Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have three enclosures for TX banded geckos and just picked up an LED light set to give them a photoperiod (even though they're nocturnal, I think it might help their circadian rhythm). I was looking for something which wouldn't draw a lot of power, since the lights aren't for UV or heat.

I ended up getting some from Home Depot today...Hampton Bay "3-Light LED Task and Accent Lighting Kit" Model 980 984.

- Three fixtures, controlled from one module with an on/off switch and an interconnect to daisy-chain additional light sets off one power supply.
- Each fixture has 12 LED bulbs and is 2.6 watts, so the power draw should be relatively low.
- The fixtures are circular and about two inches across, and light enough that I rest them on the cloth screen tops of each of my gecko tubs. I felt underneath them after running them an hour and didn't detect any appreciable heat so it shouldn't affect the ambient temps (I use undertank heat sources).
- Hardware is included to affix the lights to the underside of cabinets/shelves.
- Cost was around $34 for the 3-light set.

I figure the expandability of the system will come in handy if I need to light additional enclosures (currently incubating eggs) or for folks with similar multiple-shelf setups (probably not ideal for rack systems unless you somehow recess the lights).

Anyway, thought I'd share in case anyone else is looking for a similar rig.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

When you want light without any appreciable heat, then LED technology is it. Plus the low voltage is nice if putting lights inside a cage.

Chris, how does the light look? LED units in the past gave off very "electronic" looking light. I had heard that the push from manufacturers was to try and soften the light given off, probably by a diffusing lense.
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Mark

Chris, how does the light look? LED units in the past gave off very "electronic" looking light.

These give off a fairly bluish-cast light, which is what I think you mean by "electronic" looking. I could probably put some sort of filter over them to warm up the color, but I was more concerned with providing a realistic photoperiod for the lizards than with visual appeal at this point. That will likely come "soon."
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet