l.e.d lighting??

[martin07]

I have a 18inch normal python in a 36x18 exo terra n was curious to what other was using to light their terrarium for veiwing. Right now I have a repti 2.0 for cloudy days n a blue night 50watt for heat. Was thinking of using led's just for night veiwing. I have live plants in it also. In need of different lightingbopinion bc of the way the top is on the exo terra. right now I have aluminum foil over the plastix so I dont burn it. Cage temps n humidity are perfect. Thanks.

[martin07]

how does everyone light/heat there exo terras? Do you replace the screen top with glass or plexi? I have a uth but also looking at getting a che instead of using the day/night bulbs? Can i add l.e.d.s just for veiwing? any help would be appreciated.

[The Serpent Merchant]

LEDs will work very well for viewing, but most LEDs readily available won't be able support plant life.

What's wrong with the reprising 2.0 bulb? Those are ideal for viewing and growing plants.

Do you have a thermostat for your heating pad? What are you using to measure temperatures?

[martin07]

yes have thermostat. temps are 78cold side, 86 warm side, 60% humidity. lights i have now are 2 domes. one with night heat lamp that runs 15 min intervals n the other with 2.0 running about 8hrs a day. Plants are growing good(except for one that got trampled) just wondering watelse i could do different on the top bc the domes and aluminum foil im not liking the looks of. Also, would a 5.0 bulb be too much?

[martin07]

i use 3 thermometers with probes. 2 of them are thermo/hygro's

[TJ_Burton]

If you want an LED light that will sustain plants, look at www.buildmyled.com
The guys over there can help you customize a fixture (no extra charge) and you will get exactly what you need for your plants in a nice compact fixture that can take a misting without being fried.

I have used them for Reef lighting and it turned out fantastic.

[martin07]

well ive been looking at hoods to make itblook a littlr nicer but most either on only one bulb or max 50watts and I have a 2.0 and 75watt night bulb

[olafsson]

If you want LED lighting just for show then go to deal extreme and pick up a waterproof strip and wire it to a cell phone charger. Like previously stated the light output will not help anything grow, just look cool. I have glued several different kinds in exoterra and they hold up just fine, and you can hardly even notice them.
Also don't buy any of the grow lights from that site, they don't work, with LED's you typically get what you pay for.

[kitedemon]

Wait a sec. You have a bio organic system with the proper drainage layer and water reservoir AND a uth?! That is not a good idea you can cause cracks if the water runs low. Usually in biosystems rhp or similar are used for heat. Is the uth even doing anything at all? What happens if the lamps are turned off? Do you hold the temps or do they drop?


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