im looking at different lighting/heating options. Does this sound right for an indoor table measuring 3ft x 2ft x 1.5ft?

lamp - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=290257413516

bulb - http://www.wickes.co.uk/Light-Bulbs/R63-ES-40W-Spot-Bulb/invt/700220

Repti Glo 10.0 Fluorescent UV Bulb - 18" - £13.20
Interpet Fluorescent Light Starter Unit - 15"- 18"- £18.99

As you may well know I am on building my table and therefore looking for ways to light/heat my tort when i get one :)

Thanks,
Antonio

Hi Antonio

I use the bendy desk lamps and they do work well - Argos sell them as well.  Is the tortoise table 18" deep?  If so, if you site the basking lamp outside and angle it over, I think you will find that a 40w bulb is not going to give a warm enough basking spot at floor level.  You really need to go for the longest tube you can fit into your tort table - the amount of uv the longer tubes give out is much increased over the shorter version, and they are not much more expensive.  I would go for a 30" or 36" one.  I would also recommend a reflector to fit over the tube - it makes the tube more efficient by directing the uv down to the tortoise and not all over the room (!) which is also better for your eyes.

Arlene

Yes its 18" deep. I will get a 60W spot light then? so i should get the longest uv light i can fit in? i cant find any on Kimbos world for some reason?

Would lining the roof with tin foil be a suitable reflector?

Thanks,
Antonio

Hi Antonio

If you go to Kimbos, click on lighting, and then strip lighting you will find the starter units, tubes and reflectors - what sort of roof does the tort table have?

Arlene

It will have a wooden roof, im sure i could attach tin foil?

Hi Antonio

A tortoise table needs to be open topped with a temperature gradient from the basking spot towards one end, down to room temp at the cool end - if there is a roof, this will restrict ventilation and also allow a build up of heat, neither of which are good for the tortoise :)

Arlene

I was going to have a quarter of it with a roof and the other three quarters with no roof. I was going to put the spot light so it was facing the wall towards the roofed end so the tortoise could go inside if when it wants, stay outside if it wants to cool down, or go near the wall of the inside part where the lamp will be pointing.

Hi,

If you are going to have a covered area for the tortoise to sleep in then this needs to be the cool spot and the open end the basking spot. This will make it more natural for your tortoise.

Ali

improved idea...no roof at all, just a sheltered area at the cool end - maybe half a plant pot or bigger. Thanks for clearing things up guys :)