Originally Posted by Daryn (Post 653863)

No its the direct heat on top of them and dehydration effect, they went into it further than that but basically basking lamps concentrate all the heat on top of the carapace where as in natural sunlight they heat up more evenly and deeply in the core.

Thats why Ive always preferred the small warming coldframe areas I have in the garden, they come and go in them things and get toasty warm more evenly the downside being that they got no UV but now changing the poly carb top for this clear lumisol they get the best of both worlds. I did mention on the TT a while ago about using small warming area coldframes in direct sun with the back up of a tube heater on a thermostat not be a better way to warm them up than basking lamps. I still think this is the way to go.

Originally Posted by vikki (Post 653870)

Do you mind me asking how old your tortoises are? I am a newbie and have read all the info etc but it is always good to get different ideas and perspectives and find out how different methods work - I am a great believer that if it works for you and your tortoises are healthy and happy then that is what matters:)

Originally Posted by pagan queen (Post 653865)

See this is where the controversy in the way I keep torts cames in. I have mine in the evil vivarium's, and I don't use UV lights. I supplement through the winter and don't hibernate. They have an outdoor enclosure that they spend the day in during summer. I have very good growth on them both and have never had any problems with any kind of ill health, RNS etc. They are Iberas BTW. I use a basking light and a heat emitter on a stat during the winter.