Lighting ?'s

[crocky]

I use the 10.0 linear repti suns for my bearded dragons but I have found someone that has this fixture (the double one)
http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/compact_top.php
and was wondering if these lights would be ok for a chameleon?
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun®-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B00061V4PI
I am assuming I would need two one on each side so it covers the entire tank. But then I also need something for plant growth. Not sure if these 5.0 bulbs promote plant growth. Of course I will be using a regular household bulb for basking in a separate fixture.

Just wanted to check on those bulbs and placement. I had also heard that the spiral cf bulbs can hurt the reptiles eyes. I know that is the reason I never used them in my beardeds enclosures. But I was not sure if these were the same.

 

[coldbloodedAL]

Those would be fine, It was with old formulations in CFL bulbs that were causing issues. The CFls nowadays do not cause issues..

But, I suggest just getting linear flourescents If that is an option. And you could probably get them cheaper. The output in CFLs is minimal imo and are better suited to small cages.

 

[crocky]

Thanks! I just had this fixture on hand or rather could get ahold of it so thought I would see. The linear fixtures are pretty cheap though so I can get them through lowes and stick to my original plan. Thanks for the input!

 

[Carlton]

I still prefer the linear type over CFs because they seem to light up a larger percentage of larger cages. I use CF full spectrum lights on my bird aviary but without a hood or a reflector that light is annoying for human observers. Linear hoods do a better job of blocking it where you don't need it.

 

[Carlton]

Thanks! I just had this fixture on hand or rather could get ahold of it so thought I would see. The linear fixtures are pretty cheap though so I can get them through lowes and stick to my original plan. Thanks for the input!

Some cheaper linear fixtures don't handle the load of ReptiSuns very well. They don't always last. Heavier duty ones are probably a bit more cost effective.

 

[nightanole]

Some cheaper linear fixtures don't handle the load of ReptiSuns very well. They don't always last. Heavier duty ones are probably a bit more cost effective.

yup make sure you get the electronic ballast versions.

For a grow like the zoomed ultrasuns are nice, and about half the cost of uv light.

 

[crocky]

Yeah I am not sure which ones I have but I use 6 of the double fixtures from lowes over my dragon cages with 10.0 reptisun with no issues. Thanks so much for all the help! I am sure I will need more of it

I am assuming the reptisuns don't do much for plants though. I am going to probably get a 6500k linear to go with it.

 

[Carlton]

Yeah I am not sure which ones I have but I use 6 of the double fixtures from lowes over my dragon cages with 10.0 reptisun with no issues. Thanks so much for all the help! I am sure I will need more of it

I am assuming the reptisuns don't do much for plants though. I am going to probably get a 6500k linear to go with it.

Reptisuns won't hurt plants. I've used Reptisuns and also use spent bulbs in other fixtures on my cages for years and my plants do fine as long as I keep their roots from rotting, fertilize them and rotate them outdoors once in a while.

 

[azgnoinc]

Yeah I am not sure which ones I have but I use 6 of the double fixtures from lowes over my dragon cages with 10.0 reptisun with no issues. Thanks so much for all the help! I am sure I will need more of it

I am assuming the reptisuns don't do much for plants though. I am going to probably get a 6500k linear to go with it.

I have only used the Reptisun 5.0 bulbs in my enclosures over the years and the plants (especially Ficus trees, Pothos, and Umbrellas Plants) have THRIVED under them. My basic rule is that is the plants are doing well enough that I need to regularly trim them back then the animals should be doing pretty good too - and thus far it has worked like a charm for me. No need to spend money on extra lighting unless you need to.

 

[PenelopeLove]

I have only used the Reptisun 5.0 bulbs in my enclosures over the years and the plants (especially Ficus trees, Pothos, and Umbrellas Plants) have THRIVED under them. My basic rule is that is the plants are doing well enough that I need to regularly trim them back then the animals should be doing pretty good too - and thus far it has worked like a charm for me. No need to spend money on extra lighting unless you need to.

Boy am I glad I came online today!

I have the exact same bulb and was just about to start up a thread asking if it was really necessary to get an additional tube just for the plants!

Thanks for this!

 

[nightanole]

Lizard lights work great for grow lights, however a grow light is $6, while a good lizard light is $20-$30. Its why some run one lizard and one grow. For extra light i recomend the zoomed ultra suns for fresh water tanks. The have a the same 6500k color match with 6 phospors, but 2 only cost $25, vs $100 for 2 T5 HO lizard lights.

 

[crocky]

I got my lights hooked up today. Just to recap


I have this fixture but it is the double bulb one. Mainly because I had it on hand. I typically use the linear bulbs but since I had it I thought I could use it and it fits perfect on to of the cage.
http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/compact_top.php

On one side (same side as his basking bulb) is this bulb. ( I actually have two of these but only using one)
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiSun®-Compact-Fluorescent/dp/B00061V4PI

On the other side is this one, except I think I have the 60/13 watt. I use to use this bulb in my sump of my saltwater tank and it grew macro like crazy.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_296884-371-...pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Bright+Effects_4294935558

I was going to put the 5.0 on both sides but opted to put a plant light on the other side.

My question is should I put the other 5.0 UVB in the other side as well instead of the 6500k. The box says the UVB bulb is full spectrum. My worry is the UVB is only on half the cage. But the cage is 18x18x36 so it does cover one half. Or if I don't change it should I add a 10.0 instead of the 5.0 on that one side. I always worry the screen cuts out on usable rays.

Anyway sorry for the ramble.....so 2 UVB so it covers the entire width or keep it like it is with one UVb on one side and 6500k on the other?

 

[nightanole]

A cf light is not that efficient when you want it to go in a direction, in your case 140 degee arc down. I would put in 2 UV lights since you got them, and the 5.0 doesnt put out much uv past 1 foot down. Great for tank lizards, not so good for chams with a 2-3ft tall cage.

Yes the screen will block 50% of the rays.
As others have stated, we recommend a tube UV light light in the future, in the 8.0-10 range (or in arcadia models, the 6%) when its filtered by screen.

In the future id get this guy if you do not want to go the arcadia route:
a double 18" T8 with 1 reptisun 10.0 and 1 6500k grow. It would stick over the edges of the tank alittle, but the "light" section would fit the cage perfect.

Or to go the arcadia route:
100 Watt Mercury Vapor KIT (you would need one more 45-60 watt basking light so the cham has a choice on uv basking or normal, so he can regulate himself.

 

[crocky]

I have several reptisun 10.0 linear bulbs but I have read tons of threads on here that state 5.0 not 10.0....ugh confusion at its best! Lol.

I also have a 10.0 cf like the 5.0 I can use instead if need be

i do realize the cf bulb only covers half the tank, better than in a dome style pointing down though. I can put the other one in the other side no problems.

My biggest concern is that my Cham wont have any ill effects from the use of the bulb. I have also read many folks here use them with great success but then others say don't use it if it is the last thing you ever do on earth...LOL.

I had bought this fixture 6 months ago for a growing program I was going to do for organic greens but never used it gave it to a friend who never used and recently got it back, so I figured I hate to throw money away BUT most importantly don't want to use it if it is not good for my Cham.

Thanks for the input!