ditto. coco coir is a great substrate for russian tortoises. They love to burrow. you can pick this up at any local pet shop or large chain pet stores. Also you can get it pretty cheap online.
Russian and yes, get rid if the pellets. The worse substrate there is. Torts are not suppose to be kept as dry as it was once thought.
Um, also, hello and welcome
My tortoises are fine with seeing out. If the tortoise keeps trying to walk through the glass or seems scared then cover it. My tortoise likes to see out so she can beg for snacks when I am in the kitchen and she sees me chopping veggies.