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Indoors for the first time over winter
Posted: 20/09/2009 by sian

Hi, Our tortoise is going to be kept inside for the first time ever ( over 40 years old) following illness ( thanks to Darren for your advice while he was ill). we have built an indoor wooden inclosure for him, 3ft by 2ft with a covered area at one end and a wooden adjustable overhang at the other end for a light.

From what I have read, I like the idea of the 2 in 1 UV and heat lamp, however not sure what to get, have read about the megaray 120w. Would this be too hot for him, seeing has he has always been outdoors from waking up until hibernation? Also would we then attach this to a ceramic connector to hang it down? How many inches high should it be? Sorry for the questions but as he is going to be not hibernating and staying inside this winter I want him to be comfortable

Thanks

Sian

Re: Indoors for the first time over winter
Posted: 22/09/2009 by VivTPG

Hi Sian, a Megaray 120 would be fine.  A good supplier most of us use is Darren Dunnage, he is also a tortoise keeper and expert on lighting, his link is http://www.kimbosreptileworld.co.uk/. Darren will help you out.  This wont be too hot, as you need a basking area to keep him awake and active enough to feed and digest food.  You will need a ceramic connector, Darren sells these and the lamp shade to direct the full uv rays downwards so the tort gets the full benefit of the lamp.  The height of the lamp will depend on the temperature you obtain in the basking spot.  If its too hot you take it higher and lower it to get a hotter temp.

Hope this helps, regards Vivienne

Re: Indoors for the first time over winter
Posted: 24/09/2009 by sian

Thanks so much Vivienne for your advice, think we will go for one of these

Sian

 

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