Newbie trying to get it right!

[SaraJo]

This is what I have going on inside....It is a 40 gallon tank...I have a 8.5 dome with a 10.0 uvb light and a 8.5 dome with a 150 watt heat lamp. I went down to the river grabbed the rocks and the piece of slate for decor and basking, I did soak in a light bleach water mix and then left in the sun to dry and warm up. I know I need a better water source as well. There is also a heat pad under the front right corner of the tank. When we first brought him home 4 days ago we could not get the heat right, so needless to say I have a few spare bulbs for just in case. Sorry this is so long I would love any advice or opinions on what I any doing right or wrong.
Thanks!!

P.S.
Basking is between 90-95 degrees
Nighttime is between 68-70 degres

 

[SaraJo]

Please help!!!!!

 

[Tom]

First and foremost, turn off that UV lamp right now. Those coil types can burn their eyes and should not be used.

You need a much bigger enclosure. a 40 gallon tank is okay for starting one hatchling, but its way too small for yours.

The other stuff looks good and the temps sound good.

Read these:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/

 

[SaraJo]

Thank you! I have been reading about the mini compact fluorescent light, it doesn't have the coils, also at the mercury vapor ones. The enclosure measures 38x18. Of course its the size the pet store recommended, but my plan is to build him a bigger one ourselves. I have read so many conflicting things about placement of his log and the water dishes and such. Like I said I just want him to be properly taken care of! I greatly appreciate your reply! He has been staying in his log for long periods of time and I'm concerned that I do not have something right.

 

[lismar79]

He might be too warm or exposed, not enough room to hide. A big tupperware tote ( the ones for xmas trees) work great until you can build one. I am a fan of the mercurary vapor lights for my russian because I get a good heat for her to bask and then it cools off further away which they do like. I keep mid 70s to high 70s in the cooler area and that's where she is most of the time. Plants are good too. Gives them more cover. I think I see hay in your pic. These guys are not hay eaters. Stick to broad based leaves.

 

[SaraJo]

He might be too warm or exposed, not enough room to hide. A big tupperware tote ( the ones for xmas trees) work great until you can build one. I am a fan of the mercurary vapor lights for my russian because I get a good heat for her to bask and then it cools off further away which they do like. I keep mid 70s to high 70s in the cooler area and that's where she is most of the time. Plants are good too. Gives them more cover. I think I see hay in your pic. These guys are not hay eaters. Stick to broad based leaves.

I was so worried about him being warm enough! I only had the timothy hay for some variety, was reading it was one of the good grasses, but he does not like it at all! I love your enclosures they are awesome! I am in Ohio too, what area are you in?

Would this light be ok? Its not the same coils as the other.....http://amzn.com/B00061V53Y

 

[lismar79]

Nope, still is a coil style.
This ones worth the $:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AQDJK/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

The uv Rays read good on the power sun and you will not need a heat source other than that if you hous stays in the 70's. Russians like it a bit cooler than others.

These are really handy:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JA3BMDW/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
Temp gun is a good tool to make sure you have a good basking temp, cool area temp, and to check night temps when the lights go out.

I'm northern ohio half way between cleveland and toledo!

 

[SaraJo]

I was trying to find one that was just the uv as I have a few extra bulbs and the fixture, which I cannot return. I was already planning on buying a temp gun and I like the looks of that one

Wow your close to where I am. What vet do you use? The closest one to me is Avon Hill I believe. I am in northeast corner of Ohio, close to the PA border!

 

[Tom]

Thank you! I have been reading about the mini compact fluorescent light, it doesn't have the coils,

All of the screw in type cfl (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs are suspect. None of them should be used. This might be the reason he is hiding a lot. When he tries to come out it burns his eyes. Turn it off immediately and return it when you can. Tell them why you are returning it. If this happens often enough, they will quit selling them.