Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello
I have a yr old Indigo. The room he is in is perfect as its warm (I use ac when to warm) and has large window with sun during day . I find light during the day underrated for snakes (granted most hide but they know its day). Its a small den which 4 snakes are housed in tanks .

Either way I wanted to build him a large enclosure as he is growing fast big eater and loves to climb (thick branches) problem is the much larger room I wanted to use has no windows (well ac unit in the only window).

I certainly have no problem with overhead light my question is will "fake" light make a difference ? I had planned to use a regular flouresecent high watt type bulb in ceiling fixture as it gives off good lighting and leave that on for 10 hours but again not like a sunny window thus not sure.

Any input ?

Thanks

Hi Malays, that's a question you could get 100 different answers for. I'm just a rookie at this, but it all comes down to personal preference since little data leans towards either way (natural or unnatural lighting...or no lighting at all for that matter). I think most that believe in natural lighting feel it may help with breeding/egg fertility. Personally, I use natural lighting...at least for now. There are bulbs and flourescents available but are very expensive and usually have to be replaced more often than regular bulbs/flourescents. Not so much because the light burns out but because the bulb/flourecent loses its UVA/UVB producing abilities. So you'll still have light, just not 'natural' light. If you're looking at simply lighting the room with your fixture on your ceiling, natural lighting won't work. UVA/UVB bulbs have a short distance of effect. Generally around 1 to 3 feet. So they're only good for 'in or on the cage' lighting.

I'll admit, I'm beginning to lean towards regular lighting as my collection is growing and bulbs are becomming a significant expense. But I'll always maintain some with UVA/UVB lighting as an experiment to learn more.

The next thing to consider is light cycles. I just copy Florida's, adjusting through the year. But again, there are many opinions about this too.

Ken

I agree . I was going to expand my collection and start a larger snake room but The 4 - I have there now do seem to enjoy real light .
There is plenty of room there to build larger enclosure for the Indigo I think will just keep the gang in there and will abstain from anymore snakes.
I have 1 indigo-1 albino Tx rat and 2 milksnakes . The Indigo and rat seem to "enjoy" the sunlight as are out lots when room is bright . With AC temp is kept at mid 70s with warmer area for them all .

problem is I dont have room for more snakes in large enclosures .I had planned to get 2 more Indigos (f) as have a male but the loss of real sunlight bothers me. I often open the top window on warm rainy nights and that even "excites" the whole bunch .
Window has screen and iron welded bars so nothing can get in . I wonder what the cost of putting in a large window in the big room is lol just a thought .

Don't let lighting stop you! Look into the UVA/UVB bulbs and flourescents in the Breeders/Dealers/Stores area of this site before you give up those two indies. The light quality looks natural and bright. And there's lots of ways to make them work with whatever cage you have. I pay about $75 to $100 per cage per year for the bulbs. A pair of indies are worth that! And you can always choose to use normal lighting...it may not even make a bit of difference. Just one of many unsolved mysteries.

I had planned just a good size bulb in ceiling which lights up the room well not individual cage lighting but as of now opted not to as nothing like real light and the option of open window on warm rainy nights .

I am still on the fence about room without that option. Granted its not needed but the snakes do seem to "kick into gear" with rain in the air . Only the rat and Indigo seem to 'enjoy" the humidity in the air.
Like treefrog type snakes lol . Again your right not needed .

I use twin 48" UV light fixtures with GE plant bulbs, available at Walmart, along with Pro Heat radiant heat panels controlled by Helix DBS-1000 proportional thermostats.
Also, all of my Drys are exposed to direct, natural sunlight at least 2-3 times per week and though I once used the more expensive "specialty" UV bulbs, I have not noticed any decrease in activity, appetite or fecundity among the Drys within my collection using the GE plant bulbs from Walmart..

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Lol oh Ge bulbs and Philips Ultralumes are what I use on my planted freshwater tanks. I agree great bulbs underrated bulbs never thought good for snakes just associated them with plants.
Thanks for the idea .