You don't need a night time heat source unless your room is below 75 at night. They need a nighttime temp drop, but low-mid 70's is about it. You do need a way to measure the temps in the tank accurately, no matter what type of reptile you own. The basking temps should be low-mid 90's. If it's too low, then your little guy won't have a proper metabolism for growth and a healthy immune system.



The UV is so important!!! A long tube is best, I'm not a fan of the T-Rex because of past problems, and I've seen people have problems with coiled compacts as well. The UV works best if it is no farther than 8-12" inches from the primary basking spot. There is also the Mercury Vapor bulb that provides heat and UV. You can research those as well.



Read the label on the box turtle/ig combo food to make sure it is vegetarian. I've seen ig foods with animal protein listed as ingredient. Make sure there's no poultry by-product, fish meal, or anything that sounds like animal protein.



As for handling, maybe you just have a mellow ig. Soaks can be done by giving your ig a bath each morning for 20 mins or so in lukewarm water.

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