New with a Russian tort

[rltwaddle]

Well I'm new to this forum, but have encountered others like it. I just got a Russian Tortoise that is probably a juvenile male I believe. I have an aquarium set up for him now but plan on making some sort of table for him. He has a bit of rot on his plastron that I have to take care of. Any help with table plans, care, or with the rot would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome!

 

[Zamric]

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Yvonne G]

Hello there, rltwaddle:


Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

What would you like for us to call you?

Also, when we know approximately where you are, it helps us design our answers to better fit your questions.

 

[Arizona Sulcata]

Welcome!

 

[rltwaddle]

I am from Northeast Ohio and my house usually isn't that warm during the winter, usually around 65 or so... But I try to keep a heated red light (75 watt) on the opposite side of his hideout. A basking/day light (100watt) and UVA light during the day. Both are on timers.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi rltwaddle:

You should be using a UVB bulb, not a UVA bulb.

 

[rltwaddle]

Hi rltwaddle:

You should be using a UVB bulb, not a UVA bulb.

Sorry typo, it is a UVB

 

[jwhite]

welcome

 

[TORTOISEMAN1]

Hello and welcome to the forum...

 

[mira_kaylee]

everything that i've read says that you shouldnt use an aquarium to house your russian because, being desert tortoises, the glass tank keeps their environment too humid and that (i'm just speculating) wont help with the shell rot problem i dont think...i used a 50gallon rubber maid tub to house my tort Ayden and he seems to like it just fine congrats and welcome btw

 

[Blademr2]

Welcome!

 

[rltwaddle]

Yea I've been monitoring the humidity level, is usually around 30-40, the edge of the desert level. I was a little more worried about the substrate being to dry and dusty. The aquarium has a wired top and a 3-4 inch gap cut out of the glass on the side. That is where the humidity gauge is.