Madkins007 said:OK, tubs are cheaper and lighter, and rarely transparent. Only the last item affects the tortoise. Other than that- what are the differences you speak of?
The plastic tub usually has lower sides, a bigger floor space.
Madkins007 said:OK, tubs are cheaper and lighter, and rarely transparent. Only the last item affects the tortoise. Other than that- what are the differences you speak of?
tortoisenerd said:I think there are some big differences between an aquarium and a suitable vivarium. Yes, it can be done but it isn't as easy to set up as a tort table or plastic tub.
terryo said:Madkins007 Wrote: OK, tubs are cheaper and lighter, and rarely transparent. Only the last item affects the tortoise. Other than that- what are the differences you speak of?
I know a few people who do not cover the sides and front of their viv's because they want their tortoise to be a pet and to interact with them. Also I know breeders of boxies who don't cover any part of the "tank".
A quote fromTom from TurtleTails:
"A specimen turtle is an animal in a cage on a shelf in a storage room somewhere. A pet turtle is a turtle you live with. A pet turtle you live with has a much more interesting and enjoyable environment. Watching you is part of their entertainment."
Madkins007 said:The bits about the torts watching you reminded me of an OLD article in the International Turtle and Tortoise Society Journal about a woman who kept lots of torts and carefully noted observations.
One interesting one was that her torts did better when kept in aquaria at eye level then they did in aquaria at lower levels. Her theory was that having giants hover over them was stressful. That makes a lot of sense to me, and I can see how torts that don't stress over the glass would appreciate it.
[/quote]-EJ said:.
You did it again... what is 'suitable'?
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Stephanie Logan said:-EJ said:.
You did it again... what is 'suitable'?
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[/quote]-EJ said:there are some stupid individuals that just don't seem to get it but they (in my experience) are a small minority.
-EJ said:Again... I raise turtles/tortoises in shoe boxes.
tortoisenerd said:I don't think any plastic tub could ever be as "evil" as the aquarium due to the glass. A glass tank cannot be placed next to a window as it will cook the animal. A glass tub with the same dimensions as a plastic tub will have more difficulty maintaining a temperature gradient (not an issue for a redfoot for example). Not trying to argue, just adding a point to the discussion.
Madkins007 said:Wow! This many pages debating the pros and cons of a plastic or wood box compared to a glass box.
What if we said something like:
"Glass vivaria/aquaria can be a suitable habitat for tortoises as long as it has adequate space, and the proper environment (heat, humidity, etc.) can be maintained for that species. This also applies to plastic tubs, tortoise tables, and other habitats."
Would that be adequate?
chairman said:If we didn't spend pages discussing different ways to keep healthy torts then all we'd read about here is sick torts, and that wouldn't be any fun at all. And I know that, for myself, one of the reasons I joined up here was to interact with folks who realize that scaly critters can make quality companions too.