Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My little golden greek has been living the good life this summer, spending all day on our screen porch. Unfortunately, he won't be able to be outside all winter. I've gotten him a new bigger tank, and I'd like some advice on a few things.

Bedding: I'm using bark mulch, because that is what the pet store owner I got him from uses for his torts. I can't get cypress mulch in new england, and I know it's best to avoid aromatic mulches. Has anyone used pet bedding made of cellulose fiber? He loves to dig!

Lighting: I am currently using a spot light, on during the day, off at night. I am concerned about drafts in the apartment I am moving into. Would I be better off with a fluorescent bulb/night bulb on a thermostat combo? If I use a heating bulb with a thermostat, is it ok to have the same temp day and night?

Thanks!
~Sara

These guys are easy to keep if you keep them hot and dry.

You might consider a ceramic emitter for night time heat.

I found the simpler the setup the better. I keep mine on sand and provide a water dish. Heat is provided by an Active UV heat lamp during the day and the room is heated to 75 - 80 at night.

That's it. I've had them about 2 years now.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Do you use regular sand, like you would buy for a sandbox, or should I get special reptile sand?

I live in Southern California where there is an abundance of whatever kind of sand I might be looking for to achieve the look I have in mind.

The point is you can use any sand. The play sand you find at Home Depot will work and it is a hell of a lot cheaper than the stuff specifically for reptiles. I'd recommend that stuff for the goldens.

If you use silica sand (which looks nice) wash it good. It is suspected the dust is bad news. I still use it on occasion.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Thanks for the help. I'm going to get some play sand and see how he likes it.

The neat thing you said is 'see how he likes it'. The key is to see what the animal is comfortable with.

Another popular substrate is a sand/soil mix but I'll bet the guy will like the sand just fine.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I've had him on sand for a few days, and though he doesn't seem to dislike it, he isn't digging like he normally does. I'm used to him at least partially buring himself most nights, but he's been sleeping on the surface with the sand. Does this mean he doesn't like it? Or is this to be expected since sand is so much denser than barkmulch? Or is he just being his usual stubborn self and needs more time to get used to it?

Thanks,
Sara

You've got a few choices.

Go back to the mulch. Provide a substrate on top of the sand (leaves, hay or something like that) You can also provide a hide box.

Most tortoises do like their security.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I gave him some hay, and he's been sleeping under that, so I'm going to stick with the sand.