and to those that say lack of UVB results in pyramiding... this is clearly not true. The most direct cause is dehydration.

My male russian that I bought a year and a half ago (as a 1.5" hatchling) is up to 5.5". He doesn't have pyramiding, and he's been raised under incandescent bulbs with hot basking spots and as much food as he can eat. He's a tuff little brute.

I also have a hatchling that came from my largest female that hatched in november. Also raised under incandescent lighting with access to as much food as possible. He was 1" upon hatching and is almost 3" now. He is another tuff tortoise. He has actually attacked me a few times. Like when I'm reaching into his enclosure to get his food dish out, if he's near it he won't hesitate to ram into my hand (similar to what sulcatas often do to other male torts during mating season).

I think that the importance of UVB producing bulbs has been greatly exaggerated.

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