Pyramiding or normal growth?

[Slbrlb]

My Hermann’s tort is 16 months and I’m wondering if his shell is normal or if this is pyramiding. It’s not completely smooth and some parts are raised but I wasn’t sure if it will even out as he’s fully grown. I keep humidity levels around 60-70% and soak almost everyday.

 

[wellington]

It does look like pyramiding. Are you using a mercury vapor bulb? With the best humidity the mvb will still cause pyramiding.
If not using one then what is the humidity and what has it been during it's time with you?
Did/does he live in a closed chamber?

 

[Slbrlb]

It does look like pyramiding. Are you using a mercury vapor bulb? With the best humidity the mvb will still cause pyramiding.
If not using one then what is the humidity and what has it been during it's time with you?
Did/does he live in a closed chamber?

I am using a T5 not an MVB. Humidity has always been in the 60-70% range. Before recently upgrading his enclosure he was in a glass tank with an acrylic top. It was semi closed but still had a few holes for the lights.

 

[Tom]

I am using a T5 not an MVB. Humidity has always been in the 60-70% range. Before recently upgrading his enclosure he was in a glass tank with an acrylic top. It was semi closed but still had a few holes for the lights.

What type of bulb are you using for basking? Is it an "intense" reptile spot bulb?

Two things cause that sort of pyramiding: 1. Open topped enclosures that are simply too dry and too cool, which makes them have to bask a lot more to stay warm enough. 2. The wrong type of basking bulb. Like a MVB or a halogen, or a "spot" bulb instead of a flood.

Its not terrible, but there is some pyramiding. And your tortoise is also gorgeous! Those colors are amazing and beautiful.

 

[Slbrlb]

I’m using a normal incandescent flood bulb. Maybe my humidity isn’t as high as the hygrometer is reading. I will try to increase it more. Thank you so much for the help!!

 

[wellington]

If you are using those cheap disc kind they sell at pet stores, they are junk. Get digital for humidity and temp and be sure you have it at tort level.