Compact Flourescents

[everywomanshero]

Has anyone used compact flourescents in a terrarium. I like the idea of being able to reuse a heat lamp dome, but I am not sure if these will produce the right kind of light in right quantity. I also wonder if they produce a little heat, my house gets cool in winter.

[postal]

I have used the 23watt (= 100w) daylight spectrum bulbs as my only light source.

I use 3 of them on a 60g corner tank. I added a 15? w (= 60w) to it for my "sunrise/sunset". The 15w comes on first, then 1 100w, then the other 2 100w. They turn off in reverse order.

I think for my size/shape/depth of tank the lighting is perfect. I have some algae growth in my water feature, and my broms are coloring up nicely. I dont feel I'm lacking anything for light, and was far cheaper than t5 or power compacts.

I rigged the lights myself by tearing apart old lamps for the bulb socket. All I needed to buy were the bulbs themselves and more timers. I'm using aluminum throw away bread baking pans for reflectors.

Look for *DAYLIGHT* spectrum bulbs- available at target/wally/lowes/hd. Generally about $5 each, but heard you might find a 2 pack at wally for about $8.

[beckdg]

also at wal-mart/sam's club - grow light or sunlight will work also but are usually not found as an incandescent replacement... 3 pack or better gives better price per bulb... not always in stock!

no heat - no uv... will need an alternate source for each!

[froggsong]

But never use the UV producing CFLs because they produce UV in a harmful wavelength, which causes severe eye problems.

[beckdg]

froggsong is right... here's a link we all know on this site!

UV Lighting for Reptiles: A new problem with high UVB output fluorescent compact lamps and tubes?

[everywomanshero]

Im not sure if I need any of this UVB stuff for a crested gecko and plants, does any of this apply to my situation? I just need light to grow plants I think? Do the normal CFL at walmart do that?

[froggsong]

The CFLs at wal-mart are perfect, just don't buy any from the pet store. I don't know if a crested needs UV or not, but if it does, go with a strip light.

[beckdg]

i use strictly wal-mart bulbs as i have no need for uvb either. works great!!!

[everywomanshero]

Cool thanks for the info. I haven't purchased yet, so is there any advantage to old sschool long ass flourescent lights over the compacts? If not, I am going with the CFL.

[beckdg]

only advantage is options... can make it more confusing when choosing.

also compacts come in old school l-a-f style too i think they're called t-5 at pet stores but sold as flourescent in wal-mart.