Go to www.russiantortoise.net for immediate info.

Ed Pirog has a book out on Russian tortoises that covers all the details.

Russians are nothing like box turtles. Russians are herbivores that live in dry climates.

1) A 30 gallon tank is way too small. That's maybe 2 or 3 sq ft. An adult russian (over 4 inches in shell length) should have at least 8 sq ft. 6 sq ft if you make an effort to landscape it with places to crawl under and over. etc. I wouldn't let the tortoise roam free too much. They can really poop a lot, and if it dries, it sticks hard. Plus they can get under things, chew on cords, etc.

2) I have Reptomin here at home. It's made of fish meal, wheat, shrimp etc. It's made for carnivores. If this is what you are feeding the tortoise - then stop! If there is another product that is fruit-based, with NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS, then you really shouldn't use that either. Russian tortoises aren't fruit eaters like iguanas. Some apple is OK, but no bananas or other soft fruits. Sometimes they get diarrhea from it. Stick with the greens, dandelions, etc. The website and book above will cover the details.

Good luck!

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