Russian Tortoises are nice and they do not get very large. They also have a great personality. We have a redfoot tortoise that stays inside during cool and cold weather and at night. We have him set up in a tub that is 6'' high 20''wide and 48''long. I also have a 100w Zoo Med Power Sun lamp that shines on his cage (during daylight hours). It bumps his basking area to mid 90's but it is 2nd to none on the uvb production. I love these lamps. It is the best you can get next to real sunlight. Only thing is you don't want to dose to much with D3 if you use these lights. Ask your vet but mine says 1 time a week at most with this particular light since reptiles kept under it actually produce good levels of D3 on their own.

You can go with a heat pad and florescent lighting but personally I prefer this bulb. What ever species you go with I hope you enjoy your tortoise. My whole family loves Mac and he is such a cutie. They really are a joy to have around.