Advice needed (substrate, growing plants)

[yarok]

Im currently using cypress mulch for substrate and was wondering if it would be harmful to my tort if he eats any of it? It also seems to get very dry. I started spraying the substrate and the tort daily but was wondering if I would be better off with a different substrate. I have also noticed that people put live plants in there enclosures. Is it possible to grow plants or maybe even grass in a glass tank with no sunlight using a mercury vapor bulb? I was bored one day (depressing winter) so I decided to grow grass in a pot in my kitchen and was wondering if it would grow in my tank or if i could feed some of it to my tort. Advice or interesting ideas would be much appreciated.

---

 

[Missy]

RE: Advice needed

I use l layer of plain garden dirt with mulch on top. The cypress is the best mulch to use, it is not harmful. Plants will grow with a light, just make sure they are safe if he eats it. Keep spraying to keep humidity up or you can use a fogger on a timer.

 

[Tom]

RE: Advice needed

You are on the right tracks with all of your ideas. Most of us dump water into the substrate. Misting only lightly wets the top layer and it dries quickly. Spraying your tortoises shell several times a day will help keep the enclosure from drying out as quickly too. Also covering the top with something will prevent your humidity and warmth from escaping as quickly. Live plants are a great idea. You can leave them in their pots, so the tortoise can't eat or trample them. Looks like you will need a bigger tank for that though since it will take up some floor space. Growing your own grass and other stuff, is a great idea. You also need a humid hide box for your baby. This is a huge step in preventing pyramiding.

Have you read this yet?
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-How-To-Raise-Sulcata-Hatchlings-and-Babies#axzz1pLMrulgi

It's all in there...

 

[yarok]

yea. Thank you.