Omar Khalid
Animal Plastics offers a range of lighting options for their reptile enclosures, including LED lights, fluorescent bulbs, and UVB bulbs. The type of lighting chosen depends on the specific needs of the reptile and the size of the enclosure. For example, some users opt for fluorescent tubes for their tortoises, while others prefer LED lights for their snakes and geckos. It is important to consider the wattage and colour of the bulbs, as well as the temperature and lighting requirements of the reptiles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Fluorescent light, LED light, incandescent flood bulb, UVB bulb, basking light, heat tape, CHE |
| Lighting setup | 4-foot fluorescents 12" apart in the chamber with two floods about 2 feet apart in between them |
| Lighting gradient | Darker corners and a light gradient towards both ends of the chamber |
| Lighting fixtures | AP will install fixtures for 18-inch fluorescent tubes |
| Lighting color | "Yellow" fluorescent bulbs, blue light from UVB fluorescent bulb |
| Lighting wattage | 70-watt Megaray MVB, 150-watt basking light, 100-watt or 75-watt second light |
| Heating | Radiant heat panel, Exo Terra substrate heater, CHE |
| Cage material | PVC, glass, acrylic |
| Cage color | Black, white |
| Cage size | 8 x 3 x 2 |
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What You'll Learn
Fluorescent lighting for tortoise enclosures
Fluorescent lighting is a popular choice for tortoise enclosures, and there are a few things to consider when setting up your lighting scheme. Firstly, it's important to ensure that your tortoise has access to both light and dark areas within the enclosure. Tortoises typically spend a majority of their time hiding under bushes or in burrows, so providing darker corners and hiding spots is essential.
When it comes to fluorescent bulbs, the type and placement of the bulbs are crucial. Some tortoise owners opt for standard fluorescent tubes, while others choose specific UVB bulbs to provide additional benefits. UVB bulbs can be beneficial for tortoises as they provide ultraviolet rays, which are essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption. However, it is important to note that not all fluorescent bulbs emit UVB rays, and those that do may have varying strengths, so it is essential to measure the UV output to ensure it meets your tortoise's needs.
The placement of the bulbs will depend on the size and design of your enclosure. For larger enclosures, you may need multiple bulbs to ensure adequate lighting throughout the space. It is recommended to space the bulbs evenly to create a consistent light gradient, with darker corners for hiding and brighter areas for basking. The height at which you mount the bulbs is also important, as it can impact the amount of light and heat reaching your tortoise.
In addition to fluorescent lighting, some tortoise owners also incorporate other types of lighting, such as LED lights or incandescent flood bulbs, to create a well-lit environment. It is worth noting that some bulbs, like mercury vapour bulbs, can provide a nice colour of light along with heat. Experimenting with different bulb wattages and types may be necessary to create the ideal lighting setup for your tortoise enclosure.
Overall, when designing a lighting scheme for a tortoise enclosure, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your tortoise, the size and design of the enclosure, and the type and placement of the bulbs to create a natural and healthy environment for your pet.
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LED lights for reptile cages
LED lights are a great option for reptile cages as they provide an excellent PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) and help plants, mosses, and bioactive decorations flourish in your reptile's habitat. They are also long-lasting, energy-efficient, and available in various sizes and price ranges.
When choosing LED lights for your reptile cage, consider the size of your enclosure and the specific lighting needs of your reptile. Some reptiles require specific wavelengths of light, such as UVB, for bone health and vitamin production. The colour temperature of the LED lights, measured in Kelvin, will also impact the appearance of your reptile and its surroundings.
The Bio Dude offers a range of LED lights suitable for reptile cages, including the Solar Grow LED fixture with a nano reflector that fosters vibrant plant growth. These lights come in 12", 24", and 36" sizes, providing flexibility for different cage sizes.
Another option is to purchase LED lights separately and retrofit them into your reptile cage. Amazon offers a range of LED lights for reptile cages, including the Exo Terra brand. When choosing this route, ensure the LED lights are designed for reptile enclosures and provide the necessary lighting spectrum and temperature.
Additionally, consider combining LED lights with other lighting options to create a well-rounded habitat. For example, you might use LED lights for overall illumination and plant growth while incorporating fluorescent tubes or incandescent flood bulbs to create a basking area for your reptile. This combination of lighting can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits to your reptile's environment.
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Lighting for leopard geckos
Lighting is an important consideration when setting up an enclosure for your leopard gecko. While they are most active at dawn and dusk, and during periods of darkness, daylight also plays an important part in their daily cycle. Without exposure to daylight, their photoperiod may be affected, and their health can suffer. Therefore, it is recommended that leopard geckos receive 14 hours of daylight during the summer months, reducing to 12 hours in winter.
The most natural source of heat for leopard geckos is from above, just like the sun. Halogen bulbs produce infrared A and infrared B rays, similar to those produced by the sun, and are an efficient way of heating your enclosure. These bulbs should be hooked up to a dimmer switch or proportional thermostat to ensure temperatures remain within a safe range. Deep heat projectors are also a good option, but these will also need to be connected to a thermostat to properly regulate their heat output.
It is a myth that leopard geckos require belly heat to properly digest their food. In the wild, they absorb heat from the sun, and will retreat underground to cool down, not to warm up. However, if you are using overhead lighting, you may wish to add a heat mat to ensure your gecko's hide reaches the correct temperature. Heat mats can be controlled with an on/off probe thermostat. Heat rocks, however, should be avoided, as they cannot be regulated and have been known to cause burns.
When it comes to specific lighting options, some leopard gecko owners have opted for fluorescent bulbs, while others prefer LED lights. One owner recommends centering 4-foot fluorescent tubes 12 inches apart, with two floods about 2 feet apart, to create a light gradient. Another user with an 8-foot enclosure chose to use ambient fluorescent tubes coupled with a regular incandescent flood bulb. It is worth noting that some have expressed concerns about fluorescent bulbs not emitting enough UV rays, so this is something to consider when designing your lighting scheme.
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Lighting and heating for snakes
Lighting and heating are essential aspects of creating a comfortable and healthy habitat for snakes. Here are some detailed guidelines and recommendations for setting up the lighting and heating for your pet snake:
Lighting:
- Lighting Schedule: Snakes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. To mimic their natural environment, it is recommended to provide a 12-hour on, 12-hour off lighting schedule. During the warmer summer months, you can adjust this to 13 hours on and 11 hours off to more closely resemble their seasonal lighting cycle.
- Light Type: While some snake species may not require UVB light to survive, it is important to offer a variety of lighting options within their habitat. This includes areas with brighter light for basking and darker corners for hiding and resting. Fluorescent bulbs are a common choice for providing ambient light, but LED lights are also an option and may provide a more professional-looking setup.
- Light Placement: When setting up the lighting, it is important to consider the size and layout of the enclosure. For example, if using fluorescent tubes, you may need to centre them at specific distances apart to ensure even lighting throughout the habitat.
- UV Rays: If your snake has access to natural sunlight, they can absorb UV rays by exposing small parts of their body to the sun. However, if they are primarily kept indoors, you may need to provide a source of UV rays within their enclosure.
Heating:
- Temperature Control: Snakes, especially cold-blooded species like ball pythons, require the ability to move between different temperature areas to regulate their body temperature. Provide a variety of temperature options within the enclosure, allowing them to find their ideal temperature for digestion and comfort.
- Temperature Measurement: It is crucial to measure the air temperature within the enclosure using digital probe thermometers. Any heat source should be hooked to a thermostat to avoid overheating and ensure the safety of your snake.
- Heat Sources: There are various options for providing heat within the snake's habitat. You can choose from heating pads, radiant heat panels, or other heating elements. The specific needs and preferences of your snake species will dictate the strength and size of the heating elements required.
- Basking Spots: Create areas within the enclosure where your snake can bask in warmer temperatures. Ensure that there are also cooler areas available for them to retreat to if they need to escape the heat.
- Seasonal Considerations: During the warmer summer months, you may need to adjust the heating and lighting schedules accordingly. A nightly drop in temperature is natural and healthy for snakes, and they can tolerate cool temperatures well.
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UVB lighting for blue-tongued skinks
UVB lighting is important for blue-tongued skinks to aid in digestion, photoperiod regulation, and vitamin absorption. While blue-tongued skinks do not require UVB lighting to survive, it is recommended to provide them with access to appropriate UVB lighting. The recommended distance between the skink and the light source is 6"-8", and the UVB bulb should be placed inside the enclosure to avoid any barriers that may filter out the UVB rays, such as a screen lid or glass/plastic covering. The UVB bulb should be replaced every 12 months, as UVB output declines over time even if the bulb still appears to be functioning properly.
When choosing a UVB bulb, it is important to consider the type of enclosure, ambient household temperatures, and the specific requirements of the skink species. For example, the recommended UVB brand for an 18-24" tall enclosure is Zoo Med or Arcadia, which should be long enough to span half of the enclosure's length. Additionally, a basking stone can be added to the enclosure, as it has been observed to improve the skink's activity and behavior.
To achieve the correct UVB strength, factors such as distance to the lizard, bulb strength, and mesh obstruction must be considered. A UVI reader can be used to measure the UVI output, which should range between 3.0-4.0 in the basking area. If a UVI reader is not available, a rough guide for distance can be followed. It is also important to note that blue-tongued skinks are diurnal, meaning they are most active during daylight hours and benefit from bright white light or daylight spectrum LED lights.
During the night, blue-tongued skinks do not require any lighting or heating if the household temperature is within the comfortable range of 65-70º. If the temperature drops below this range, a thermostat-controlled, non-light emitting heat source, such as a ceramic heat emitter, can be used. It is important to maintain a nightly temperature drop as it is healthier for the skinks, and to ensure that lights are not left on all night as this would interrupt their circadian rhythm.
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Frequently asked questions
The types of light bulbs available for Animal Plastics enclosures include LED, fluorescent, and incandescent flood bulbs.
Lighting options for an Animal Plastics enclosure include fluorescent tubes, LED strips, and incandescent flood bulbs. It is recommended to have a couple of extra light bulbs on hand.
Only one UVB bulb is required for an Animal Plastics enclosure.
