Newbie Supply List

[Emptysea]

Hello. We are waiting on our Hermann Tortoise and need help with specific things we need. I know what I need but I don’t know specific brands or types. Ex. I know I need a basking light but wattage should I start with for a hatchling? I need a specific brand and details so I can purchase the correct one. Do I increase as he gets older? If so, how much do I increase? Same question for UVB. While I hope to make an outdoor enclosure and give my guy plenty of outdoor time, I still want a UVB light indoors. Do I get 24” UVB light? Is that enough?

What kind of bedding is best? Coco coir and top soil mixed, maybe? Or has anyone found a mixture that’s better for Hermanns?

Last question- I’ve seen a few websites that sell dried weeds? Are those any good? I live in the dessert so weeds may not be plentiful there.

Is there one website you’d recommend to purchase everything?

Thanks in advance

 

[daniellenc]

I’m sorry no one answered but what you get depends on your cage. If you have that post it up to help us give you ideas. As far as substrate I like coconut coir covered in fine grade orchid bark or cypress mulch.

 

[144 Grandpa Turtle]

Hi

 

[eternalnewb]

Hi,
I have two Hermanns, one I came to me when he was around 2 years old and my second I got as a hatchling. As a basking bulb I use the ZooMed 100w bulb for all my torts, I usually get the two pack when they are on sale at Petsmart. I like the idea of the Powersun MVB, however I had a bad experience with one with my Russian tort when he was a hatchling. For Substrate I use peat moss, I buy it in a big bag at Home Depot and when moistened I really like it as a substrate. I have used coco coir before but I didn't like the stringy bits as they always seemed to be near my torts eyes.