Plan for tortoises

[34KING18]

Hey guys! I'm pretty new to the site and everything but I did some research and these are the things that I want to buy for my russian tortoise that I MAY be getting. There are link's included to all the things that I want to buy and prices and you can just copy and paste them into the url box and see what it is. It would be great if you guys could give me some feedback if I need more stuff, less stuff, etc. ( One thing, in the double pack of lightbulbs, one lightbulb goes to one clamp light while the other bulb goes to the oher clamp light. ) And if you guys know better places were I can find cheaper prices for the sae EXACT items that would be amazing! Thank you !

Russian Tortoise

Tank (36 x 18 x 19): $ 55

Tortoise: $ 80 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3893725

Substrate: $ 21.99 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752663

Hide: $ 14.99 http://www.petco.com/product/102891...Turtles.aspx?Ntt=half log&OneResultRedirect=1

Plants: $ 7.66 http://www.petco.com/product/108128/Exo-Terra-Silk-Amapallo-Jungle-Plant.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Food Dish: $ 6.99 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11147181

Water Dish: $ 17.99 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3973411

Screen: $ 23.38 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E2MDK6/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

Clamp Light: $ 15.29 (10 inch diameter ) http://www.petco.com/product/9469/Flukers-Clamp-Lamps.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Light bulb: $ 34.00 http://www.petco.com/product/111469...eat-Lamp-Value-Pack.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Clamp light: $ 12.74 ( 8.5 inch diameter ) http://www.petco.com/product/9469/Flukers-Clamp-Lamps.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Food: $ 12.99
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12620186&lmdn=Pet+Type

 

[wellington]

The light bulbs are no good. The coil type can cause eye damage, even blindness. Go with a CHE-ceramic heat emitter and either a MVB-mercury vapor bulb,give heat and UVB/UVA or a fluorescent 10.0 or 5.0 UVB bulb. I don't like the substrate, but that's me. See what others have to say on that.
Hello and WELCOME.

 

[JoesMum]

UVB options:
MVB which gives basking heat as well - lasts 9 months I think
Or
Tube UVB which doesnt do heat - lasts 6 months

Coil UVB not recommended due to eye damage concerns.

Basking options:
MVB above
Standard household spot lamp (not low energy)
CHE - doesnt give out light, but useful for extra warmth overnight when all lights should be off.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

LAMP: Ceramic Dome lamp from Lowe's - $12.23 - http://www.lowes.com/pd_203219-1373...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

SUBSTRATE: 2 cu. Ft bag of Cypress mulch from Home Depot - $2.75 - http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-G...10053&langId=-1&keyword=cypress&storeId=10051

ZooMed Light stand - $23 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OUO/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

ZooMed ceramic heat emitter - $20 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AQCPK/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
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You can get a florescent light fixture almost anywhere and just get a UVB bulb from Amazon or the pet store. Same goes for food and water bowls, as well as decorations. You can go to the crafts section of Walmart for artificial plants, or the garden section for real ones. (or Lowe's or Home Depot). You can even get a large storage bin or tub to keep it in.

Not counting the tortoise itself, you can probably save $100 if you shop right. No need to go to the pet store and pay 2x as much for stuff just because it has a reptile on the packaging or label.

 

[34KING18]

This is a revised version of my supplies? Anything else you think I could change or get for cheaper?

Russian Tortoise

Tank (36 x 18 x 19): $ 55

Tortoise: $ 80 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3893725

Substrate: $ 2.75 http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-G...87f579&cj=true&cm_mmc=CJ-_-5320196-_-11013433


Hide: $ 14.99 http://www.petco.com/product/102891...Turtles.aspx?Ntt=half log&OneResultRedirect=1

Plants: $ 7.66 http://www.petco.com/product/108128/Exo-Terra-Silk-Amapallo-Jungle-Plant.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Food Dish: $ 6.99 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11147181

Water Dish: $ 17.99 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3973411

Screen: $ 23.38 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E2MDK6/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

Clamp Light: $ 15.29 (10 inch diameter ) http://www.petco.com/product/9469/Flukers-Clamp-Lamps.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Light bulb: $ 39.99 http://www.petco.com/product/111476...orescent-Combo-Pack.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch


Clamp light: $ 12.74 ( 8.5 inch diameter ) http://www.petco.com/product/9469/Flukers-Clamp-Lamps.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch


Zoo Med Reptile Lamp Stand, Full Size: $ 45.44 (2 stands)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OUO/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20


Food: $ 12.99
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12620186&lmdn=Pet+Type

 

[JoesMum]

The lighting pack is a no-no. The UVB coil type lamp can harm eyes. Get a tube or an MVB.

If you get a tube, use an ordinary household spot for basking. It's cheaper and just as effective!

Why use silk plants when real ones allow natural browsing?

Fruit mix is also wrong for a Russian, they can't digest sugars properly. Green leaves are the best diet. Use pellets a couple of times a week if you need to, Mazuri or Komodo

 

[dmmj]

The water and food dish should be cheaper at a home improvement store.

 

[JoesMum]

Actually, a plain piece of slate or sandstone makes a great feed tray and it helps wear the beak down.

 

[34KING18]

So I took all the things that you guys said and I put it into this revised version. I know I can find some cheaper stuff somewhere but do you think this is a good place to start? One question : is there a place to get cheaper mercury-vapor bulbs? Thanks guys for you support and helping me out!

Russian Tortoise

Tank (36 x 18 x 19): $ 55

Tortoise: $ 80 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3893725

Substrate: $ 2.75 http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-G...87f579&cj=true&cm_mmc=CJ-_-5320196-_-11013433


Hide: $ 14.99 http://www.petco.com/product/102891...Turtles.aspx?Ntt=half log&OneResultRedirect=1

Plants: $ 7.66 http://www.petco.com/product/108128/Exo-Terra-Silk-Amapallo-Jungle-Plant.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Food Dish: Piece of slate

Water Dish: $ 17.99 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3973411

Screen: $ 23.38 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E2MDK6/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

Clamp Light: $ 15.29 (10 inch diameter ) http://www.petco.com/product/9469/Flukers-Clamp-Lamps.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Light bulb: $ 67.99 http://www.petco.com/product/12129/...mp.aspx?Ntt=mercury vapor&OneResultRedirect=1

Zoo Med Reptile Lamp Stand, Full Size: $ 22.72
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OUO/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[dmmj]

Please don't spend 17 dollars on a water dish.

 

[34KING18]

What would be better but still the same size and depth? And i really want it to look natural, not man-made like plastic. Any ideas??

 

[JoesMum]

What would be better?

A shallow terracotta plant saucer. It's not about 'looks', it's about what's easiest fir your tort to soak and drink in.

 

[Tom]

-The tank is too small for a 4"+ Russian.
-They can drown in those water bowls and the food bowls are difficult for them to get in and out of. You will be much better off with some cheap terra cotta plant saucers for both food and water.
-The screen top will limit the height and effectiveness of your bulbs. To get your temps correct you will need to raise or lower your fixtures.
-My tortoises try to eat those plastic plants. Use them carefully if you use them.
-That food is not appropriate for a Russian and I wouldn't feed it to a redfoot (pictured on the label) either. They need to eat broadleaf weeds. You can use grocery store leafy greens too, but wild stuff is better and it's free.
-Russians sold at the chain stores are mostly wild caught. The journey here is VERY stressful and they are usually full of parasites. Many of them adjust and do fine, but many of them die and infect other tortoises on their way out. You'd be much better off getting a captive hatched baby or juvenile from one of the many reputable members here on the forum.
-You've put a lot of time, effort and thought into this indoor enclosure, but russians do best outdoors. You ought to be building a secure, safe, well planted outdoor enclosure and plan on using the indoors for overnight or inclement weather.

 

[pinkpirate]

I use a piece of slate to feed on and a terra cotta saucer for water. I use live plants in my indoor and outdoor enclosures so that they are safe for my baby to eat.

 

[34KING18]

So i changed the food dish, water dish, substrate, light bulbs, clamp lights and got a stand for the clamp light. I think I got it how it should be. I am not able to keep my tortoises outside because there are so many coyotes, foxes etc that if you leave your cat outside throught night, you never see it again. It's a real problem in my city. Well this is the revised version and I hope it will be the last becuase I took all your advice. Here you go :


Tank (36 x 18 x 19): $ 55

Tortoise: $ 80 http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3893725

Substrate: $ 2.75 http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-G...87f579&cj=true&cm_mmc=CJ-_-5320196-_-11013433

Hide: $ 14.99 http://www.petco.com/product/102891...Turtles.aspx?Ntt=half log&OneResultRedirect=1

Plants: $ 7.66 http://www.petco.com/product/108128/Exo-Terra-Silk-Amapallo-Jungle-Plant.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Food Dish: Piece of slate

Water Dish: $ 6.98
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...&langId=-1&keyword=plant+saucer&storeId=10051

Screen: $ 23.38 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E2MDK6/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

Clamp Light: $ 15.29 (10 inch diameter ) http://www.petco.com/product/9469/Flukers-Clamp-Lamps.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Light bulb: $ 67.99 http://www.petco.com/product/12129/...mp.aspx?Ntt=mercury vapor&OneResultRedirect=1


Zoo Med Reptile Lamp Stand, Full Size: $ 22.72
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000255OUO/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

 

[dmmj]

I know you are gonna hate us, but for a WC pet store russian, you will need to include a vet visit.

 

[34KING18]

Do you think this is all good or do I need other stuff ?

---

I know you are gonna hate us, but for a WC pet store russian, you will need to include a vet visit.

How much do they cost? ( the vet visit )

 

[Tom]

Every city in America is full of cat eating coyotes, raccoons, hawks, etc... Mine sure is. The idea is to build a secure enclosure with a wire covered top and let your tortoise be outside with lots of space and grazing whenever the weather permits.

Living in a 3' long tank indoors all the time is no life for a tortoise. Fine to start a baby for a few months that way, but not for juveniles or adults. Might not be what you want to hear, but better you hear it now than after you already have a tortoise and realize you can't or won't give it what it needs.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

Just...avoid Petco...they apparently have the most expensive...everything.
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Powersun Light bulb - $37.71 - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AQDJK/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20
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Lose the screen top, you don't need it.
- the tortoise isn't going to climb out
- you have the stand for the clamp lights
- the screen will filter out UVB rays.
------------

Unless you're getting a baby Russian (doubtful if you're getting WC), that hide log is gonna be too small for an adult. You can DEFINITELY find or create something better and cheaper. Look in the Tortoise Enclosures of this site for ideas.
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Like Tom said, lose the fake plants. Go to a local plant nursery, or the Garden center at Lowe's/Home Depot, and see what they have. Some safe live plant ideas are: hosta, hibiscus, rose of sharon, viola, mulberry.
------
What happened to that $12 dome fixture I suggested from Lowe's? It'll save you at least a few bucks. .

 

[kurmaraja12]

I use a half broken terra cotta pot for my hide. Ceramics are good for keeping heat and distributing it. If you can't find a broken one, just go to Wallyworld or home depot and get a large one and bury it a bit