We just got a new (second hand) tortoise table and it has come with a strip light (UV), and two spots,one basking lamp and one infra red. It also has a thermostat switch which we assume is for the infra red heat lamp. Firstly is that correct with the thermostat and secondly do we bury it underneath by the lamp or just put it close to the area? Lastly, when should the other bulbs be used over 24 hours?

We are looking forward to getting our first tortoise tomorrow and have been reading furiously, but still feeling there is so much we're not clear on, but the sites has been a great help.

Hi Paul n Kate,

Congratulations on getting yhour new tortoise! What species is it, and are you getting it from a breeder?
There is a little problem with getting second hand UVB lamps, as they need to be replaced every six months (if it is a 2.0 or 5.0, and every 11 or 12 months if it is a 10.0). The after that period the tube will still be giving out light, but the UVB won't get through, because of a coating that is built up over time on the inside of the glass. So there is no way of knowing if the tube is still good, unless you have a UVB meter.
Your tube should have a reflector on it (they are clip on, and don't cost much from pet shops or places that sell these lights). A reflector will save your eyes, and it will also increase the amount of UVB reaching your tortoise by up to 30%.

Your lights should be on for about 12 hours a day, and then turned off at night, so that it is dark and there is a drop in temperature for your tortoise (as long as it doesn't drop below about 10%). Actually you should tell us what species you are getting, as some species do need to be kept a bit warmer at night.

You probably don't need the infra red heat lamp at all (is it a ceramic heat emitter, like a ceramic light bulb?). I have one on a thermostat that I have set to go on if the temperature drops below about 11C, and because the enclosure is indoors, it hardly ever needs to go on, except on the coldest winter nights when the central heating has been off for a while.

For a good summary of how to look after your tortoise, click on The Tortoise in the left-hand column on this site, and then on Care Sheets, and then on the species that you will be getting.

It's so exciting getting a tortoise, and I'll bet you can't wait! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask, and it would be lovely to see a photograph after it arrives.

Cheers,
Nina

Sorry, but I typed that quickly and I see now that there are lots of typing errors (the most important being that the temperature shouldn't drop; below 10C at night, not 10%). Sorry -- will proof-read before pushing Send next time!

Nina

Hi Nina, thanks for your reply

It, or Archie as he/she will be called is a Herman!

We started looking about two years ago but decided not to get at the time with a house move and being unsure of hibernating etc even after lots of reading.

Now we are moved and decided to re-look into it, we have looked at all options, Intetnet, second hand older ones etc but after reading all through this and other websites we decided to get from a breeder on the TPG list and are due to o down tomorrow to look and hopefully get Archie.

Ok its looks like we can get the thermostat controlled one and keep it for the garden for when he is older, we are currently totaly redoing our garden and have a corner that we were unsure what do with so we now intend on planting it with plenty of wild tortoise freindly plants.

we both cant wait for tomorrow and are looking forward to bringing him home and hopefully giving him everything he wants!

Hi Paul n Kate

How great is that! It's so refreshing to meet people who have taken their time and done their research properly, and then also buy from a breeder rather than a pet shop. I think Archie will be lucky to have found you, and I do hope that you'll post news and pictures of him/her (I have a tortoise called Doris -- formerly known as Boris {g}).

I can guarantee that you will be amazed at how quickly he captures your heart and how fascinating you will find him! And be warned -- tortoises are very addictive, and I'll bet it won't be long before you start thinking about expanding the family.

Do ask lots of questions if you have them (and even the most experienced tortoise keepers still have questions, so don't be shy in coming forward). Have a great day tomorrow!

Nina

It is so exciting reading this! Don't worry about the spare land, you'll soon have more and WILL need every bit of land for bridges, water bowls, places of tortoise interest (might not be your idea, BUT..) and the ever dreaded weed patch. I hope you all have a wonderful day.

TC

Elaine

Hi  and congratulations on your new tortoise.  It's so good to read when people have done their research before purchasing one.

Just to jump in on your conversation I'm wondering about controlling the temperature under your basking lamp which will need to be about 30°C at tortoise shell level.  Will you need to use your thermostat for that or will you be controlling the temperature by highering or lowering the bulb?

Let us know if and when Archie arrives and lets have a look at some pictures of him.

Helen

Thanks Nina, we are planning on a few more if this all goes well!

for now we are reading everything we can, can you recomend any books?

we will go and get a new tube tomorrow everything is on and set up at the moment bedding it in and getting it all ready for tomorrow

Hi Helen, thanks thats a good point about the basking lamp, what do I do with the thermostat, where is the best place to put it?

and dont worry I am sure by tomorrow night pics of Archie in his new home will be flooding the sitenot long to go now!!

Hi Elaine

mmm bridges now thats sounds interesting!

The thermostat probe needs to be directly on the substrate under the lamp.  You might have to find someway of fixing it down as the tortoise will definitely learn very quickly to move it right away to the cooler part of the table top.  If you are using soil/sand the lead can run underneath the substrate with the probe emerging at the basking spot site.  I hang the main thermostat control from a hook at the side of the table top on one table.  On another table the set p is slightly different and it just rests on top of the side walls of he table.

HTH

Helen

The problem with books is that they go out of date very quickly -- and the problem with the internet is that you can't guarantee the quality. I would read our care sheet for Hermanns (under the section The Tortoise on the left-hand side of this page), and you could also download the TLady's booklet http://www.tlady.clara.net/TortGuide/index.htm (sorry I can't post live links here, but you can cut and paste). We also have articles on how to grow your own weeds, hibernation, and lots more. And there are some good pictures of indoor and outdoor enclosures to give you ideas in the Photo Gallery.
If you get a new tube, remember that if you get a different length tube from the one you have now, then you will need a different starter unit (it's a nuisance). Definitely get a clip on reflector for it, and site it directly above your tortoise, rather than clipped to the side of the table. I wouldn't bother with the thermostat on the basking lamp -- you could use it, but its easier to just raise or lower it until you get the right temperature (it should be at one end of the table, not in the middle, so that you can get a good temperature gradient). What substrate are you using?

Nina

LOL -- I think we were typing at the same time, Helen! That is a brilliant idea about burying the lead for the thermostat under the substrate with the probe emerging at the basking spot! I never thought of that! My CHE (attached to thermostat) is at the sleeping end of the enclosure (because it is only used if it gets too cold at night), but I could use your idea with the probe for my digital thermometer. Thanks, Helen! (I just hope that Doris doesn't dig it up {g})

Nina

Oh she will Nina Doris will find it - she's a Russian.  BTW what happened to her new title of  Little Dorrit?

Helen

LOL -- I'm getting used to it (but I like it). For people who don't know her, this is a horsfield tortoise, who is about 8 years old and has only just topped 200g and is still under 100mm. The vet says she's just a small little lady and will always be small, so a friend has suggested I call her Little Dorrit instead of Doris (or The Tortoise Formerly Known as Boris, as she is sometimes referred to), and I quite like the new name.

Nina

Nina

Super thanks Helen will do that now, we do have 50/50 sand soil so will route it under this