I'd like to hear from experienced keepers whether montane species can be kept happily, healthily, and to roughly their natural life expectancy in an environment lit solely with artificial lighting, assuming their other husbandry needs (UVA/B, hydration, nutrition, etc) are well met. I very much want to grow my cham hobby (addiction?), but my supra-terrestrial cage space is exhausted (per spouse) and the only other option is to build set-ups in the basement, which has no natural sunlight. I've had a contractor in to estimate for wiring, plumbing, installing white FRP board, etc, but still I hesitate. Like the rest of us, my current critters seem "better" -- more activity, more appetite, more engagement -- when that sunny orb is shining outside their window than when it is not. Is there a way to compensate? I just let a desperately wanted cb Quadricornis slip through my fingers because I was unsure he could thrive in the environment I could provide... Maybe bright (MV, halogen, metal halide) lights can make the difference or...? Mike? Jenna?
Thanks in advance,
Leslie
Thanks in advance,
Leslie