2 questions, uvb and calcium

Arjun&Yoshi

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I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing here for my baby russian.

1. I am using the reptisun 10.0 UVB tube bulb in his terrarium. I am moving the screen so nothing is blocking it. We've had him for 4 days now and he seems to be sleeping a lot more. He doesn't sleep in his hide, but is usually partially covered with substrate. Sometimes not covered, at night completely covered. I have the light on for a solid 12-13 hours, but am unsure if he's getting enough UVB. Opinions?

2. So I have the repticalcium without D3, but if he's not getting enough UVB, should I change this to calcium with D3. I'm not even entirely sure if the 2 are related but I think I read something about that?

ETA: I live in Canada so can't have him outside right now!

Thank you!
 

wellington

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Some do give the D3 in the winter when there is less uvb cause they can't go outside. Only a pinch 2 times a week. To much is as bad as to little. The light you are using is fine, but what are you using for heat/basking? Take a read on Toms thread for raising russians. Also, making it brighter will help to keep him up, he is probably hiding a lot, wanting to hibernate.
 

Arjun&Yoshi

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I am using the zoomed 100 w basking bulb. From another thread I posted, Tom has stated my temps are fine. My humidity is around 70% average. Then I should be giving some D3? My tortoise is 6 months old and we are new to all this so don't want him to hibernate.
 

Tom

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The 10.0 bulbs are safe, but not very effective at distance. For your tortoise to get any UV benefit from it, you must have around 10-12" away from the tortoise. Removing the screen is good, but how far is the bulb from the tortoise?

I don't think the D3 in the supplement matters much one way or the other.

Your tortoise is exhibiting fairly normal behavior, especially this time of year.
 

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