Plant Lights

[ZEUUS]

Even with the uvb and uva lights, the plants in my enclosures aren't doing too well. I've decided to look into buying some plant lights, but I don't have any idea where to start. If anybody has experience with purchasing the "best" plant lights and also the most affordable, of course.

Looking forward for some advice.

 

[dinokeeper]

You can pick up an inexpensive reflector and just use cfl's that would cheapest. For a bit more money you could get a double high output t5 fixture and grow those plants through the roof.

 

[ZEUUS]

You can pick up an inexpensive reflector and just use cfl's that would cheapest. For a bit more money you could get a double high output t5 fixture and grow those plants through the roof.

Alright a reflector and cfl's.. Can you elaborate for me please? Also I don't need to really grow them through the roof. Just maintain them, ya know.

 

[dinokeeper]

You can either get some flukers dome reflectors for around 10 bucks or a zoomed one for 20ish. I picked some up from homedepot for for around six about a year ago but had to paint them to make them presentable( they were originally just aluminium). To do it again ild just go with the flukers ones. For the cfl's i would do 10k or 12k for the light color, its the best combination for happy plants and color rendition.

 

[ZEUUS]

You can either get some flukers dome reflectors for around 10 bucks or a zoomed one for 20ish. I picked some up from homedepot for for around six about a year ago but had to paint them to make them presentable( they were originally just aluminium). To do it again ild just go with the flukers ones. For the cfl's i would do 10k or 12k for the light color, its the best combination for happy plants and color rendition.

http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?groupid=18404&id=SFK27004

Is that what you mean by reflectors? Also I'm still lost about cfl's.. What is a cfl? Thanks for your patience

 

[EvilLost]

Even with the uvb and uva lights, the plants in my enclosures aren't doing too well. I've decided to look into buying some plant lights, but I don't have any idea where to start. If anybody has experience with purchasing the "best" plant lights and also the most affordable, of course.

Looking forward for some advice.

plants dont really need uva/uvb

they need full visible light spectrum. any 6500K color temp bulb / full spectrum bulb should suffice...

You can use the domes though I prefer the simple light fixtures or a T8 fixture personally. If you are using CFL's I would personally suggest: http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?groupid=1159&id=PT2225 over domes. The domes are meant to focus the heat as well, and although its minimal with CFLs, I still prefer not to.

Otherwise, a $20ish dollar T8 fixture from homedepot/walmart will work. Get a 6500K "Daylight" bulb (thats the more important part)...HD only carries 4' daylights around here...i have to go to a lighting supplier to find shorter ones usually (you can use lower color temps, but 6500K will lead to the most colorful flowers/etc generally)

How do you know its your lights for sure?

MOST LIKELY ISSUES:

-Not enough light
-TOO HOT / plants too close to light (look for individual leaf burn to indicate this)
-Plants are planted in potting soil/poor drainage soil and are dieing due to rot from overwatering (the solution is NOT to water less, but to change your substrate to a better draining one)

 

[Davonat]

Check into the" Indoor Sunshine bulbs "at Light Your Reptiles I just got 2 compact flouresents. That brand is supposed to be the best for plants and your cham I think you can get them in tube too. They are a sponsor here. Dave

 

[ZEUUS]

plants dont really need uva/uvb

they need full visible light spectrum. any 6500K color temp bulb / full spectrum bulb should suffice...

You can use the domes though I prefer the simple light fixtures or a T8 fixture personally. If you are using CFL's I would personally suggest: http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?groupid=1159&id=PT2225 over domes. The domes are meant to focus the heat as well, and although its minimal with CFLs, I still prefer not to.

Otherwise, a $20ish dollar T8 fixture from homedepot/walmart will work. Get a 6500K "Daylight" bulb (thats the more important part)...HD only carries 4' daylights around here...i have to go to a lighting supplier to find shorter ones usually (you can use lower color temps, but 6500K will lead to the most colorful flowers/etc generally)

How do you know its your lights for sure?

MOST LIKELY ISSUES:

-Not enough light
-TOO HOT / plants too close to light (look for individual leaf burn to indicate this)
-Plants are planted in potting soil/poor drainage soil and are dieing due to rot from overwatering (the solution is NOT to water less, but to change your substrate to a better draining one)

I planted them in organic potting soil with sand on top so that the crickets don't dig down into the soil. Also There was individual burns, but I moved the plant and trimmed it down and that plant is doing fine now. Now i'm having trouble maintaining two umbrella plants and a hibiscus plant..

 

[RPCV]

I use 6500K CFLs. Get a 2 pack for about $10 at Lowes or Home Depot. Have been using these for a couple years and my plants that get very little sunlight are doing great.

A number of previous threads have discussed this. Do a search for 6500K and you'll get more info than you want.

 

[SonTigerPantherCham]

*giggle*
Hey Dave, yes i am now stalking you in public
I too use the bulbs Dave is talking about. Along with my LED, 6500k, basking and 4' uv
but i use only live plants and alot of them
Anne

 

[RunCode3]

Can someone find a bulb on amazon they recommend and post a link?

 

[RPCV]

I'm not a lighting expert but this has worked for me:

http://www.amazon.com/85397-26-Watt-Energy-DayLight-Spiral/dp/B002CYZPAM/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1329579225&sr=1-3