New tortoise table: setup advice

[ben2684]

My new tortoise table! Should be arriving in a few days! I'm rather excited and hope that Terence my horsefields tortoise likes it! Can anyone advise me on where to purchase a lighting system for it?? I have bulbs already, also a substrate, at the moment I use a 50:50 sand coir mix. Will he need any bedding in his new 'bedroom' obviously he will be outside in the sun as much as possible but with the uk weather being a tad unpredictable its not always possible!! Any help much appreciated

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Also... It comes unsealed/treated, will I need to do this and if so with what??? Thanks

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Also.... (Ha! Sorry, this is turning into a bit of a long one!!) what types of lighting do you all use?? I have a repti glo 10% coil bulb and a 150w heat bulb, basking temps are steadily 32/33 degrees with the cooler part being 21-25 degrees, although the Local reptile shop have said they are fine there is a general feeling that the coil bulbs can cause damage to torts eyes?? What would be the alternative and how would I incorporate this into the table set up?? Sorry for so many questions but I want to make sure I get this right!!! Thanks

 

[Minority1]

Buy Linear fluorescent light bulbs. (tube variation*)
Something like the link below:
http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/E...7czoxOiIwIjtzOjg6IlNlYXJjaF95IjtzOjE6IjAiO30=

You can build additional wooden supports to hold the hood fixture up. Buy or build yourself lamp stands, a couple different easy options there.

 

[Spn785]

The coil bulbs do cause eye damage, though how bad and how often are debatable, I do not believe it is worth the risk. If you get a UVB tube bulb, the basking light should be sufficient for heating, though I would lower it a bit. You need a basking temp of about 35. I would also reduce the amount of sand to the coir mix, less sand more coir. No special bedding is needed for his hide, but if you have a little coir or some sphagnum moss, maybe add that to keep humidity up in there. You can treat the wood, but you shouldn't have to.

 

[ben2684]

Thank you will add those to my shopping list, can't wait to get it all set up! He's gonna love it (hopefully)