Professor Booty
New Member
I just ordered a 24x24x48" aluminum mesh enclosure for my 1 year old veiled. I'm wondering if I need to change my lighting strategy slightly.
Currently I'm using a Reptisun 5.0 bulb on his 16.5x30" Reptarium. Is that going to have deep enough UVB penetration on the taller enclosure? From what I've read fresh 5.0 bulbs go only about 12" into the enclosure at best, and that having to go through mesh decreases that distance. Would a 10.0 and its stronger UVB be a better choice, or is the top 8-12" of the enclosure the only place that needs UVB? Some people have mentioned using the 10.0 for "larger" enclosures- what constitutes a larger enclosure?
I've seen some mention of mounting fluorescent bulbs vertically along the side instead of horizontally across the top. Good idea, bad idea? Is this done to get around UVB penetration problems, or is it done with regular household bulbs for better visibility of the enclosure? Could this potentially help light-demanding plants such as Hibiscus?
Currently I'm using a Reptisun 5.0 bulb on his 16.5x30" Reptarium. Is that going to have deep enough UVB penetration on the taller enclosure? From what I've read fresh 5.0 bulbs go only about 12" into the enclosure at best, and that having to go through mesh decreases that distance. Would a 10.0 and its stronger UVB be a better choice, or is the top 8-12" of the enclosure the only place that needs UVB? Some people have mentioned using the 10.0 for "larger" enclosures- what constitutes a larger enclosure?
I've seen some mention of mounting fluorescent bulbs vertically along the side instead of horizontally across the top. Good idea, bad idea? Is this done to get around UVB penetration problems, or is it done with regular household bulbs for better visibility of the enclosure? Could this potentially help light-demanding plants such as Hibiscus?
