New Owner Needs Help!

[emilyqu]

So I am preparing to get a new babu russian tortoise in March. This is my first reptile and tortoise! I have a few questions about the lighting and heating.
- Do I need to use a ceramic heat emitter 24/7 or only at night?
- Does a UV light keep the tortoise warm?
- Do I only get a UV and Basking light to keep him warm or do I need more?
these are weird questions. i kind of just need someone to tell me what to get to properly care my tortoise that is about the heat and lighting.

 

[MichaelL]

I'm not 100% sure about the ceramic heat emitter, but the UV doesn't need to keep it warm; it is just for UV. And you just need the UV and basking light.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

A UV light just supplies UV.
Strip florescent UV lights give off almost no heat.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

A CHE just gives off heat.
No light.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

We generally use the UV light 12 hours a day.
The CHE is usually on as needed.
Controlled with a thermostat. Or placed in a spot where it provides warmth 24/7.

 

[Blackdog1714]

Please go to the Russian section and see the pinned thread on Russian care. Also heat is needed twofold-basking spot and over temp so a thermometer should be hooked up. CHE are fine but if can an RHP-radiant heat panel is best. Good luck where are you getting your tort from?

 

[jsheffield - In Memoriam]

Russian tortoises

www.tortoiseforum.org

The above link will take you to the Russian sub-forum of TFO... there are numerous guides on caring for your new tortoise.

Welcome to TFO! It's a great place to learn about tortoises.

Jamie