Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a few questions about constructing incandescent lighting solutions. I'm getting tired of having to pay $40-50 for a small combo light that has only two incandescent sockets mounted in a cheap metal-and-plastic case. For an upcoming project I'll need to have two incandescent bulbs (one day, one night) mounted on one side of the enclosure, and a third bulb mounted on the opposite side. Since I already have a premade wood canopy that fits the cage, I would like to install the bulbs horizontally directly inside.

My question is, what hardware/materials are necessary to install and wire an incandescent socket? Will I need adequate ventilation to keep the canopy from overheating? Is it difficult to wire the sockets correctly to a plug?

Thanks for any info!!!!
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::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)

I'm not so sure I'd use a wood canopy with heat bulbs. Although you did'nt mention the wattage, incandescent bulbs give off serious heat. You have the potential of a fire hazard.
If you vented the canopy to reduce this danger, you'd also vent off all the heat you are trying to contain.
What size bulbs? A better choice might be a small radiant heat panel, and for lighting, an inexpensive florescent fixture.
This will cost more than the $40 light hoods you are trying to avoid, but will be more energy efficient, and will certainly heat your enclosure better.
As far as wiring...it would be simple enough.
I just dont think, three heat lamps, with the possibility of more than one on at a time is a safe idea.

Point taken.. you're right, I didn't even consider that the ventilation would simply drive out all the heat.

I'll look into the radiant heat panels. Thanks again!
-----
::i believe in joy > http://www.winds.org/nekomi/hope.html

::my homepage > http://www.winds.org/nekomi

My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.1 WC Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides blue Peru)
3.3 Pygmy corydoras (C. pygmaeus)
2.0 Endlers' Livebearers (P. sp. Endlers)