hi just another question my husband is building table today what size would be better any pictures available on first setting it up lighting and everything,red foot is nearly year old,

Bigger the better really as they do get large. Just think about how you are going to heat it.

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hi what is the best form of heating, also is it better to have just a uv tube and a heat sorce or a combination,i was told to use just a normal bulb and lamp for basking spot is this correct,the exotic pet peop have them in a viv,but i have read quite a few people say these are not the best to use,my husband has built a 3ft*2ft table for now until it gets bigger,they wanted about £250 for set up is that reasonable,any advice i can get is much appreciated.

Are you getting your tortoise from a pet shop? i advise not to as they are mostly wild caught, full of worms, protazoa vet bill alone will cost you alot.

Yes a uvb tub for UVB and a spot bulb for heat. If you find the cool spots are too cool you can add additional spot bulbs 40w to raise the temps.

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If you are getting a RF that is in the 4 to 6 inch range that has been imported there is a very good chance that it is a Cherryhead Red Foot. These are farmed in Brazil in very large numbers. They do get big but not as big as most redfoots.

Using a viv for a Red Foot allows you to maintain a humid area easier.

While they are farmed they should be treated for protozoa but the cost of this is minimal.

For heating I'd recommend a ceramic heater for the heat and the uv tube to give a day night cycle. Place the ceramic heater in a covered end of the enclosure. The tortoise will use the heated end to self regulate.

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Ed @ not allowed to post a link
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Good point Ed ceramic heater are also a good way to bring up temps, but i have never used them.

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I have and they work quite well. I also use heat mats for the RFs when they are outdoors.

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Ed @ not allowed to post a link
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Where do you place the heat mats Ed?
I have a heated garage so no need for them.

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I've used the heat mats on both the ceiling and on the floor. I found that using them on the floor is more efficient.

I keep my RFs outdoors for at least 10 months out of the year. During times of freezing or below weather I lock them in their house for short periods.

If it is going to be below freezing for more than a few days I bring them indoors and kind of hibernate them for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks until they can go back outdoors.

I'll try and get some pictures later... busy right now.

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Ed @ not allowed to post a link
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Would that not burn them on the floor? i have had many tortoises handed in with burn marks from heat mats?

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