I have a color changing led strip in both my t8s. The snakes seem to come out more in dim red light rather than dim blue light. I actually turn their lights off when it gets dark outside. Even though the cages are in the living room with the TV on and lights on, my big guy will come out of his hide and hangout in his cage. If I'm up at night I'll just switch the lights on in the living room quick to see if their out.