Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am thinking of getting a baby hermanns tortoise.
I was wondering if i could use the ESU uva/uvb coil bulb for it. This is the description of the bulb:
The ESU Reptile Super UV Coil-Lamp is ideal for basking reptiles. The lamp simulates natural sunlight and produces UVB (3%) and UVA (15%). The Super-UV Coil-Lamp is energy-efficient and available in 13 watt and 20 watt.

If i did use that, would i need an incandescent bulb as well?

Any input or advice when it comes to hermanns?

Thanks...

I have a baby Hermann's, although he's not so little anymore, almost a yearling now. I wouldn't use the ESU bulb; it's new on the market, and even though they claim it has UVB, I don't think it's been tested out in the real world enough. I've been trying to look into them myself, but haven't found any info. from people are using them. I've used both Reptisun 5.0 and mercury vapor bulbs, and I like the results of the MV bulbs much better, although they are delicate and can blow quickly, which is a real pain. Right now I'm trying a 60w MV bulb with external ballast, which are supposed to be less sensitive.

You would need to use an additional heat source with either a Reptisun or a 60w MV. I use a regular household 100w flood light on a dimmer switch (probably equal to about a 40w flood, but I just happened to have the 100w, so that's what I use). You could also use a ceramic heat emitter on a thermostat.

As much as possible, tortoises should be outside. I have an outdoor pen, and my Hermann's is outside at least part of the day from about mid-March to mid-October, depending on how warm a day it is.

Hope this helps!
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.2 Hermann's Tortoises
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko

One other thing I forgot to mention. Baby tortoises are delicate. I had another one that never did well and finally died after about a month and several vet visits. If at all possible, I would recommend that you try to find a local breeder, so you can see any baby before you buy it, and have it checked out by a vet soon after you get it. Also, if you can, buy an older hatchling (4 months or more).
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Sohni
Northern California

0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake
1.1 Rubber Boas
1.0 Leopard Gecko
0.0.2 Hermann's Tortoises
plus my kids' herps:
0.0.1 California King Snake
1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa
0.1 Leopard Gecko