Starters for a Russian Tortoise?

[tedthetortoise2]

Hey guys,

My name is Teddy. I had a Russian when I was younger but it sadly passed away around a year after I had it due to an illness. I'm thinking about getting a new one and have done a ton of research. I'm planning on getting a 40-gallon tank to start as it is the biggest reasonably priced tank (Do you think that's okay?). My questions are:

-What should I supply for accessories in his tank?
-What should his diet mainly consist of?

and the thing I most need to be answered is:

-I understand I need a UVB light, but for basking and getting heat to the hotter side of the enclosure, should I get a heating pad, heated rock, or heating lamp?

Thanks, can't wait to be an active member of this community!

 

[Blackdog1714]

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For a starter tank I would do the christmas tote. Bigger and chaeper than an aquarium. For breeders I suggest @Carol S . My Russian is a healthy beast that is over a year old now! I love the coco coir with fir bark on top for holding moisture but not being wet or messy. if you can find fir bark in the bulk from a local garden center then you could just use that. After a year you can go to cypress mulch. I use a CHE for overall temp maintaince on an electronic thermometer so as to not over heat. UVB is a T5 that I use a simple fixtur for not the Repti one due to cost. I also had a full spectrum-white light plant bulb to encourage plants. Spider plants grow like made and are great for cover.

 

[Tom]

Hey guys,

My name is Teddy. I had a Russian when I was younger but it sadly passed away around a year after I had it due to an illness. I'm thinking about getting a new one and have done a ton of research. I'm planning on getting a 40-gallon tank to start as it is the biggest reasonably priced tank (Do you think that's okay?). My questions are:

-What should I supply for accessories in his tank?
-What should his diet mainly consist of?

and the thing I most need to be answered is:

-I understand I need a UVB light, but for basking and getting heat to the hotter side of the enclosure, should I get a heating pad, heated rock, or heating lamp?

Thanks, can't wait to be an active member of this community!

A 40 gallon tank would be a minimum for a baby. An adult would need a much larger area than that. Read these:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/