04-03-2009, 09:29 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Derbyshire
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Answers in red below...
Quote:
Originally Posted by sam_martin82
Hi all
We have a 5yr old female Hermans tortoise whose shell is 6inches from tip to tip. Currently she is in a vivarium 36x18x18 with UV bulb and reflector heat bulb. She is too big for her current viv so can anyone help with this-
1) Vivarium or tortoise table? What size for this size and age?
Table (my opinion and personal choice) as big as possible - for the time when your tort isn't outside - she should be able to go outside from May through to September (or even April if the weather isn't too bad). You asked on the other thread about ones with cages over... I found this for you and it's 5ft...
Trixie Rabbit 150 Indoor Cage - Dabners Pet Shop
They don't have any in stock though until end of March, but they do have a stand as well. If you need a cover over it you could have a tortoise table made (from wood) and have a mesh lid built onto it... you could go for a 6ft then and save you having to upgrade.
2) What strength UV and heat bulb should I use?
I prefer the combined mercury vapour bulbs to the separate ones... I'd recommend the Powersun or Megaray. If you have a cage type enclosure this will be in a reflector which you could sit on top of the cage.
3) How high above the floor should these bulbs be fitted?
4) Current heat mat is a 6x11 7 watt. What is ideal size for bigger viv?
You don't need a heat mat at all. The basking light is enough for the day and no extra heat is needed over night. They should have a night time temp drop down to around 15 degs C.
5) What temp should it be during day and night at either end?
34 degs C in the basking area and around 20 - 22 degs C in the cool end. At night normal room temperature should be fine, if you find your room drops too low (say below 12 degs C) you could use the heatmat on the side on a thermostat which will click in when it drops too cold.
6) Currently I turn all lights off at night. Is this right?
Yes.
7) She has recently been breathing a bit heavier like a whistling/wheezing noise which the vet is treating. This has been suggested it could be lack of ventilation amongst other things like diet. Can anyone advise on best diet, floor covering? All advice welcome......Thanks all......
The substrate I use is areas of soil and areas of aspen. Many people mix sand with their soil too. In their tables I also have hides, plants, slate to feed off and a water bowl big enough for them to get into.
These are excellent links for feeding...
Diet and healthy growth
edible plants
Aim for as much variety as you can.
I hope that helps a little. 
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