Lighting Help

[lily2521]

I'm ordering all of my supplies online, and I want to make sure I'm getting the right items for lighting. This will be for a 16x16x30 cage, for a juvenile male carpet

reptisun terrarium hood, 20"
reptisun 5.0 18" UVB fluorescent bulb
Zoo Med Mini Deep Dome Lamp Fixture
Regular 60w white light bulb for this fixture (or should I get one of the basking spot lamps instead of this for the bulb?)

Will this set up work, and give me everything I need for lighting?

Is this a safe set up too, assuming the hood and the dome just sit right on top of the cage pointing downwards? I have this underlying fear of everything getting too hot and being a fire hazard!

Or could I just get this, and would this include everything I need? I like that it's cheaper, and just 1 unit. Is the blue bulb okay, or should I replace it with a white one? Does it matter?

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Tropi...-5&keywords=Mini+Combo+Deep+Dome+Lamp+Fixture

Thanks!

 

[Lpsouth1978]

That lighting will do well. You may have to adjust the basking bulb depending on the temps you achieve. A lot of keepers use 40W bulbs while others use 75W, it all depends on your setup and temps.

 

[Carlton]

reptisun terrarium hood, 20"
reptisun 5.0 18" UVB fluorescent bulb
Zoo Med Mini Deep Dome Lamp Fixture
Regular 60w white light bulb for this fixture (or should I get one of the basking spot lamps instead of this for the bulb?)


Or could I just get this, and would this include everything I need? I like that it's cheaper, and just 1 unit. Is the blue bulb okay, or should I replace it with a white one? Does it matter?

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Tropi...-5&keywords=Mini+Combo+Deep+Dome+Lamp+Fixture

Thanks!

I haven't used the so-called specialty basking lights for years. There's really no need. All the basking bulb needs to provide is heat, and any incandescent household bulb will do that. I like using halogen exterior porch lights instead of indoor bulbs...they are sturdier, less sensitive to moisture, and seem to last longer. However, for your size cage you won't want a larger one as it could be too hot. Adjust the basking spot temp by moving the lamp closer or farther away. Start off conservatively and reduce the distance or increase the bulb wattage if it doesn't reach the correct temp for a carpet.