Fluorescent tube with 5000K+ bulb for additional light?

[Ophiophilist]

I'm sorry, I know I must be annoying people with my constant quest for the perfect lighting setup. :roll:

1. I have a Reptisun 10.0 tube for UVB, inside my 40 gallon breeder.
2. I have a halogen flood light for basking, on top of the screen top.
3. Can I add a basic fluorescent tube fixture on top of the cage with a 5000K+ tube bulb (NOT CFL) to add extra light to the cage?

Is there any evidence or experiences that regular fluorescent tube lights are bad for dragons?

It wouldn't add much heat, would it? Fluorescents in general seem not to be very heat-generating.

 

[Claudiusx]

You can.
5000 kelvin is actually an ideal light temperature and something us owners should try to get into our dragons enclosures. It's just extremely hard to find normal bulbs that can be used as basking bulbs at that light temperature.

You shouldn't notice any increase in temperatures in your tank from adding the bulb.

-Brandon

 

[Ophiophilist]

Ugh, tell me about it, I spent an hour at Lowes yesterday trying to find a bulb with the right wattage, color temperature, lumens, that was not coated or a coil. I am thinking I will try another under counter light with a daylight bulb and jerry-rigged foil hood on top and see how that works. This might be the answer to my problem. Thanks!

 

[Ophiophilist]

After another trip to Lowes, I have an under counter fixture with a 1300 lumen, 4100K T8 bulb and jerry-rigged cardboard and UL-listed chrome vent tape reflector. I tried to find a T8 5000K or higher, but they only had that in a 18" bulb - the next bump up was to a T12. Ugh, why does this have to be so complicated.

Anyway, it’s not showing up well in photos, but the extra light makes a good bit of difference. The cage looks brighter overall and I am finally content, though I still hope to get my hands on a 24" T8 with 5000k+.

I will grab my good camera tomorrow and see if it will pick up better comparison shots.

 

[Ophiophilist]

With just UVB and basking :

And with the addition:

It doesn't show up too well in photos but in person it's quite a difference.