As was said by johnsonboswell, pet stores sadly often know little about tortoise husbandry and are just trying to sell you what they have in stock.Thanks for the replies guys I didn't know there was that much of a problem with this. I got Rex from a reptile store and they advised me to get these bits yes. They did try to sell me a viv as well however I knew that was a definite no no. Next weekend when I get the chance then I will replace the substrate and light.
I don't really want to replace the ubv light I have in there so could I just use a basking bulb on a thermostat?
Also would top soil be an ok substrate to use?
Thanks
As was said by johnsonboswell, pet stores sadly often know little about tortoise husbandry and are just trying to sell you what they have in stock.
A large viv is okay with the correct set up and they are good at retianing humidity but I think what you have here is better, it just needs some tweaking.
What type of UVB light do you have? I can't tell in the photo, but coiled or compact bulbs are a no no as they damage the torts eyes or don't provide enough UVB anyway. If It's a mercury vapour bulb it provides adequate heat and light, but you might need a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) for cold nights.
Top soil is often used as substrate, but you must ensure it doesn't have any added herbicides or pesticides, small stones or sand.
My experience with top soil is that it turns to mud. Finished compost, on the other hand, has enough organic material to hold moisture and stay clean.
Others use a variety of things successfully. My preferred substrate these days is a mixture of coconut coir and my own organic compost. You could substitute clean topsoil in a coir mix, too.
I think that's a variety of coiled bulb.The ubv bulb is an Exo terra reptile ubv 100
I think that's a variety of coiled bulb.
if so, that also needs to go back to the pet store, i'm afraid.
These bulbs have been known to damage torts eyes and even blind them or kill them.
Modern ones claim to be safe but seem not to produce the correct levels of UVB and old ones are still sometimes for sale. I would replace it asap.
Not your fault.
Unfortunately pet shops are only interested in profit not aftercare so double check everything they told you here, as this is the most up to date website for tort care.Thanks for the replies guys I didn't know there was that much of a problem with this. I got Rex from a reptile store and they advised me to get these bits yes. They did try to sell me a viv as well however I knew that was a definite no no. Next weekend when I get the chance then I will replace the substrate and light.
I don't really want to replace the ubv light I have in there so could I just use a basking bulb on a thermostat?
Also would top soil be an ok substrate to use?
Thanks
Use the one I mentioned above - MVB arcadia mini d3 gives light heat and uva/b rays all in one bulb for day - brilliant!What could I use then instead of the 2 bulbs I currently use?
Thanks
Use the one I mentioned above - MVB arcadia mini d3 gives light heat and uva/b rays all in one bulb for day - brilliant!
At night and cooler days a CHE (ceramic heat emitter) with a thermostat.
Use them with ceramic bulb holders for safety.