I have a 10 month old horsfield.  He is very happy, eating and exploring and napping.  I've converted a 120cm x 60cm rabbit cage for him, it has a deep layer of substrate that he loves to burrow into.  As you can see on the pic I have the lamp setup on one side, and in it I have a mercury vapour lamp.  I have to have it positioned where it is because it is very hot.  As it is, the temp underneath is about 32, and the rest is about 20.  I think the temp is ok but I am concerned he's not getting enough uvb.  I have those uvb detector cards, which I know aren't accurate but I can't afford £200 for ones of the meters) and they show that he is getting low levels of uvb.  I have the lamp on for 12 hours a day, and he is underneath it for maybe 6 hours a day? I want to get it right for him, so I'd really appreciate any advice anyone can give.  Should I get a long uvb tube and separate basking lamp? I've read they should be the length of the enclosure.  What % do they need? I've read too high can damage their eyes but too low and they'll get mbd.  Argh!

TIA

Claire

So you've gone for a hors' - not a great choice of species - I hope it's not from a pretend 'breeder' as discussed b4.

Temp is ok if you mean at tort' level in the hot spot.

Which bulb do you have which concerns you ? Is it brand new ?

Tom

Thanks for your (quite snarky) reply.  No I didn't get him from a pretend breeder, and I never was planning on doing that.  I may be new to tortoises but I'm not new to animal ownership, breeding and care.  I got him from a responsible breeder that is registered with the tortoise trust.  Is that good enough?  Also, why do you say a horsfield is not a good choice? 

As I said in my post, I have a mercury bulb.  I've got to keep it fairly high up so the temp is right, but I'm concerned that as it is higher up the level of uvb reaching him won't be enough.  I don't want him to be without enough uvb when he is inside and just wanted some advice on whether this bulb is actually ok or whether I'd be better getting individual heat and uv lights?

If from a T. Trust member you should be ok, though the T.T. don't have an approved breeders register.

Horsfields have their followers, if you like them that's fine.

Yes I know it's a M.V. bulb I asked which one - as you are concerned re. output. Wattage is obviously also relevant.

Again what is fairly high ? ansa's depend on the detail in questions.

The bulb is fine, M.V. bulbs are a big step forward in tortoise husbandry, far better than tube lights. The Clamp lamp without the clamp is fine. Yes they run hot hence the need for a good quality reflector.

Look at instructions to find the correct height range. I don't use that brand but I think you will find that 30cm is the lowest you can go esp. as it's 125W.

You always refer to temps as "about" - use a digital thermo with a probe at tort height in the hot spot. Take temp when light has been on about an hour. Your tort doesn't need to be right under the bulb to get the UVB.

1. It's not poss' to quantify how much food, flowers/leaves are diff. sizes / thicknesses.

2. There are no rules with wt gain per week. Worry if it doesn't eat !

3. You could do this if you think it's growing too fast. Leave the light off.

     Hibernation will check it's growth, of course.

See how it goes,

Tom

My tortoise (Noddy - he nods a lot) seemed a bit off it today, he's not really eaten and has been burrowed away most of the day.  I'm hoping it was just because he was a bit cooler and dingy.  But am working on sorting that out.  I've ordered one of those temperature guns, my breeder had one and it seemed to work well, and there's no wires which is a bonus.  

So am I to stick with the mv then? I'm using the clamp at the mo, should I take it off and use the stand? I'm thinking of biting the bullet and getting one of those uv detectors, do you think it's a good idea? I don't know how much the mv bulb is emitting, but according to the uv cards - which I know offer no accuracy - it says it's only getting low uv.  And if I did get a meter what kind of reading am I aiming for?

Sorry about all the questions! Am loving having Noddy but its so complicated!

Claire

Just relax & enjoy it.

Tom

Before I go, please can I ask what brand you use? 

Thanks for your help Tom 

Claire

Don't change yours ! It will be fine for 2yrs.

Tom