tortoise. I have started my table top build today (with my friend's help) and can't wait to complete it. I think I'm more excited than he is and I'm trying to be patient not to rush it. I am mostly into Reef tanks (I just love corals) and wished I researched more years ago when I started and would have done plenty of things different in my reef tank setup.

For the meantime, all I can do is more research and hopefully find the right pet and have the proper indoor habitat for it.

 

[Merrick]

Welcome to the forum this is a great place to learn more about your future tortoise. What species are you thinking of getting

 

[Carol S]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[D1105]

We are leaning towards a Russian.....It seems like it is the most common for beginners.

 

[leigti]

We are leaning towards a Russian.....It seems like it is the most common for beginners.

Russians are definitely a good beginner tortoise. They also tend to have a lot of personality and are not scared of anything

 

[Merrick]

We are leaning towards a Russian.....It seems like it is the most common for beginners.

Watch out for Russians most are wild cuaght if you want a captive bred testudo I would suggest a Hermann's or a greek

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

We are leaning towards a Russian.....It seems like it is the most common for beginners.

Please don't go to a pet shop for your tort . See someone at the TFO for your tort .

 

[johnsonnboswell]

A Russian is a good choice. Only one. They cannot live in pairs.

Make the habitat as large as you possibly can. Whatever the plan is, see if you can double it. Also make an outdoor habitat for the good weather.

 

[Gillian M]

A very warm welcome to the forum.

And the Russian tort is a great choice for beginners.

 

[Speedy-1]

 

[D1105]

Thanks everyone for the kind welcome and informational tips! I have started the tank this weekend with the help of my best friend and his father who has the carpentry skills and tools that I don't have. The base of the table top has been completed and it just needs a few finishing touches with sanding and paint to match the desk (60"x 36") that it will go on top of. The tempered glass is being ordered to complete the table top as well as the necessary lighting, essentials, and decor. I'm hoping the size of the table top will last us a while before it outgrows it.

 

[nextep]

Welcome! This is an amzing place to learn

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Welcome. Anyone who can keep a saltwater fish tank stabilized would have no problems housing a happy tortoise.
Just remember...DON'T buy a pair and DON'T buy the lighting from the pet shop until you have read about C.F.L bulbs and the dangers of using them. (Most pet shops will not offer a refund on lighting.)

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Hello and a very warm welcome to Tortoise Forum.
Try http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/greek-tortoise-testudo-graeca-care-sheet-overview.87146/
and http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
These may be of help to you.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!