Jaskotch
Juvie Member
So, plans are underway for the 'crossfire' type enclosure I'm going to build. It will be the standard 4'x2'x2' 3/4" melamine with 18"x24" 1/4" thick glass by-passing panels for the front (have already ordered the hard-to-find rails!), and I am now finalizing the lighting. Going to use the same venting as in the crossfire design, btw.
Ok, so... T5 is the way to go. While I am completely new to reptiles, I have kept fish and grown orchids most of my life. I converted to T5's in my hood when they first came out, and for the first time have been able to maintain a nicely planted aquarium. The orchids and even hard to bloom cactus love the 4' T5's in my light stand. They are amazing lights, so I'm not surprised to read how folks in the reptile business are promoting them here! Because I have used the Sunleaves fixtures and like their quality, I wanted to go with their t5 strip light fixture in the 3' length. I see that Arcadia has a fixture too, but like I said, I'm familiar with the Sunleaves and know what I'm getting there. http://www.wormsway.com/detail.aspx?sku=STSL130
Only thing is, looking at the LightYourReptiles site for Arcadia, they show the 12% D3+ bulb as a 34" bulb. I am used to seeing standard T5 bulbs in 2', 3', and 4' lengths. Can I assume Arcadia is just a little more vigilant in their description of the bulb? Sunleaves and others sell T5's in "3 foot" lengths. I mean, the Arcadia bulb is a standard sized T5 that will work in any T5 3' fixture, RIGHT? Just want to make sure, because I see LightYourWay bundles the 12% D3 T5 with a fixture too- hate to just order the bulb and find out it won't fit in my existing Sunleaves 3' fixture!
Being as my enclosure is white melamine, I do not want a reflector in my UVB T5 fixture. My plant stand fixture has a very nice reflector... to say the T5's put out a little heat with a boost from a good reflector is an understatement, believe me. I see that Arcadia's has a double fixture, and recommend 6500K bulb be used in conjunction with the UVB. I mean, those T5 grow bulbs put out a lot of lumens. 3300 lumens in the 3' length. Is this second T5 meant to replace the basking light? If not, and you add a basking light too, well... how much light is too much? What I was planning was just having the 3' T5 (34"??) and a directed bright white bulb for basking, and then a ceramic bulb for heating as necessary. But, if it would be better, I have no problem adding a second 3' T5 with a grow bulb... I just think a basking would still be required and wonder if this is too much light. What do ya'll experts think would be ideal? I mean, that's the whole reason to build your own, to get it just right! Thanks in advance for any and all advice !!!!!
Ok, so... T5 is the way to go. While I am completely new to reptiles, I have kept fish and grown orchids most of my life. I converted to T5's in my hood when they first came out, and for the first time have been able to maintain a nicely planted aquarium. The orchids and even hard to bloom cactus love the 4' T5's in my light stand. They are amazing lights, so I'm not surprised to read how folks in the reptile business are promoting them here! Because I have used the Sunleaves fixtures and like their quality, I wanted to go with their t5 strip light fixture in the 3' length. I see that Arcadia has a fixture too, but like I said, I'm familiar with the Sunleaves and know what I'm getting there. http://www.wormsway.com/detail.aspx?sku=STSL130
Only thing is, looking at the LightYourReptiles site for Arcadia, they show the 12% D3+ bulb as a 34" bulb. I am used to seeing standard T5 bulbs in 2', 3', and 4' lengths. Can I assume Arcadia is just a little more vigilant in their description of the bulb? Sunleaves and others sell T5's in "3 foot" lengths. I mean, the Arcadia bulb is a standard sized T5 that will work in any T5 3' fixture, RIGHT? Just want to make sure, because I see LightYourWay bundles the 12% D3 T5 with a fixture too- hate to just order the bulb and find out it won't fit in my existing Sunleaves 3' fixture!
Being as my enclosure is white melamine, I do not want a reflector in my UVB T5 fixture. My plant stand fixture has a very nice reflector... to say the T5's put out a little heat with a boost from a good reflector is an understatement, believe me. I see that Arcadia's has a double fixture, and recommend 6500K bulb be used in conjunction with the UVB. I mean, those T5 grow bulbs put out a lot of lumens. 3300 lumens in the 3' length. Is this second T5 meant to replace the basking light? If not, and you add a basking light too, well... how much light is too much? What I was planning was just having the 3' T5 (34"??) and a directed bright white bulb for basking, and then a ceramic bulb for heating as necessary. But, if it would be better, I have no problem adding a second 3' T5 with a grow bulb... I just think a basking would still be required and wonder if this is too much light. What do ya'll experts think would be ideal? I mean, that's the whole reason to build your own, to get it just right! Thanks in advance for any and all advice !!!!!
