Lights??

Rebecca · 03-10-03, 02:42 PM

What kinds of light would I need to have some plants growing in my gecko tank. I was thinking pothos, basicly because I can find it here and I know for sure it's safe to use. I have a light fixture for the screw in bulbs, I'm assuming I'm going to need the tube bulbs for plant right?? Oh the fixture is a fish tank lid. (Sorry for not using the proper name for the types of bulbs but my spelling sucks!!

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Mark Pepper · 03-10-03, 03:07 PM

the lights you would want would be flourescent lights. You can get them at home depot, building box etc. A fixture, ballast and a couple of bulbs(tubes) should cost around$30, this is for a 4' fixture, you could go smaller for a little less. Try a dayglo, and a grobulb for the tubes, available at the above mentioned stores.
This will do fine for pothos and many other plants.
If you have money to burn you could also try compact flourescent lights too..
good luck!

Rebecca · 03-10-03, 04:21 PM

Thanks, never even thought of buying from other then a pet store! What other plants would be good for geckos??

Mark Pepper · 03-11-03, 08:54 AM

you could try various philodendrons, ivys, ferns etc. Since i dont know what geckoes you have(or much about geckoes for that matter) i cant really give you a more detailed list. Many of the cheap 2-4$ tropicals you will find in most garden centres are pretty hardy, and should do well, just be sure to rinse of the leaves very well before you use them

dvs · 03-11-03, 10:01 AM

don't bother with the daybulbs or grobulbs or whatever..... Don't ask me why, but regular flouro's actually work better for some reason..... go figure.... just make sure you get the proper spectrum bulbs.

Rebecca · 03-11-03, 02:49 PM

How do I know if it's the proper spectrum??

Edwin · 03-11-03, 03:28 PM

Rebecca,

I use 2 48" fluorescent light bulbs in my bci enclosure.. 1 is a plant light, and another is full spectrum. The plant light was purchased at Canadian Tire (I think its called Plant Gro), and the other is the Reptisun 2.0.

Here is a good link if you want to learn more about light spectrums:
http://www.anapsid.org/maincaptive.html#lite

I think that the Reptisun really brings out the colours in my bci, and the plant light emits a little bit of UV, which cant hurt. Plus, it will help my plants grow if I can ever find one hardy enough for my bci's affections.

fade2black · 03-11-03, 08:23 PM

Regular flourescent bulbs aren't even close to natural sunlight. They are usually in the 4000K range that is more on the yellow/orange side (which is better for green plants, but not for animals). Natural sunlights is ~ 6500K. Check out this link for a good explanation along with approx. cost for the many different bulbs as well as the "regular" bulbs you can buy.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/H...7/spectra.html

Fade