Newbie! - What should I get?

[Bonse]

Hey everyone, new to the forum and indeed the reptile world!

I'm in a bit of a kafuffle as to what tortoise to get?

I work as do most people early morning 'til 4.20pm (so the tortoise would be in an enclosure til then) then it'll be more than likely roaming around my bedroom/living room!

I'm wondering what kind of tortoise would suit me best? I've been told a Herman or Horsefield as they are quite hardly little things, that don't require hibernating (which i'd probably let them do anyway). I'd want one that is between 7.5 and 10" preferably.

I'm not sure what i'd need for my enclosure (self built wooden box) what sort of dimensions should i be looking?
What light's/bulbs?
Bedding? (Play sand/topsoil?)
Food? (General Veg leaves/fruit?)
Heat mat? (told they're very bad)

Just want to buy a tortoise and make it very happy (and spoilt) lol.

thanks a lot for the help guys.

Tom

[Bonse]

I've put it in the wrong place sorry! is it possible for a moderator to move it for me pls!!! Thanks!!