Night-time temperatures

Taco2018

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Aug 18, 2018
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3
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Aberdeenshire
Just wondering what people's thoughts are on this? When got Taco we were advised to keep the temp around 30deg Celsius all the time. We have a flourescent tube & basking lamp through day & thermostatic ceramic lamp for night. He currently in a Viv but will be moved to a table in the next fortnight. Lights are currently on 1pm - 11pm but also looking to change this to 8 - 8. Thanks [emoji217] 20180811_165847.jpeg20180811_155446.jpeg20180815_214133.jpeg20180816_192519.jpeg
 

katieandiggy

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Mar 12, 2018
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Suffolk, United Kingdom
Hi, just looking at your enclosure I see some things that if changed would greatly help your tortoise.

1. There is no hide? A tortoise needs somewhere to hide. You need something in there, maybe a hollow log, flower pot, plastic tub...

2. The substrate is too dry. You need some moisture in there. Maybe try switching it out to Orchid Bark, and damp it down.

3. Your tortoise doesn’t need night heat as long as the temperature doesn’t fall below 65f

4. With regards to the lights, I would try and do 8-8 as you have suggested. Mine are on 7-7 and it works well.

5. The water dish is not ideal for tortoises. Most people here use a terracotta saucer sunk down so it is level with the substrate, that way the tortoise can walk in and out of the water dish.

Hope that helps.
 

katieandiggy

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Mar 12, 2018
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P.s - I would keep him in a Viv a little longer. The closed chambers really help when they are young. Mine is still in a Viv .
IMG_1534677522.246780.jpg

Here is mine. Is also helps to have plants so that the tortoise can escape the UVB.
I’ve got some stones and 2 different types of substrate to make things more interesting.
 

Taco2018

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Joined
Aug 18, 2018
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3
Location (City and/or State)
Aberdeenshire
Thanks Katieanddiggy, that was setup on day 1. This is it now. I do have top soil to swap out half the hemp but it is currently in my boot as I've not long had surgery & can't lift heavy & going to order Coco coir to mix through. OH is offshore & can't catch any neighbours. He is a burrower & is somewhere under those 2 mounds! We will be putting the Viv into the table20180819_122251.jpeg20180819_122244.jpeg
 

T Smart

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Oct 25, 2012
Messages
461
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, IL
P.s - I would keep him in a Viv a little longer. The closed chambers really help when they are young. Mine is still in a Viv .
View attachment 248743

Here is mine. Is also helps to have plants so that the tortoise can escape the UVB.
I’ve got some stones and 2 different types of substrate to make things more interesting.

Beautiful setup!
 
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