This might be a silly question!! I now have the play sand n top soil to put into Linfords home but do I let it dry out a bit before I put in, I am worried it might be too moist and cause probs with his shell. Also how deep should it be? Appreciate advice

Hi the sand and soil will be fine, it will soon dry out under the lights, you will then be finely misting it preferably in the morning to keep the dust down!

Regards Vivienne

Thanks Vivienne, please can you advise on my uvb light, not fitted it yet. What/where can I get whatever it hangs on and fitting. The bulb i have is repti-glo 5.0 26w a screw fitting and i am struggling (as I don't know) as to what fitting so it can hang up. Hope this makes sence. ( I know what I mean)

Hi Nell,

Any fitting that has a 26w rating or above will be fine. Personally I don;'t like these UVB lamps and prefer to go for a combined heat and UVB bulb. Yhe UVB is far better quality and lasts longer:-
Heating/lighting
http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/megaray-120w-self-ballasted-p-145.html
These are the best lamp on the market with regards to UVB output and the length of time they last.

With a lamp holder:-
http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/clamp-lamp-p-34.html

You'll also need a spot lamp to create a basking area idf you stick with the UVB lamp you have there.

HTH
Kindest Regards
Darren

Cheers Darren, the basking lamp I am using is a Infrared 60 watt, is that ok? just waiting for the fitting for the uvb bulb. Also when i got Linford (week ago) he was eating the pelett stuff, I have stopped that and give dandelions and mixed lettuce but, he seems only to nibble 2-3 bites. I don't think he is getting enough although he is lively and almost RUNS around most days (hence the name) What do you think?

Nell

Hi Nell,

Not an infrared - you need a basking lamp - like this:-

http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/basking-spot-lamps-p-124.html

or better still go for a combined UVB/spot lamp:-

Heating/lighting
http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/megaray-120w-self-ballasted-p-145.html
These are the best lamp on the market with regards to UVB output and the length of time they last.

With a lamp holder:-
http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/clamp-lamp-p-34.html

Thes can be suspended above your tortoise table and provide both UVB (good quality) & a heat spot too.

HTH
Darren

Thanks again, the girl in the shopTort shop) advised me on this and the uvb I bought, if they really can't give the right advice and product for the welfare of these little darlings they shouldn't give any at all. Is my uvb the correct one? It is so hard as I ventured into a couple of shops and they all say something different. i am only taking advice from your excellent site. Thanks again.

Nell

Hi Nell, I think you mentioned your uv lamp was a repti glo 5, this is a only gives out a small amount of uv, I use the Repti glo 10 strip light, these do have to be replaced every 6-8 months (depending on useage) as the uv diminishes with age.

Hope this helps Vivienne