New enclosure lighting

[Monta]

I have been working on a new enclosure for my male Veiled and eventually a Male Panther.
Enclosure is 60” wide 54” tall and 26” deep. It is divided into two 30” wide sections. I’d like to keep a hibiscus as the main plant of each enclosure.

I was thinking T5 HO’s for the uv. The rest I’m not sure about. I do have 2 48” freshwater quarium led’s that were never put into use.

Hi ,Love Love this ? Great job! Are you a millwright? If so it shows

 

[VJPeli73]

I hope you are going to work on it further. But i couldn't really tell if that was clear or solid in between the two cages, because if it is clear, they will be able to see each other. You dont want two males to be able to see each other especially of a different species of a chameleon. two males never like each other. So make sure there is a solid piece of wood or something in between the two cages, otherwise, i think it looks great!

 

[listen2justin]

Lighting aside, some plants are prone to issues when grown indoors. Hibiscus indoors are magnets to foliage mealy bugs, spider mites, and other plant pest. Strong lighting will help, but I still think they are more trouble than they are worth. If you are determined to keep a hibiscus, I would start with a minimum of 4 HO T5 bulbs over each and better 6 bulbs. LED spots burn foliage not at least 8”-10” beneath them, though floods could be useful, such as the outdoor security types. I am available to assist, but I second recommending a conversation with @Venutus1 for particular product information and as source for bulbs and fixtures. He isn’t the only source, but he is a helpful, reputable, asset to the hobby and that’s the type of person I like to spend my money with.

YES! bugs are definitely a whole 'nother story... i had to get rid of all my plants and get a whole new batch of plants because mealybugs were on the hibiscus and then went on to the rest of the plants. i really wanted to get another hibiscus to give it another try, but i haven't and so far no problems with bugs. *fingers crossed*

 

[Millwright]

That looks great. I have not grown hibiscus plants indoors but have had a lot of success with 250 and 400watt MH growing other plants that need a fair amount of light. Probably would need to mount it 1'-2' above for heat purposes. I would wonder with T5's how much penetration you would get for the entire plant.

I know some folks struggle more with heat than others with MH so you would need to consider your general ambient conditions if you go that route. Here in Michigan, I have found the heat produced to be more benefical than not.

I have 250 watt MH lights left over from my reef tank but I’m trying to stay away from the do to the heat and cost to run them. Fellow reefers were obtaining the same results with 6 T5 HO’s. I had switched to LED’s on my SPS LPS dominate reef with no issues. Im thinking I’d like to go that route if I can. As far as heat I’m too concerned. Northern Ohio and fans when it does get too warm will handle any issues. Lol

 

[Millwright]

Hi ,Love Love this ? Great job! Are you a millwright? If so it shows

Thank you. Yes Iam a Millwright.

 

[Millwright]

I hope you are going to work on it further. But i couldn't really tell if that was clear or solid in between the two cages, because if it is clear, they will be able to see each other. You dont want two males to be able to see each other especially of a different species of a chameleon. two males never like each other. So make sure there is a solid piece of wood or something in between the two cages, otherwise, i think it looks great!

Thank you. Yes I’m still working on it. Worked on the Enclosure doors last night.
There is a solid panel separating each side.

 

[Extensionofgreen]

A hibiscus relative that does better in lower light and still flower are Pavonia multiflora and Albutilons. Aclypha would be another genus of interest to consider.

 

[Millwright]

A hibiscus relative that does better in lower light and still flower are Pavonia multiflora and Albutilons. Aclypha would be another genus of interest to consider.

Thank you. I will have to look into those.