Lighting for RETF - need recommendations

[tinkgirl77]

Ok guys, the last piece I need for the Vivarium build is the light bulbs. I am getting the Zoomed Mini Dome combo lighting that will be attached to a day/night timer. One dome with have a 50watt red and the other needs to be a daylight. I am using a side mounted UTH for heat source so it does not need to give off much heat( or low heat so it doesnt get too warm) . What do you recommend??

[deranged chipmunk]

Since you are building a false bottom, why not just heat the water with an aquarium heater? Heat rises, remember? Then you won't need a heat lamp, unless you choose to provide a hot spot at the top of the tank. You won't need the uth either.

[tinkgirl77]

That could be an idea, but I already have an uth. I do have seen aquarium heater lying around as well. But what about daylight lighting bill?

[deranged chipmunk]

I use fluorescent. Some are compact fluorescent, some have t8, some are t5no and some are t5ho. All, however, are in the 6700k color temp range. That is the spectrum the plants like goodest

[tinkgirl77]

Ok so if I don't go with fluorescent bulbs, ( since I have 2 dome lamps) what bulbs could I use if I don't need them for heat? Need a day bulb ( I will have live plants) and a night bulb... ideas?

[deranged chipmunk]

Compact flourescents screw into incandescent sockets. The spiral bulbs. You can also get them as a long u-tube for shallower lighting fixtures

[tinkgirl77]

Oh, I see didnt know you meant that sorry I misunderstood. so go for the full spectrum to make the plants happy! Got it thanks so much again! What do you use as your red night bulb?

[tinkgirl77]

I see the ones you have listed for day light. Will pick up one of those ! Thanks

[deranged chipmunk]

Oh, I see didnt know you meant that sorry I misunderstood. so go for the full spectrum to make the plants happy! Got it thanks so much again! What do you use as your red night bulb?

I don't use any night lighting on my tanks