Installing Lighting (Custom built Enclosure)

[UpstateNYPets]

I sent out some personal emails and messages to a few people from the "Viv Thread Only" thread, but thought I would ask here for the whole lot of you to see, to hopefully get the most help.

If you built your own enclosures, I was hoping you could help me with the light fixtures. I'm building one of my own as well, and I have NO clue on how to install light fixtures inside the cage. How do I go about doing this? I don't have any electrical knowledge, so I don't know anything about splicing, attaching, fixing, or ANYTHING. Would there be directions when buying the fixture itself on how to do it? If someone could kind of give me a step by step thing that would be great, haha. Any helpful info would be awesome! Thanks

Thanks for reading,

Danielle

 

[MissNinja]

It really depends on the lighting you're using. No one could really give you a straight answer because of the different kinds of fixtures out there.

But what I'm planning on doing for mine is screwing the fixture (fluorescent for UVB bulbs) to the ceiling using a power drill, and then drilling a hole big enough for the power cord in the top corner nearest the fixture itself. Then sealing it up with caulk or some other kind of sealant. Of course, if you were to splice it, it'd make it a lot easier to make a hole for it to fit through, but I, like you, have very limited electrical knowledge.

Depending on what you buy, there could be instructions for a simple installation included, but if you're looking for something a bit more specific, then say so after getting the lights.

 

[UpstateNYPets]

haha, yea I didn't think about all the different fixtures, but either way, installation must be pretty similar! I don't have the lights yet, in fact I haven't even started the viv yet. The lighting was just the confusing part and I wanted to try to figure that out before the project. I guess it will be a learn-as-you-go thing. I actually had some private messages explaining it a little bit, so I think I have a general idea (next post will be the "after hospital" visit :lol: )

If anyone else can chime in, that'd be great too Any thoughts, ideas, tips, etc would be helpful! I will put all into consideration.

 

[MissNinja]

Here are the pages I've been using for inspiration on my terrarium construction:

http://708designs.netfirms.com/customcage/customcage.htm
http://www.freewebs.com/crossfireenclosures/

They both touch on the electrical aspect of the enclosure, and the second has plenty of pictures. Hope these can help.

 

[UpstateNYPets]

I actually have the second link, that's part of what inspired me to make my own! The first link is pretty helpful. Thanks a lot

 

[JeffSimpson]

I'd really suggest figuring out which lights you want to get, that would certainly help. It could be as simple a prewired fixture that you simple need to plug in, or you could wire your own outlets / fixtures in junction boxes. Both are pretty easy, but if you do it wrong it could cause a fire or cause severe injury / death. Your best bet would probably be to get some prewired fixtures, or contact an electrician if you have more complex wiring needs.