Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Diane · I'm new here... Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 12

Hi can anyone tell me the size basking bulb I need for a 3ft by 18inch vivarium, my leopard tortoise is 18 months old and is 3 inches long.I have a 75 watt bulb at the moment but it gets too hot in the tank, please help.
Thanks
Diane

Scott W · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:08 pm Post subject:

It will have to be trial and error on your part as there are too many variables that would affect the viv temps (viv position, house temp, ventilation type etc).

I would recommend putting the basking light on a thermostat no matter what wattage you end up with.
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Diane · I'm new here... Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 12

Hi
Thank You any ideas what end I should have the basking light? some sites and books etc say the same end as the heat mat others say the opposite end? All the conflicting information is confusing.Thanks again

Diane

Scott W · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:44 am Post subject:

depends on your set up and ambient temps.

Personally I would use a Ceramic bulb as a basking lamp, this I would position 1/3 from one side. I would have this on a thermostat and leave on 24hrs a day. I would then have a UV tube position just inches above the tortiose, close to the basking site (as that should be where it spends most of it's time). The UV I would have on for 12 hours.

With the set up above, you won't need the heat pad (which aren't great for tortoises as they like heat from above).
_________________

Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Diane · I'm new here... Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 12

Hi
Thanks thats handy to know as personally I think the heat mat is too hot anyway,supposed to warm but I cant put my hand on it for too long, could you tell me which wattage bulb to get and where I can get the thermostat etc, sorry to go on but I want to do the best for him.

Diane