Snack room idea (lighting)

[Weremey59]

I'm going to be moving my collection into a storage room I have at my house from the existing room for a few reasons. Size, its easier to heat and it has open studs so I can insulate it to keep in the heat (I have a baseboard heater that I can thermostatically control). Convience, I can build the remainder of my racks to fit the space better as my collection grows. The downside to this is there is no windows where I want to put them like they had before so I need to supplement light for them otherwise they will be in the dark 24/7. What are some options for automated lights and ones I can adjust? Price isnt a concern as I dont like to cheap out on my collection. Is there a UV route I can go for the entire room?

Thanks guys

[Weremey59]

Also, I have alot of experience with electrically and would like to make the alterations permanent

[Bogertophis]

Sounds like a good plan...if that were me, I'd use the fluorescent lights that are full-spectrum, & connect them to a timer, so you'll have great light to work by and
a good photo-period for the snakes. Windows would just reduce your insulation & energy efficiency anyway. And PLEASE don't "snack" on your "snakes"?

[Weremey59]

Haha awesome I didnt realize that. Do you have a link for a good fluorescent full spectrum? What about timers?

[Weremey59]

After doing some research, full spectrum bulbs wont work for my application so flouresent it it. What should I us for a timer? Anything to look out for (quality, reliability, etc)

[sur3fir3]

So these are cheap, but they work well. https://www.amazon.com/Century-Heavy...gateway&sr=8-5 I prefer this to the digital ones because there are less things to go wrong with it. I am not sure if you want something a bit more advanced or not, but this is what I use. I know you said you don't cheap out, but these are cheap AND they work well.

[bcr229]

I can't speak to the type of lighting but I would go with lots of smaller/lower-wattage lights versus a few large ones to help reduce shadows. I've noticed a few of my snakes don't react well when I am backlit.

Also I'd try to bounce the light off of the walls or set them up around the room so that the floor in the back of the enclosures is well lit, as it makes cleaning easier.

[Bogertophis]

After doing some research, full spectrum bulbs wont work for my application so flouresent it it....

You can get either one that are "full spectrum"- bulbs OR fluorescent tubes.

[Weremey59]

Dont full spectrum need to be right up against the cage for them to work correctly?

[Bogertophis]

Dont full spectrum need to be right up against the cage for them to work correctly?

You're thinking of UVB lights (usually for lizards like bearded dragons). Many people just prefer the more natural "daylight" of full spectrum lights...it's as much for
you* as any pets...just better lighting since you said there's no windows. (*In the winter, many ppl experience "SAD"...seasonal affective disorder when there is a
reduction in natural sunlight. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...s/syc-20364651 -I had a friend that had that.) FYI, many snakes know it's time to hibernate by not only the falling temperatures, but by the shorter daylight, so if you're trying to keep all your snakes eating well, it seems worthwhile to consider full spectrum...or if you want to have some houseplants in there too.