Static's new enclosure lighting question!

[neurotic88]

Hey all,

I got my new enclosure, it's 3'x2'x2' - have ordered a high end heat panel and stat for it.

I have a lighting idea but wanted to get some input on it first, I think I'd like to get a LED strip light.

I figure I would install it on the front wall above the door shining into the tank, and have it on a timer to be on just during the day for his light cycle.

Here is a link to what I was thinking..
IKEA | Integrated lighting | Wardrobe lighting | KOMPLEMENT | Light strip (http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/40163844)

LEDs are very low heat, some cool to the touch, so it shouldn't pose any risk to burning or anything like that, and its low profile would make it unseen in the tank.

I know they don't give off UV light, but pythons don't need it anyways, right?

Think this is a good idea?

Thanks!

[stephanbakir]

You are correct, they don't need UV.
My only question regarding that product is, how does it handle humidity?

[neurotic88]

Hrmm, yeah I didn't take that into consideration.
However, where I live is low humidity, I live in Toronto, and at any given time his screen top enclosure is sitting at 26% humidity, and he has never had a bad shed, I also tend to put my snakes in humid hides with wet spag moss when they are blue which helps too.

[stephanbakir]

What im saying is, those snakes get large and its possible that the snake takes a drink and then rubs his head on the lights, no? might want to make a cage out of something to protect him/her and the lights.

[neurotic88]

What im saying is, those snakes get large and its possible that the snake takes a drink and then rubs his head on the lights, no? might want to make a cage out of something to protect him/her and the lights.


Oh for sure, that part is not an issue, I mean they are very low profile already and it will be mounted in the corner, so it will be tucked away, but I can also install a thin piece of plexi glass to cover the entire thing to prevent direct touching too.

I more so was asking if the light source is suitable as far as "light" goes.
IE, is it enough light, UV etc

[stephanbakir]

I don't have experience with this light source. That being said would it be better to use mesh instead of plexiglass? its a bit more abrasive but in the end it wont act like an insulator and hold heat around the light? (i don't know it it puts out any)

[infernalis]

I already use L.E.D. lighting, it works great.

If you use a small transformer to produce 12 volts, you can get L.E.D. strips on ebay that are used on cars/boats & motorcycles/motorhomes so they are plenty moisture proof.

and they look slick!


http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqYOKpcE19KT(zNzBNlZjDdNMg~~0_12.JPG

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqN,!h8E2I+s(NKIBNlZjbmmP!~~0_12.JPG

[lilwyandry]

Some people tub their carpets and rely on mere ambient light from the front to be adequate, so I think a small LED strip light would be just fine for generalized day lighting.