- Joined
- Aug 11, 2012
- Messages
- 176
Thanks to the help of the lovely people on TFO I have decided on a Greek tort as my first. I want to get a hatchling so I'm planning and getting everything setup before I order so he can come home to the perfect cozy home. Really, I'm looking for more information about lighting, ideas for the table in a space restricted area (at the moment), also, opinions of what everyone thinks is best.
This is what I knowing am planning so far...
The table will be 2x4. It seems pretty consistent that that size is good for an adult Greek. I will probably go bigger when the space allows though. I can't keep him outside for many reasons, but weather permitting I can take him to the yard area my apartment has to let him soak up some rays.
Substrate: I'm getting mixed reviews on. I think I might do a 50/50 mix of topsoil and sand. But does that hold in to much or to little humidity??
Lighting: holy mackerel, this is where it's confusing for a newbie. Here's what I've gathered, I need a basking lamp. No prob. Also, I need UVA and UVB lighting. So a full spectrum fluorescent bulb? What is this I'm reading about a mercury vapor light? Those give uv light and heat, if I'm reading correctly. So will I still need a basking lamp? Also, I keep my apartment at about 70 degrees year round, so will I need a nighttime bulb for a Greek?
Sorry for all my questions, I've just become obsessed with making this the perfect home for him when I find the right breeder/place to get him from!
This is what I knowing am planning so far...
The table will be 2x4. It seems pretty consistent that that size is good for an adult Greek. I will probably go bigger when the space allows though. I can't keep him outside for many reasons, but weather permitting I can take him to the yard area my apartment has to let him soak up some rays.
Substrate: I'm getting mixed reviews on. I think I might do a 50/50 mix of topsoil and sand. But does that hold in to much or to little humidity??
Lighting: holy mackerel, this is where it's confusing for a newbie. Here's what I've gathered, I need a basking lamp. No prob. Also, I need UVA and UVB lighting. So a full spectrum fluorescent bulb? What is this I'm reading about a mercury vapor light? Those give uv light and heat, if I'm reading correctly. So will I still need a basking lamp? Also, I keep my apartment at about 70 degrees year round, so will I need a nighttime bulb for a Greek?
Sorry for all my questions, I've just become obsessed with making this the perfect home for him when I find the right breeder/place to get him from!