I had originally posted this as a reply on another thread, but it probably deserves to be in it's own stand alone thread. 
Something to consider for larger cages:
The 2 basing light method.
It's a variation on the "The Light an Shade Method".
This is simple and cheap and can offer the animal a broader choice of basking Areas with a wider variation in UV levels.
You could use bulbs of slightly different wattage so the temps will vary a bit. And with your temp gun or thermometer...
adjust branches under each dome to offer a bit of variety.
Sort of "fine tuning".
Position one closer to/ right near the (array) of UVB flo. bulb(s)
Position one farther away (say in the back corner) from the UV generating light source.
Now you have some different UV zones (ei: UV gradients) as well as some different basking temp. zones.
This creates an environment that allows the animal the broadest choices.
THINK:
Just like Nature.
Also, you can use a dome with an 80 WATT Merc. Vapor bulb in it along with a second dome with a household bulb in it positioned across the cage.
Along with the Merc vapor--- you would use for general lighting and background UV, a dual bulb HO t5 over the cage with a 6% UVB HO T5 in it and a 6.5k daylight bulb. And you still keep the dome with the household bulb in it off to the side for the "low UVB but plenty of heat" basking area.
This creates an environment that allows the animal the broadest choices.
THINK:
Just like Nature.
One of the benefits with the above is:
They are not "forced" to sit and soak up more UV than they want when trying to get warm just to digest food!
Conversely:
They can bask and get plenty of heat along with UV if they feel the need.
Also:
LIVE PLANTS will do great.
Here is an article from the European magazine talking about creating different zones so the animal can choose what they need.
It is called "The Light an Shade Method"
It is catching on in Europe and will be the gold standard here soon I believe.
Why?
Because it is the best for the animals and does not force them to live (And make CHOICES) in an overly limiting and restrictive environment.
http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/files..._PRK_Mar13.pdf
PS.
PLUS
if anyone has Bearded Dragons, this IS the way to go too...
because they are in cages that do not offer as much vertical variation in UV and heat to choose from as a Chams cage can...
In other words:
They are in a much less 3 dimensional set up--
so the 2 basking area is the way to go for them too so they have more and better choices!
Yes, Friends....
A new day is dawning on reptile care... and I am excited!
Cheers!
Todd
__________________
Something to consider for larger cages:
The 2 basing light method.
It's a variation on the "The Light an Shade Method".
This is simple and cheap and can offer the animal a broader choice of basking Areas with a wider variation in UV levels.
You could use bulbs of slightly different wattage so the temps will vary a bit. And with your temp gun or thermometer...
adjust branches under each dome to offer a bit of variety.
Sort of "fine tuning".
Position one closer to/ right near the (array) of UVB flo. bulb(s)
Position one farther away (say in the back corner) from the UV generating light source.
Now you have some different UV zones (ei: UV gradients) as well as some different basking temp. zones.
This creates an environment that allows the animal the broadest choices.
THINK:
Just like Nature.
Also, you can use a dome with an 80 WATT Merc. Vapor bulb in it along with a second dome with a household bulb in it positioned across the cage.
Along with the Merc vapor--- you would use for general lighting and background UV, a dual bulb HO t5 over the cage with a 6% UVB HO T5 in it and a 6.5k daylight bulb. And you still keep the dome with the household bulb in it off to the side for the "low UVB but plenty of heat" basking area.
This creates an environment that allows the animal the broadest choices.
THINK:
Just like Nature.
One of the benefits with the above is:
They are not "forced" to sit and soak up more UV than they want when trying to get warm just to digest food!
Conversely:
They can bask and get plenty of heat along with UV if they feel the need.
Also:
LIVE PLANTS will do great.
Here is an article from the European magazine talking about creating different zones so the animal can choose what they need.
It is called "The Light an Shade Method"
It is catching on in Europe and will be the gold standard here soon I believe.
Why?
Because it is the best for the animals and does not force them to live (And make CHOICES) in an overly limiting and restrictive environment.
http://www.arcadia-reptile.com/files..._PRK_Mar13.pdf
PS.
PLUS
if anyone has Bearded Dragons, this IS the way to go too...
because they are in cages that do not offer as much vertical variation in UV and heat to choose from as a Chams cage can...
In other words:
They are in a much less 3 dimensional set up--
so the 2 basking area is the way to go for them too so they have more and better choices!
Yes, Friends....
A new day is dawning on reptile care... and I am excited!
Cheers!
Todd
__________________
