Russian Tortoise doesn't use basking bulb

[tortoishell]

I have a UVB and a CHE for my russian tort. The ambient temperature is around 80 degrees fahrenheit (if it gets any hotter he goes nuts). I know tortoises are supposed to bask in sunlight a lot, but my tortoise doesn't really do this a lot. His shell doesn't seem to have any problems, so I think he's getting enough UVB, but is this normal behavior?

 

[ascott]

I have a UVB and a CHE for my russian tort. The ambient temperature is around 80 degrees fahrenheit (if it gets any hotter he goes nuts). I know tortoises are supposed to bask in sunlight a lot, but my tortoise doesn't really do this a lot. His shell doesn't seem to have any problems, so I think he's getting enough UVB, but is this normal behavior?

Actually tortoise spend short periods of time basking in hot high uv ray areas...during the heat of the day most tortoise slink out of the direct sunlight a resort to a kore temp controlled cooler spot..it is a dangerous misconception that tortoise spend long periods of time in the hot heat/intense uv rays in the height of the day...

A well set up indoor enclosure will provide a good hot basking spot and will offer up gradual temp decreases as the tort moves further away from basking spot...

 

[Tom]

I have a UVB and a CHE for my russian tort. The ambient temperature is around 80 degrees fahrenheit (if it gets any hotter he goes nuts). I know tortoises are supposed to bask in sunlight a lot, but my tortoise doesn't really do this a lot. His shell doesn't seem to have any problems, so I think he's getting enough UVB, but is this normal behavior?

What type of UV bulb are you using?

What is the basking temperature directly under the CHE? I would not use this set up for a russian. They need a basking bulb that gives off heat and light.

 

[JoesMum]

I agree with Tom. Here's a lighting summary that explains things.

Your tort needs:

1. A basking lamp
This must hang vertically, not at an angle. Basking is essential to raise your tortoise's core temperature so it can digest food.

2. UVB light
Read the instructions for the source to see how close to the substrate it must be. UVB is essential so your tort can process dietary calcium and have healthy bones and shell.

Both 1 and 2 are available from the sun for those able to live outside.

UVB does not pass through glass or perspex(plexiglass) - light must be direct to be effective not through a window. Mesh screening can also interfere with UVB.

3. A minimum overnight temperature (see the care sheet for your species) and complete darkness at night to sleep.


Notes

(a) A Mercury Vapor Bulb (MVB) provides combined UVB and Basking. Alternatively you can use 2 bulbs: a tube UVB and a reflector bulb for basking (a household reflector - not low energy or halogen - from a hardware store will do the job; it's the wattage that counts)

(b) Ignore any references to UVA you may read - it's misleading marketing speak.

(c) Compact coil UVB harms tortoise eyes and must not be used.

(d) Basking and UVB should be on a timer so the light(s) are on for 12 hours a day. Temperature under the basking is regulated by its height above the substrate.

(e) Overnight, depending on your home, you may need additional heat. You get this from a CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter) which must be on a thermostat.

(f) Torts have outstanding colour vision and love red and purple food. Coloured heat lamps colour tank decor and torts don't always apply intelligence to what they eat, resulting them in eating tank decor. Coloured bulbs should not be used.


Measurements

There are 4 important temperatures that you must know for an indoor enclosure.
- Directly under the basking lamp
- Warm side
- Cool side
- Overnight Minimum

You will need digital thermometers for accuracy.

A temperature gun thermometer (inexpensive from Amazon) measures temperature accurately in specific places like directly under the basking lamp.

A min/max thermometer so you know the min/max temperatures in your home by day and night.

You should also get a good digital probe hygrometer to measure humidity.

Thermometers and hygrometer that stick to the side of the enclosure tend to be less accurate.