Uvb bulbs

[sam1989]

I read somewhere that UVB bulbs (spiral) will burn my tortoises eyes. Is this true or is it the UVA bulbs (spiral)? Different websites have been telling different things. I currently have a 13 watt dessert fluorescent UVB bulb.

 

[mike taylor]

Yes coil type lamps have caused eye problems . So we advise against using them .

 

[sam1989]

What lamp should I get for daytime? Also he loves to climb and try to "escape" is this normal for a Russian tortoise?

 

[Tom]

For basking I like to use regular incandescent flood bulbs. If you need indoor UV you can use a mercury vapor bulb for heat, light and UV all in one. Or you can use a regular basking bulb for heat and one of the long florescent tubes for UV. Many options. If your tortoise can get some sunshine a couple times a week, you really don't need indoor UV at all.

Russians are a very active species and they do like to wander. They typically are restless when kept indoors in small enclosures. How big is your enclosure?

Here is a care sheet:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-80698.html