How much UVB do Russian tortoises need?
UVB should be provided via a t5 HO tube style lamp. Using a 10% or 10.0 UVB lamp is fine so long as your light is around 15-20″ from the shell of the tortoise. A 12% lamp is even better however, it needs to be mounted 24″ above the tortoises and will have a great output and coverage area.
What UVB bulb is best for Russian tortoise?
Zoo Med’s ReptiSun® linear and Compact Fluorescent Lamps are a great choice for providing UVB. The PowerSun® is an excellent way to provide both UVB and heat all in one lamp!
How much UVB does a tortoise need a day?
Basking bulbs should be on for 10- 12 hours per day and must be controlled by a dimming thermostat. For a tortoise table we would use a combined basking/UVB bulb around 100-160w depending on the size of the table.
How many watts does a Russian tortoise need?
If you’re using the minimum 75-gallon tank required for a Russian tortoise, we recommend a 100-Watt bulb for their habitat. They should be basking at temperatures between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit and we encourage pet…more.
Does a Russian tortoise need heat at night?
Russian tortoises don’t need a heat source at night as long as they are heated properly during the day. We generally recommend that the hottest part of an indoor enclosure be around 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit directly under the basking bulb.
Can you give a tortoise too much UVB?
Well, it is unlikely for tortoises to experience any complications from correct UV bulb light exposure. At the same time, too much exposure to UV light can be a little harmful in some situations – so, you should not overdo it. If it does, then it will need either longer, or a more intense UVB exposure.
Can turtle get too much UVB?
Turtles (and all reptiles) need UVB light to produce Vitamin D3 and to help them properly use calcium and other nutrients. Without enough UVB light, turtles will experience shell problems and metabolic bone disease. If turtles or other reptiles are deprived of UVB light for too long a time, they will die.
Does a Russian tortoise need a heat lamp at night?
What kind of problems can a Russian tortoise have?
Humidity: Humidity is an important consideration with Russian tortoises. It is also very misunderstood. There are those that claim that high humidity will cause shell rot and respiratory infection. This is only partially true. High humidity, damp substrate AND cool temperatures cause problems.
What kind of bedding does a Russian tortoise need?
Care Fresh bedding (a recycled newspaper product in a pellet form) Alfalfa hay is too high in protein (torts love to nibble on it). For more information visit Substrate. Temperature: Temperature is critical for a healthy tortoise. The pen should have a cool end with the temps in the low 70’s and a basking spot at 90-95°F.
When do Russian tortoises go into semi aestivation?
In the wild, during hot and rain-free summers, aestivation or semi-aestivation occurs. There are several factors that will lead to aestivation.
How much does it cost to keep a Russian tortoise?
Rubbermaid storage containers: These are an inexpensive indoor pen. The 50 gallon container is an ideal starting point for one tortoise. They are light and easy to clean. They are opaque so the animal can’t see out. The best part is….they only cost $15 !
Which is the best UVB bulb for a tortoise?
Zilla’s 18 inch fluorescent bulb is a tube type UVB bulb, which will allow you to mount it along the length of your enclosure, providing complete UVB coverage. This bulb comes in a 50 T8 model specifically for desert species, and a 25 T8 model perfect for forest tortoises.
Can a tortoise be used as a basking light?
Tortoise species that don’t require basking lights can also benefit from the use of heat pads as their sole source of heat. They however make use of adhesives for attachment and once attached, they can’t be taken down. It is good practice to raise the bottom of the enclosure if the heat pad is to be used at the bottom.
Humidity: Humidity is an important consideration with Russian tortoises. It is also very misunderstood. There are those that claim that high humidity will cause shell rot and respiratory infection. This is only partially true. High humidity, damp substrate AND cool temperatures cause problems.
Is it possible to keep a Russian tortoise outside?
Let’s start with their enclosure. Russian tortoises are unique in the fact that you can keep them outside if your climate permits it. Generally, those living in the southern United States can do this because temperatures stay relatively warm all year long.
Using a 10% or 10.0 UVB lamp is fine so long as your light is around 15-20″ from the shell of the tortoise. A 12% lamp is even better however, it needs to be mounted 24″ above the tortoises and will have a great output and coverage area. We recommend using an Arcadia brand tortoise UVB light.
Do Russian tortoises bask?
Russian tortoises require a basking area with temperatures from 90-100°F during the day. This can be achieved by using a ceramic heat emitter or basking bulb indoors. It is important to always use a thermostat or rheostat with any heat source.
Well, it is unlikely for tortoises to experience any complications from correct UV bulb light exposure. At the same time, too much exposure to UV light can be a little harmful in some situations – so, you should not overdo it.
