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Old 08-06-2011, 06:08 PM   #1
Sammijai
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Question Heat mats or overhead light/heat lamps??

Hi, I'm going to buy a tortoise this weekend and am worried about the different things that I've read and what's best. If a tortoise comes from a Viv with a heat mat, am I best getting a heat mat or will the overhead light/heat lamp be better, as I've read that heat mats are a no go for tortoises? I'm hoping to get a Horsefield. All I seem to do is worry and ask hundreds of questions...I'm going to change my name to 20 questions!!! Can anyone help me please? thanks
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Old 08-06-2011, 06:44 PM   #2
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Over head lights are better.

The arcadia combined 100/160w seems to be a favorite for a lot of people at the moment, just make sure you get fittings which can support this kind of bulb
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Old 08-06-2011, 07:46 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammijai View Post
Hi, I'm going to buy a tortoise this weekend and am worried about the different things that I've read and what's best. If a tortoise comes from a Viv with a heat mat, am I best getting a heat mat or will the overhead light/heat lamp be better, as I've read that heat mats are a no go for tortoises? I'm hoping to get a Horsefield. All I seem to do is worry and ask hundreds of questions...I'm going to change my name to 20 questions!!! Can anyone help me please? thanks
Don't get a viv , or heat mat there both bad for tortoise's , the pet shops always try to sell both and wood chips, go for a tortoise table , for heat and uv either a mega ray or arcadia d3 lamp, for substrate use topsoil mixed with a little play sand. The basking spot shouls be 34c and a cool end of around 20c in the day time
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Old 09-06-2011, 11:32 PM   #4
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Hello, I would recommend a tortoise table for your new arrival, I would also avoid a heat mat and use a Powersun bulb for daytime heat and a ceramic heater for night time heat if required. I have listed below a few helpful websites for you.

Good look with your new arrival too.

http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/index.php#axzz1OcuDiqpi

http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/s...ise_home_1.asp
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Old 10-06-2011, 02:35 PM   #5
Sammijai
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Aww brill, thanks for the advice. Our Tortoise table arrived last night I'm going to get a heatlamp, food and substrates etc at the weekend. I'm so glad i joined this forum!! You're all soooo helpful
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Old 12-06-2011, 09:31 AM   #6
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How big is the tortoise you are getting?

A viv is especially useful with smaller tortoises but is more than acceptable for any tortoise provided the enclosure provides enough space. I makes providing a good enviroment easier and better for a smaller tortoise but... again... works just as well for any tortoise given enough space is provided. There really is no one single way of keeping a tortoise. There is only what works for you and your situation to provide what is best for the tortoise.

As to the lamp or heat mat... both serve a purpose. The lamp provides a basking spot. The heat mat provides supplemental heating efficiently.

Keep asking questions then decide for yourself. You are going to find that there is many different ways of keeping your tortoise healthy and active.

Here is a decent basic book that should answer many of your questions.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Russian-Tort.../dp/0793828821

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sammijai View Post
Hi, I'm going to buy a tortoise this weekend and am worried about the different things that I've read and what's best. If a tortoise comes from a Viv with a heat mat, am I best getting a heat mat or will the overhead light/heat lamp be better, as I've read that heat mats are a no go for tortoises? I'm hoping to get a Horsefield. All I seem to do is worry and ask hundreds of questions...I'm going to change my name to 20 questions!!! Can anyone help me please? thanks
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Last edited by EJ; 12-06-2011 at 09:36 AM.
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