I have bought a tortoise table instead of using the vivarium I originally purchased.  I have got the spot light for basking which I am planning on using on the tortoise table hanging downwards so that it doesn't glare into tortoises eyes, but the vivarium I am using at the moment has a canopy thing at top with the other lighting.  I am querying whether to use the bulbs which are a joint uva and uvb which are around 45 pounds to buy.  can anyone tell me if they are any good and if I will require and more lighting or heat in a tortoise box and how long they tend to last.

when I purchased my tortoise box which is yet to be delivered in the picture displayed in the shop was a heat mat attached to the lid of the bedding area of the tortoise box.  Is this a good idea as I was told not to use a heat mat, but only told not to use one underneath to prevent it burning itself.

Also while I am on a role with the questions I am having trouble with which substrate to use.  I was told to use a mix of compost and play sand but when I used it bubbles my tortoise kept eating the compost all the time.  Has anyone any ideas.

I have had bubbles for 6 months now and she is nearly 3. she is a hermann tortoise we think she is a female , but it is hard to tell properly at this age.

thank you for any assistance ...Bubbles

Hello Bubbles

I have the joint UVA and UBV bulb and I have found that they last approx 10 months and I dont use any other type of heat source at all. There is no need to. You fefinately will not need a heat mat. Just make sure that the basking area is around 32 centigrade but there is sufficent room to move away from the heat if you want to cool down.

Regarding the substrate - I buy the ready mixed sand / soil mixture from my local garden centre which is specifically for torts and my two have never attempted to eat this.

Hope this helps as I am also a new be tort owner - have had my 2 for 2 years now and love them to bits. I would have been lost without this site though - the people are wonderful.

Julie

Hi,

I agree with all the above. The mercury vapor self ballast (MVB) bulbs like the megaray, arcadia or T Rex bulbs are a very good all in one UV and heat solution.

Hi,

I agree with all the above. The mercury vabour self ballast (MVB) bulbs like the megaray, arcadia or T Rex bulbs are a very good all in one UV and heat solution.

Thank you for the great advice everyone.  I appreciate your help.

Got another query if you dont mind me going on ha ha ha

Been to get a bulb today but the gentleman who was on the counter said he thought 125w bulb was to high and would roast my tortoise.  So obviously when someone says that it scared me half to death.  what wattage bulb would you get.  I wouldn't be using any other lighting other than that and it would be in a tortoise table which is 4 foot by 2 foot. (I hope thats big enough for the moment)

Also went to get my substrate was unable to get a mix.  So bought some topsoil and play sand but am unsure about what proportion of sand to top soil.  I thought possibly 60 percent soil to 40 sand?

thank you from bubbles mum

Hi
I have just checked my bulb and it is a 125w bulb. You will only roast your tortoise if the lamp is too low. You will need to experiment with the height of the lamp to ensure that the basking area is aroung 32 centigrade. My lamp is 30 cm higher than the base of the tortoise table. Does that make sense?? The bulb has to be a high watage - 32 centigrade is HOT and out little torts need this heat.
Have a look at this link

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/glow_light.php

Once on the link, scroll right the way to the bottom and this is the light I have for mine. I have the largest one.

As for mixing the substrate I honestly dont know but I know that in their outside enclosure we mixed about 40% soil to 60% sand and that was fine. Just waiting for the summer days now so I can put then outside.

Julie xx

thank you Julie

I have the large exo terra glow light at the present time with bubbles my tortoise.

 I looked at my local store at a bulb called solar glo exo terra 125w for approximately 42 pounds. 

I thought this sounded reasonable and was quite happy to pay this, but I wondered if I would be better with 100watt. ?? 

Can anyone say if they have used this bulb before and been ok with it.

Thank you from Bubbles

Hi Everyone & Bubbles, I have 3 Hermanns torts.. and I use the Hagen Exo Terra Solar Glo 125 watt Bulb as well.. But make sure if you get a night glo lamp holder (black outside & inside glows in the dark for a short time to simulate the moon) That you get the LARGE lamp holder, As the medium size was causing my Exo Terra Solar Glo 125 watt Bulbs to over heat and die earlier than 6 months (of which is the Guarantee of this bulb from the original purchase date.. if you want it cheaper than £45 then get the Hagen Exo Terra Solar Glo 125 watt bulb from http://www.zooplus.co.uk/esearch.htm#q=Hagen%20Exo%20Terra%20Solar%20Glo for £23.90 .. This is where I get mine from.

Hi. New to this site, and just wanted to ask how many hours you leave your 125 watt combined UV/heat lamps on for please?