just got a horsfeild three years old wondering what the ideal high temp is some say 80 to 90 at hot end some say 95 to 100 and do they need heat mate at night   building a tortoise table tomorrow

Hi   and congratulations on getting your tortoise.

The ideal basking spot is around 95-100f (35C) the rest of the table should be around 68f (20C).  We do not recommend the use of heat mats especially underneath (floor of table) as they can cause burns to the tortoise.  If the tortoise is in a house its is more than likely that the temperature is ok (around 15C (59f)).

Good luck on building the tortoise table.  Please make sure you read the care sheet on horsfields http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/87.asp , also check out some of our members indoor and outdoor enclosures http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/58.asp . Please post some pics when you've finished.

Any queries just ask away, regards Vivienne

Tanks for your help table finish just got to fit it out size 48 inch by 18 by18 tortoise [tilley] well have set temp up now and remove heat mate .