pjj
New Member
I like the combo of a T5 fluorescent tube along with a lower wattage (65 watts) incandescent for a basking area. The heat from the incandescent needs to be as close as practical to the UVB. That is what will encourage basking. I then like a longer T5 fluorescent for ambient lighting to get a nice bright enclosure. YOu can then limit the UVB to just 5 hrs midday or so with the incandescent and ambient fluorescent on all 14 hrs daily. That really gives a nice midday bright light and as a side benefit really increases the life of your UVB tube.
34" or 46" T5 fluorescent 6000K or full spectrum grow light for ambient light.
18" or 24" T5 UVB 12.0 for midday UVB
65 watt incandescent flood for basking heat and longer wavelength (redder colors) light.
Put the ambient fluorescent and incandescent on a timer for 14 hrs a day.
Put the UVB on another time for 5 hours midday.
I am in their process off modernizing and updating my lighting for my Russian and Redfoot babies.
I like the combo of a T5 fluorescent tube along with a lower wattage (65 watts) incandescent for a basking area. The heat from the incandescent needs to be as close as practical to the UVB. That is what will encourage basking. I then like a longer T5 fluorescent for ambient lighting to get a nice bright enclosure. YOu can then limit the UVB to just 5 hrs midday or so with the incandescent and ambient fluorescent on all 14 hrs daily. That really gives a nice midday bright light and as a side benefit really increases the life of your UVB tube.
34" or 46" T5 fluorescent 6000K or full spectrum grow light for ambient light.
18" or 24" T5 UVB 12.0 for midday UVB
65 watt incandescent flood for basking heat and longer wavelength (redder colors) light.
Put the ambient fluorescent and incandescent on a timer for 14 hrs a day.
Put the UVB on another time for 5 hours midday.
I am in the process of upgrading the lighting for my Russian and Redfoot baby's enclosures. Currently , I'm using merc. vapor bulbs and heat lamps for UVB/ warmth. I want to switch to fluorescent uvb bulbs. Finding proper lighting options in Maine is challenging. Buying online is risky--I've had bad luck with lots off breakage leading to wasted money and challenging returns. The above lighting combo sounds terrific ! Can I substitute any "pet" products (ei, the light hood) for ones found in the hardware store? I have one pet store that carries very few reptile products, but there are many hardware stores and growing supply stores in my area.