Mounting a dome in closed chamber

[Shaif]

Hi Tort Advisors and Friends,

I've been working on my closed chamber enclosure which is being made by Animal Plastics. Dimensions are 8ft length, 3ft width, 2ft height.

I've been following Mark and Tom's recommendations and have sent the fluorescent UVB and HO T5 bulbs and fixtures to be mounted.

I've hit a snag in the basking spot setup, however. I bought dome fixtures from Light Your Reptiles and had them sent to be installed in the enclosure. Animal Plastics has just informed me that the domes are not top mountable. Is there a fix or work around that anyone knows of? Are there domes that are top/ceiling mountable?
The company is saying the only option I have is to put screens at the top of the cage and have the lamps sit in the screens. But then it's not a closed system, and the distance from bulb to surface increases significantly.

Thanks so very much for any comments or advice!

 

[lismar79]

Not sure if this helps but I used a tension rod and was able to slide my clamp dome fixture onto that.

 

[jaizei]

I've done it the way they suggest, but I cut the holes myself, mounted the light and secured it with 3/8 straps.

Or you could mount an electrical box with a keyless fixture inside.

 

[motero]

I have dozens hanging from the top. They are all a little different, but some stout wire through the holes in the reflector hooked to an eye bolt or rod that goes from side to side, usually works.

 

[motero]

Ideas. Also they can hard wire regular flush mount light fixtures. But that would complicate adjusting the height.

 

[Tom]

I'm not familiar with AP cages, but can you run screws through the top? How about running a 2x4 along the inside top of the ceiling? Then screw those little coffee cup holder hooks into the 2x4 and hang your fixtures from that?

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Or you could mount an electrical box with a keyless fixture inside.

This is what I've always done. Works great, (I just don't stare mesmerized at the bulb).

 

[Shaif]

Thank you. This is all very helpful!