Equipment Review and Discussion :: Lighting Systems?

[Danny]

Hi there I'm new here, but I just got a new tank for my RES, but I was wondering what kind of lighting system you all recommended for basking...also if the ESU Reptile / Turtle Kit was a good choice? http://www.turtlesale [not reputable].com/lighting-fixtures1.html I've been reading around, but haven't noticed, so sorry if I'm repeating this, but do any of you use a type of nocturnal lighting and is it necessary? I've heard some people say it's not needed, but also some that say it's good for the turtles. Thanks for everything!

[marisa]

Looked at that link. Those prices are OUTRAGEOUS. For example, I got a brooder lamp at Home Depot for less than $10.00. (I think it's listed for $23.00 on that link). You can get Powersuns for about $39.00 plus shipping if you look. They're $68.00 on that link.

What size tank did you get? If it's smaller (less than 50 gallons), I'd just use a lightbulb for heat and get a good UVB light to put next to it over the basking area.

Nocturnal lighting isn't necessary, and to me, is more for the keeper than the turtle. Turtles need to sleep in the dark (like we do).

[Danny]

Yeah, right now I have a 20 gallon tank(long), a friend of mine that also has many reptiles suggested Home Depot too heheh. Is there any specific type of lamp I should look for there or just a Clamp Lamp? And should I just look for like a full spectrum bulb with uvb? Thanks though cleared it up plenty about the nocturnal lighting !
Oh I also just found this place and it seems cheaper...so was wondering what you all thought in case I could get the rest of my supplies here http://www.reptiledirect.com/index.asp? ... tegory=358

[missibsu]

The place that I've seen a lot of people ordering from is www.drsfostersmith.com

A regular old clamp light will do. For bigger tanks they make a mercury vapor bulb, those get extremely hot and need a light fixture with a ceramic base, but for now I wouldn't worry about that.

[marisa]

Reptile Direct is a reputable place to order from. I never have, but have read of others on other forums who like the place. Don't know if they're the cheapest, you'll have to look around.

If you're going with a clamp lamp, I'd look for a clamp lamp with a ceramic base--you'll have more options for the future (higher wattage bulbs or a mercury vapor bulb when you upgrade your tank, for example). The brooder lamp I got at Home Depot will take a bulb up to 250 watts. If, by chance, you don't find them at Home Depot, look at similar places like Lowes. If all else fails, a place like Reptile Direct will sell them.

For a regular UVB light, I'd look at a reputable brand like a Reptisun. If a light just says it's full spectrum, it doesn't mean it will emit UVB rays, it must specifically say it does.

[Kallistos]

So for the 100 watt Active UV Heat I'm getting. I'll need something rated for just to be safe 200 watts and has a ceramic base.

[steve]

One thing about www.drsfostersmith.com - they have a 60 day return policy for their lights and are very nice to deal with.