Hi, wondered if you could give me some advice on lighting.

We are getting a redfoot and will be keeping it in a tortoise table but am unsure of lighting.
We have been recommended to get a combined basking and UV bulb. Would this be the best option?

All tips and ideas welcome.

Gill :-)

Just read previous post which has answered most of my questions.

Just to check - do you recommend not using a heat mat as well. We have also bought the arcadia d3.

Thanks

Hi and welcome
Congratulations on being a tortoise owner, they will steal your heart. Definitely not to heat mats, they ferment the food in the gut and cause excessive growth. The combination lamps are really guide, when you get more experienced you may want to learn more about the lighting and try different ways
Jane

Thanks Jane,

Just been reading the care sheets and now questioning the best environment for a red-foot. It suggests a vivarium but we have a table top. (we haven't purchased yet, just getting set up first)
Can you shed any light on this, what type do you have?

Gill

Hi Gill
Red foots need high humidity, so I guess that is where a well ventilated viv is being mentioned. This environment can be obtained by in an open top table top too. Cypress mulch is a good substrate as it is keeps good humidity retention. There needs to be plenty of water access for bathing.
I cannot confess to being an expert in Redfoots as I own Hermanns but I have had an interest in this species. Hopefully this helps, and that someone who owns a redfoot could post some advice to you.
Jane