Terrarium lighting for plants

[croaker]

Im looking for help on getting a decent light set up for my white's tank. i will soon be build the foam background and false floor, when that is done i want to start with live plants. so my question is, what type of lighting would be needed for plants but wont heat up the tank too much? also it is a pretty deep tank at around 36 inches top to bottom.

[jtay]

I find full spectrum bulbs to be best for plants - and probably the frogs too. Use one with a lower UV output (2 - 5%)
Fluorescent tubes and compact bulbs do not put out heat.
With the depth of your tank perhaps use a bulb of a high wattage so the light penetrates deep enough?
Exo Terra and Arcadia do good bulbs - I use both brands.

[wesleybrouwer]

Difficult to reach the bottom without the usage of HQI or HQL lamps.
But if i am right, most plants you like to use are from the philodendron family right?

I'll go with Arcadia D3 6% compact if you wan't to use UV and if you're temperature may not rise,
try out some energy-efficient lamps like Philips tornado or true light.

If you do like to use ground covering plants, use ferns and other plants that dislike full lighting.

[daggekko]

fluorescent and compact bulbs do put out heat, just not that much. if your vivarium is going to be large(or is it just tall and narrow?), you can put multiple bulbs on the top. do a little research on the plants you want to put in the tank as you will find that there are a lot that dont need really bright light. some need very bright light as well. its not a bad idea to get a thermometer with an outdoor probe and check different places inside the tank to make sure your temperatures are correct

[froggiez]

I use just a regular florescent and my plants are thriving...lucky bamboo, ivy plant and another bushy green and white leafy plant (not sure the name on that one...lol)

[croaker]

thanks everyone. the tank is about 36 inches tall, and around 20 inches wide and long.