Would like some suggestions?

[ranapipiens89]

So I joined a couple months ago when I first got my rusky and I kinda dropped outta space, I have had a lot going on. I would like some suggestions as to what I can/should do for my tortoise, Filbert, with regards to his habitat? I really think he would like some things to climb on or to look at... Here's his set up now:

His Coil UV is in the left top corner, his 100w CHE is in the right, a regular incandescent 60 watt is in the bottom middle. I am well aware that coils are not looked upon favorably, but I made sure to get one which did not emit uvc light, it is one of the "safe" brands (Exoterra). As soon as I get adequate funds, I am seriously considering a megaray or something similar. Under the UV light is his pellet plate, he receives Grassland tortoise every day. Every couple of days, he receives a salad plate (shown in picture). His bedding is half cypress and half orchard hay blend. There are two hides, a "hay" one made for guinea pigs, and a small plant pot made of plastic. His water dish is the white circle. It's about an inch deep, he can get into and out of it pretty well.

I would like to know, besides the megaray, is there anything else I should change, add, subtract, alter, etc?

 

[Yvonne G]

How hot does that 60watt bulb get directly under it? I'm thinking the tortoise may not be warm enough.

Are you making plans for an outside habitat when weather permits?

 

[jeffbens0n]

You could get a rough slate tile to feed him on, it helps keep their beaks and nails trimmed. Also, I have several other larger pieces of rough slate in my Russian enclosure. It gives him something to climb on which he enjoys and is good for him. Other than that maybe a fake plant or two, something that hangs so they can hide under, they always like that.

 

[yagyujubei]

I wouldn't buy a mega ray if I were you.

 

[coreyc]

I wouldn't buy a mega ray if I were you.

Why what's wrong with Megaray? LOL

 

[ranapipiens89]

yes, what IS wrong with a megaray? And as for heat, his CHE is 100 watts, and the 60 watts is a supplemental.

As for an outdoor habitat, I'm not sure if I will be able to for a couple of years, I live in a college town in an apartment, I am afraid he'll be stolen or killed or some other sort of dangerous thing could happen to him.

 

[coreyc]

yes, what IS wrong with a megaray? And as for heat, his CHE is 100 watts, and the 60 watts is a supplemental.

As for an outdoor habitat, I'm not sure if I will be able to for a couple of years, I live in a college town in an apartment, I am afraid he'll be stolen or killed or some other sort of dangerous thing could happen to him.

I was kind of joking they had some problems with the new bulbs blowing but I guess they have new ones in from Germany hopefully they are better I am waiting on my third first two blew within a week but I still have faith in them

 

[ranapipiens89]

Oh, okay, I was just making sure that they weren't like.... causing trauma to the animals or something.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

My Sulcata hatchling was blinded by a coil bulb, I wouldn't take a chance on a coil bulb be it UV or not. His clutch mate died. That is 2 out of 3 animals damaged by a coil bulb. I know money is tight but you can use a 100 watt incandescent bulb until you can afford a MVB. That is better than any coil bulb. Plus with a 100 watt bulb you are sure he's warm enough. I don't think he is with a 60 watt bulb...

 

[tortoisenerd]

I agree with the slate tile and MVB. I personally don't know of any good brand of coil. There is no such thing as uvc light. The MVBs put out UVB closer to the sun...no other bulb comes close. I'd put aside at least a few hundred dollars in a tort savings account for emergencies like vet bills, bulb replacement, and other long term expenses. I would do more like 90% greens and less of the commercial diet, although Grassland is good. Too many vitamins and such for my liking though. Make sure you have a pure calcium supplement. Long term I'd get a larger enclosure to make more space for a temp gradient, hides, stuff to climb on, etc. I really like fake plants. My personal preference would be more to use 100% cypress and have a couple hay piles as hides, as the actual hay can be hard to walk on, but my tort really enjoys his piled up as he can stay warm in it more so than a hide, although he makes a mess of it. Very nice though!

Aside from the habitat, make sure you have an accurate thermometer, like a temp gun (the PE1 is only $25 and honestly I think its one of the most important tort supplies besides a UVB bulb). You need to know exactly what temp gradient you have to raise a healthy tort. Also, even keeping the thermostat in your house the same, temps will vary, and you need to measure regularly and adjust your set up accordingly (such as with humidity, light coming in through a window, etc).

 

[ranapipiens89]

I mean, he HAS a 100 watt CERAMIC HEAT EMITTER.... in addition to the 60 watt incandescent (160 total watts of heat/light). I have a temp gun on order, for now I just use a room thermometer, just sit it in different places in the tub on occasion. In my search for uv bulbs I came across this posting:

http://www.chameleonforums.com/subject-coil-uvb-bulbs-36225/

Which states that Exoterra coils are safe. I do, however, *understand* that tortoise owners don't like them. I am a college student and until about a week ago, I literally had 67 cents in my bank account. I am on the lookout NOW for a better bulb and as I mentioned before, a temp gun.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet#Subtypes

There IS a type of UVC, it's the type commonly used in "uv sterilizers" That kills germs, with long enough exposure, it can kill things like protazoans even, UVC exposure from a coiled bulb is what causes tortoises to go blind. Exoterra bulbs do not produce any uvc. UVC starts at the 280 nm wavelength, so if a bulb has below 300nm of UV'B' It is close enough to UVC to cause burns and blindness, EXOTERRA coil bulbs give off a radiation ABOVE 300 so they are technically safe... Trust me guys, I would not intentionally put my tortoise in danger, I did ample research before settling on an Exoterra until times were better.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

My suggestion was to stop using that coil bulb until you can afford a better one. Just use an incandescent bulb, they are good enough, but a coil bulb is dangerous, I don't care how much research you've done, you don't need that bulb. You've got thousands of experienced tort keepers saying coil bulbs are bad, yet you are a new keeper and you ask for advice then argue with it. You don't need that bulb, a 100 watt incandescent is good enough and not dangerous. I have raised many hatchlings without UVB...coil bulbs are bad...

 

[ranapipiens89]

First, I do not see "thousands" of tortoise experts telling me, I see 5. I'm not asking opinions and arguing them, I just do not like being treated like a ninny, being constantly told my 60 watt bulb was inadequate when I plainly stated 3 different times he also had a 100watt ceramic heat emitter. I have done my research and I requested information about furniture, not a lecture about a stupid incandescent bulb. I will NOT replace the 60 watt bulb because I'm inclined to believe that 160 watts is PLENTY for this small of a set up, I think 200 is just excessive. His basking spot (the spot where the incandescent bulb and emitter cross paths) is hovering around 90. It's FINE. I didn't just pick this tortoise off the side of the road and throw him in a 10 gallon aquarium. I've DONE my research. As it happens, the new UV bulb has been ordered and will arrive sometime on tuesday or wednesday. Thanks for all your "help". This website has not helped at all, however, and I doubt I will return.

PS: My reptile vet says my tortoise is one of the most well cared for ones she has as a patient.

 

[Yvonne G]

I'm sorry you feel that way, and we really don't want to lose you as a member. But... Your second sentence in your first post, "I would like some suggestions as to what I can/should do for my tortoise, Filbert, with regards to his habitat? "

So what you got were our suggestions. If we only keyed into your lighting/heating situation, then that must mean that the rest of the habitat looked pretty good but we were a little worried about the lighting/heating. You did ask, afterall.

 

[tortoisenerd]

Not trying to pick on you. I agree with Yvonne. Actually, I was more worried on the side of too hot...ie. no spot for the tort to cool down between the two bulbs. A basking spot of about 95 F is important, but so is some areas in the 70s and 80s. Torts spend most of their day in the 80s, bask in the 90s, but also cool down in the 70s. Just an fyi to check the whole gradient. We can only give our suggestions with your tort's best interest in mind, and you are the one who gets to make the decision. Thats great your vet looked at the enclosure and you discussed diet and stuff--a very rare find that one will take the time to do that.

 

[B K]

I use 60 watt for my Dragons and they get to 105f at 10"

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First, I do not see "thousands" of tortoise experts telling me, I see 5. I'm not asking opinions and arguing them, I just do not like being treated like a ninny, being constantly told my 60 watt bulb was inadequate when I plainly stated 3 different times he also had a 100watt ceramic heat emitter. I have done my research and I requested information about furniture, not a lecture about a stupid incandescent bulb. I will NOT replace the 60 watt bulb because I'm inclined to believe that 160 watts is PLENTY for this small of a set up, I think 200 is just excessive. His basking spot (the spot where the incandescent bulb and emitter cross paths) is hovering around 90. It's FINE. I didn't just pick this tortoise off the side of the road and throw him in a 10 gallon aquarium. I've DONE my research. As it happens, the new UV bulb has been ordered and will arrive sometime on tuesday or wednesday. Thanks for all your "help". This website has not helped at all, however, and I doubt I will return.

PS: My reptile vet says my tortoise is one of the most well cared for ones she has as a patient.

I don’t think anyone is purposely trying to treat you like a ninny they all just want to help you and your Tortoise have a long healthy future together.