Custom lighting and ventilation help

[Ralis]

I'm looking at getting a custom enclosure built for Gorbash. It would be 45x18x18 because that's what I have space for. My question is about lighting. I'm looking at putting in a 24" UV tube light mounted pretty much centrally, and 2 light fittings for the basking bulb and CHE. Would it be worth putting in a 3rd light fitting at the opposite end of the tank for a low watt bulb? The new tank will be made from melamine with vents and sliding doors rather than his current glass aquarium setup with mesh top. It will also be surrounded by walls on 3 sides since I'm getting it built to fit in an alcove.

I'm thinking that it should be insulated enough, even in winter, that I shouldn't need the 3rd light fitting?

Also, another thought just popped into my head. The vents would probably be on the sides/back. I've sized the tank that it should have 1-2 inches clearance between the tank sides and the surrounding walls. Is that enough to allow proper ventilation?

Thanks in advance. I want to make sure I have all the kinks worked out before I put the order in!

 

[Taterbug]

You probably won't be needing an extra light. The solid enclosures hold heat better than glass. Does your house get especially cold? On the other hand you can add the socket and not use it unless you need too.

Not sure if that will allow much airflow. Are vents on the top/front an option?

 

[Ralis]

I'm not sure if vents on the front would be an option because of the sliding doors but I can ask if vents can be put on the top instead of the back. There wont be anything put on top of the tank to block it.

Our daytime temps in that room at the moment hover between about 68-74F and temp at the cool end of his current tank sits at about 75F with just the 65W basking bulb. That's a 20G glass tank though that's crap at holding heat.