heat emitter

Question
I have an approximate 8mo. red foot tortoise that is about 2.5-3".  right now he is in a 45gal Rubbermaid tub.  what watt heat emitter should I use?

Answer
This depends on how warm it usually is in your house. What I recommend is to get a heat controller or thermostat that will turn your heater on and off when it gets too warm or cool.

With a thermostat, get close to the largest heater that it can work with (I usually get the next size lower than it can handle at max). That way, most of the time it is barely on, and when it gets really chilly, it can handle the job. I also find that in general, the big ones last longer- but that is not an absolute rule!

Without a thermostat, you have to adjust the heat by using timers, or moving the heat up or down, etc. It drove me crazy!

Don't forget, with an open tub, you may have to cover it partially to get the high humidity you want as well- especially in the winter.

Good luck, and for more good care tips, try:
- http://www.redfoots.com
- http://www.redfoottortoise.com
- http://www.torotisetrust.org