50/50 mix

[mikalabrynn]

We got new substrate for Shelby yesterday.  We did the 50/50 mix of sand and eco earth.  We are not used to seeing her covered in substrate because her old stuff wasn't moist like this is and didn't stick to her.  We were just worried that the sand can scratch her eyes.  We bought play sand so we know its really soft.  Are we just being too protective?

[Bertas Tortoise]

Your Tort will let you know if the sand becomes too much. They will keep their eyes shut. Just try to keep it moist. Some people use a spray bottle to give the substarte a little mist here and there. That should help keep the sand even better.  Im sure someone else on here can help you out more!!  GOOD LUCK!!

[Jules]

Don't worry, it will be fine.  Just make sure to keep it moist.  You will have to do more than just mist.  Every so often you will need to POUR water on the substrate and mix.  The substrate should not run through your hand if you pick it up. Maybe even clump together when you squeeze it in your hand.  If you plant in it, water like you would any plant to keep it alive.



HOpe this helps.
Jules

[Zookeeper]

I'm using a ratio of 80% EcoEarth to 20% play sand.  Your substrate at the proper ratio should look like dirt with a little sand mixed in.  The 80/20 ratio seems to hold the moisture better than the 50/50 ratio.  I heat with wood during the winter so consequently the air is very dry in the house and sucks the moisture out of the torts substrate.  Even under those conditions if I don't mist the substrate for a week the substrate is only dry to about a depth of 1/2".  When the week is up I wet the substrate with my "watering can method", mix the upper layer of substrate thoroughly into the lower layer of substrate, smooth it all out and they're good to go for another week.

[Autumn33]

yes I also use less sand about 30 % Sand and the rest Eco Earth that seems to work for us fine I do a lot of misting on the side with the lamps but I try to keep that side drier then the cool end so my tort can chose  what she likes also I put timothy hay on the cool end , some times she sleeps on the cool end and some times she sleeps on the warm end it just depends how she feels.

[Blue]

How are you keeping the 50/50 mix warm at night without the warming light?

[Autumn33]

No it is not suppose to be warm at night they need to cool down so 55 to 65 degrees is OK but when it is colder you probably need a heading pad.

[Jules]

NO HEATING PADS!!!!!!!

[Zookeeper]

How are you keeping the 50/50 mix warm at night without the warming light?

You don't keep the substrate warm at night.  RT's need a night time temperature drop.  60 to 65 degrees is ideal.  Not enough of a temperature drop will affect their basking and eating and too much of a drop will cause them to want to hibernate

[Autumn33]

How are you keeping the 50/50 mix warm at night without the warming light?

You don't keep the substrate warm at night.  RT's need a night time temperature drop.  60 to 65 degrees is ideal.  Not enough of a temperature drop will affect their basking and eating and too much of a drop will cause them to want to hibernate

right and to prevent hibernation should one not use a Heading pet? that is when it gets to cold and no other way  to keep warm is available.

[Bertas Tortoise]

From what I understand heating pads are a big no-no.

[Turbotort]

If it gets under say 55 of an evening then you can use a ceramic heat bulb. Which gives off no light, this is recommended as heat pads can cause burns, heat pads are ok if youre couriering a tort in a box though, most breeders use them when they transport torts. 

[Jules]

  Remember, that if they are cold they will burrow down into the warmer substrate.  Even 50 is okay if it is not every night.  I worry more in the summer when the evening temps don't get below 75 or 80 and they can't cool off.

If you have your home set for under 55, your energy bills must be very low. 

You will only need a ceramic bulb if it is continually under 50 at night.  BURRR

[Turbotort]

I agree with Jules, it`s worse to have it warmer than cooler of an evening!! 

[Zookeeper]

right and to prevent hibernation should one not use a Heading pet?

No.  For a tort to go into hibernation the temps have to be in the 40's.  I somehow doubt that anyones house gets that cold at night.  In the wild during the heat of the day RT's will burrow down into the soil to cool off.  If you are heating the substrate from underneath where are they going to go to cool off?