Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,

I was wondering what kind of lights and where do you get them from do you use for your vivarium plants to stay healthy and grow nicely. Also, please do NOT post a followup answering this, instead please email me your replies at reptile_boi1989@hotmail.com because everytime i make a post here the next day i have to scroll down half way down the page just to find a few replies.

Thanks,
Ben

You can set it to send you an e-mail at the bottom of your post. Also if everyone replies drirectly to you then no one else can benefit from the information posted.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

I normally use 4' shoplights purchased at the local hardware store. I am looking into using different bulbs (they have some that are supposed to be the next best thing under compacts, but that still hasn't taken place yet. Now working with Phelsuma etc, I find myself wanting better lighting. Regardless, I will never get rid of the shiplight tradition. Compacts will be great if the price ever comes down to something I deem reasonable.
Best,
J

Justin, I couldn't agree more! I have quite a few of these fixtures...and you simply cant go wrong with them. When and if your tanks are organized on a shelf/rack, then these things can light several tanks at once, depending on how the tanks are positioned. The fixtures are dirt cheap and the bulbs are as well. You can find cheap full spectrum bulbs for nearly 3 bucks apiece, and I have found that these are excellent in keeping plantss alive and in nice color and isn't too bright as to bothering the frogs (they prefer it pretty dark). Only draw back is the power each bulb consumes...40 watts each. However, if you are looking into lighting for a display vivarium, then check out compact flourescent lighting. Best of luck!

-Bill Johnson
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2.2.6 D. azureus
1.2.24 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow'
1.1 D. tinctorius 'cobalt' (one subadult)
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
1.1 D. auratus 'blue'
0.2 P. aurotaenia

I have to agree, I have yet to use shop lights, but I am about to buy some. I have used under the cabinet lights for my 10gal and my 15gal high. They have worked well. My only complaint is that they do not direct enough light down. Lights are very over priced. I used normal aquarium strip lights for my first 2 tanks and they work well, but way too much $$$. I'm trying to plan a 4 tank stand with custom tanks and plan to use shop lights. I'm hoping to make 4 20x20x20 tanks, with misting system and all, but we will see. I might stick to hand misting though.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators