Crossfire questions - help a teacher out! :(

[namrufmot]

I'm a social studies teacher with a beardie as a class pet. Long story short he was abused and stunted by his former owners. He weighed 113g when I got him and he now weighs around 380g! :mrgreen:

Since he is rather small he fits nicely in a 55g tank on my windowsill. Here is a pic:

While I like the tank, the real problem comes in winter. The school turns the heat off at night and it's impossible to keep the correct temps (the heat goes right out the top) so I have to bring him home with me during the winter months.

My class raised money to build him a crossfire, but before I dig in the project I have a few questions.

1) I assume nothing would change if I wanted to make it 4' x 14" x 24". It can't be 2' deep due to the windowsill.

2) With a height of 24" could I have an Arcadia T5 HO bulb inside without him getting TOO much UVB? Assuming him basking spot is 8" off the ground.

3) Is a 24" UVB bulb long enough or should I go with a longer 36" bulb?

4) Where do you guys buy the sliding tracks and lineoluem (for the back wall).

5) I'd like to hook up all my heat lamps (day and CHE) to dimmers for flexibility. How do I hook them up to dimmers?

 

[SpitFyre]

Oh, dimmmers are easy Theoretically, all CAN be hooked up, but I'm not sure if all SHOULD. Check around to see what's safe to dim. Anyway, how to install a dimmer(the kind you put onto a switch).
Courtesy of eHow(This is correct*So there is no c-right issue, I have changed some of the formatting and words.
In-line lamp cord dimmers, which can be attached to a lamp cord, are available. Directons below

1) After making sure your lamp is unplugged, use a utility knife to separate the two wires in your lamp’s cord.

2) Look at the wires to determine which one is neutral and which one is hot—the hot wire has smooth insulation, and the neutral wire will be ribbed. Slice through the hot wire where you wish to install the dimmer.(IMO, cutting with scissors or a wire cutter is best.)

3) Use wire strippers to strip about 1 inch of insulation from both ends of the cut hot wire.(When in doubt about which size hole to use, go bigger. You can cut the wire.)

4) Unscrew and remove the cover of the dimmer switch. Place the neutral wire along the inside of the switch box, as specified by the manufacturer. Put the cut ends of the hot wire under the two terminal clamps, and fasten them in place by turning the screws.(May require screwdriver. Hehehee.)

5) Screw the dimmer switch’s cover back into place. Plug the lamp in, and check to make sure the new switch works.

6) Voila!