New Tank- Need Help

[JoshGoldberg]

I am currently working on building a 50 1/2 inch by 36 inch tank; it will be enclosed and I am wondering on substrate, I am thinking about mixing clay with fine sand as that would create a rough substrate and having coco coir on top, the clay/sand mix will enable him to create burrows that won't collapse, what do you think? Would it work? And there will be 3" of substrate in the front(all coco coir as food and water will be here) and gradually rise to 6 inches under the heat lamp (all clay because it won't get as dusty and it will get warmer) will this work?

 

[wellington]

Don't really know. Maybe @Tom can help here.

 

[Tom]

Sand should never be used.

Is this for an adult russian? Orchid bark works best for them. Fine grade. Buy it in bulk at a garden store. Also called "fir bark".

 

[JoshGoldberg]

Sand should never be used.

Is this for an adult russian? Orchid bark works best for them. Fine grade. Buy it in bulk at a garden store. Also called "fir bark".

Okay, but would the clay idea still work? I'll still use orchid bark!

 

[Tom]

Okay, but would the clay idea still work? I'll still use orchid bark!

I've never done it that way and don't see any need or usefulness to the idea. It doesn't seem like it would work the way you intend, and I wouldn't want to house my tortoises on clay.

Just make them a burrow indoors and out.