Nursing sick tortoises. True-lite or an equivalent full spectrum tube can help here. Good ventilation is also vital. Tortoises are badly suited to typical 'vivarium' conditions and can rapidly develop secondary problems if kept in inappropriate, badly ventilated 'fish-tank' type vivarium units.
Respiratory problems are especially common under such circumstances as are problems with sore eyes.
Our preferred method of accommodation for sick tortoises is describedbelow. This consists of a 500mm X 500mm square pen constructed of plywood. The sides measure 200mm high and prevent the animal climbing out. For overnight use, a small tubular heater affixed to one of the side walls is available. The base of the unit is best covered with vinyl tiles which are very easy to clean and sterilise.