If you need indoor uv, the newer HO type bulbs are the way to go. I like the Arcadia ones from Lightyourreptiles.com. ZooMed also makes a good one. You will need a UV meter to check the levels and make sure your bulb is mounted at the correct height. The solar meter 6.5 is the standard. I don't know of any other method or meter that measures the correct UV wavelengths for our tortoises.
My hose is 50 or 100 feet long (Black) and if I turn it on during this 90 degree Florida heat it will burn my hand.
You seem to be very knowledable about tortoises, and many people seem to know you and vice versa. This goes for you and anyone else, ifyou know someone or would like my tortoise you are free to have him, I am in New Jersey and don’t feel comfortable shipping.
Wait a minute...you are giving up your tortoise? Why?
Did I not read something correctly? Is he giving up his tortoise because setting him up correctly is too much trouble? Or is that sarcasm? Shaking my head "I am so confused"
That is close up with your hand right next to the hose. Go stand 10 feet away, and set the hose to a spray or mist like the OP says his hose was, and tell us how hot it is then. Its still warm, but not scalding.
I love him, but I also love him more to give him a home with someone more suited to care for him. Not that he is at all in bad care, he was at the vet lanfew months ago and had a very good bill of health. But I feel people are better suited with outdoor enclosures-and dedicated rooms in there homes set up for them. This was something I kinda got my self into and will be willing to learn but want to give him the best life possible. If you know anyone interested, please email me @ [email protected], or message me here or what ever.
Off the wall...but my bigger Sulcata named Big Sam doesn't drink very good and he gets dehydrated and his nictitating membrane goes half way across his eyeball. His eyes look bad, then I 'force' soak him, and his eyes get normal looking. Maybe your guy?
This is not standard advice. Some of our more experienced members when they give advice they tell all the equipment, humidity meters, UVB measuring, special UVB lights and a mess of other stuff, that can be overwhelming to a newbie. I have been involved with tortoises for a lotta years and I have never had a UVB meter, humidity meter, or any bulb besides Powersun 150 watts bulb. When someone gives advice, take what suits you and leave the rest. Please don't give up your tortoise because there's too much equipment involved. All that stuff is great to have, but you CAN do without. The only thing I think is important is a temperature gauge. And I have one and watch it carefully.
