Enclosure seems dim

[crocky]

My enclosure seems dim to me. My enclosure is a 18x18x36, I have a double bulb exo terra fixture with 2 CF 5.0 reptisuns on either side then I also have a 60 watt household bulb for basking and a 6500k light bulb for the plant. Still seems really dim to me near the back of the enclosure. I don't mind as I like the way it looks plus it gives some shade if Waldo wants to seek shade but I worry about my plant and if it is getting enough light. Just seems really shaded in the back. I have a schefflera and it looks pretty good although I have lost some leaves over the last week.

I am going to upgrade to t5 HO arcadia when I move him to his bigger enclosure but for now I want to use what I have on hand but I also don't want to loose my plant. Like I said it looks healthy but it does frequently drop leaves. I assume these plants are pretty hardy and tolerate different light levels but one part does not really get any light. I also know that the layers of the plant will block the middle and lower levels but did not know what you guys do to light a densely planted cage or do your plants do just fine with lower light levels?

 

[dom1959]

i halfway think the cham probably needs some dim areas

 

[crocky]

Thanks, Yeah I agree and I like the way it looks but just curious about the plant needs. Of course Cham needs come first but wanted to see if there was a happy medium. I would hate to have to change my plant out every couple of months for fear of stressing my guy out.

 

[dom1959]

schefflera will most likely be ok given the 6500 bulb. i think if they don't get enough light they get thin and grow up more than out.

 

[Carlton]

Thanks, Yeah I agree and I like the way it looks but just curious about the plant needs. Of course Cham needs come first but wanted to see if there was a happy medium. I would hate to have to change my plant out every couple of months for fear of stressing my guy out.

Eventually the schefflera may thin out in the back and produce more leaves where it gets more light. It will sort of prune itself to take the most advantage of the cage light pattern, but may not die off. Just have to watch and wait. Don't let the potting soil sit soggy as that will kill the roots.

 

[crocky]

Thanks, I only use my misting for watering so no direct watering. Hoping that will keep it from getting too soggy. I took notice today as well that the back gets lots of natural sunlight in them morning so hopefully that will be fine for it. I was just losing some leaves and was curious. It could have also been just the change form not being in an enclosure to now being in an enclosure.