Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Right now I'm using Aspen for substrate for my sulcata, Piper. I was wondering if plan dirt would be better. She/he is 1 year old.

Also, I would like to know the best kind of light bulb to get.

Thanks

The aspen is fine. I use it for Teddy. Kaytee brand. I also
really like the Life Mate 100% natural hemp bedding.
When you say dirt, do you mean something you dig up out of your
yard, or potting soil? Some people like potting soil mixed with
playsand. This is fine unless you're keeping your tortoise inside
and eventually it'll get very large and handling 100's of pounds
of dirt will get old. A little rubbermaid full of dirt is no
problem.
I've tried lots of different substrates (care fresh, sand, rabbit
pellets, aspen, newspaper, lizard litter kenaf plant, shredded
newspaper) and always seem to come back to the aspen. I like the
hemp bedding better, but it's too pricey on a large scale.

When you say light, I hope you've been using a good one already.
I ordered one from Full Spectrum Solutions a 250 watt flood.
Depending on what you have your tortoise in now, will determine
the wattage. If you don't have a mercury bulb, you must get
one.