cheers2lizzie
New Member
Hello Tort enthusiasts!
I am a new Tort mom to Hebe, a Redfoot hatchling, who is 3-4 months old now. Hebe was a surprise for my husband. He is tortoise and turtle lover and has been missing something since is box turtle, Andrea, died a few years ago.
Hebe is doing well (eating, soaking, pooping, and growing slowly and steadily). She is in one of her two hides most of the time, which I've read here is normal for a hatchling.
Habitat Info: S(he) is in a 20 long aquarium (temporary habitat) with a CHE dome, Basking, and compact UVB (being replaced with tube); two hides; substrate: one side organic top soil, one side coco bark; she is soaked and misted every day, and I also wet her substrate with some water to keep her humidity up. Hot temp stays around 100, coolest temp around 85 (measured with infrared gun). We will be building her outdoor habitat in the coming weeks. We are located in S. Florida and just waiting for the last cold fronts to pass..we're having one right now.
I am going to replace her lighting this week because the forum has taught me that the Compact UVB bulb is not good for Hebe's little eyes. I have read loads about Redfoot light on here and still have a few questions:
1. Should I remove the basking bulb completely?
2. How high/low should the florescent tube be from her to prevent any eye irritation? I have read 12-15"..
3. How long do the T5 UVB bulbs generally keep their integrity?
Thank you for your help.
I am a new Tort mom to Hebe, a Redfoot hatchling, who is 3-4 months old now. Hebe was a surprise for my husband. He is tortoise and turtle lover and has been missing something since is box turtle, Andrea, died a few years ago.
Hebe is doing well (eating, soaking, pooping, and growing slowly and steadily). She is in one of her two hides most of the time, which I've read here is normal for a hatchling.
Habitat Info: S(he) is in a 20 long aquarium (temporary habitat) with a CHE dome, Basking, and compact UVB (being replaced with tube); two hides; substrate: one side organic top soil, one side coco bark; she is soaked and misted every day, and I also wet her substrate with some water to keep her humidity up. Hot temp stays around 100, coolest temp around 85 (measured with infrared gun). We will be building her outdoor habitat in the coming weeks. We are located in S. Florida and just waiting for the last cold fronts to pass..we're having one right now.
I am going to replace her lighting this week because the forum has taught me that the Compact UVB bulb is not good for Hebe's little eyes. I have read loads about Redfoot light on here and still have a few questions:
1. Should I remove the basking bulb completely?
2. How high/low should the florescent tube be from her to prevent any eye irritation? I have read 12-15"..
3. How long do the T5 UVB bulbs generally keep their integrity?
Thank you for your help.
