Vivarium seems too dark

[lara]

I have a vivarium that is 24" high. There are two large wood pieces and a few water dishes and plants. The tank seemed too dark and the light fixture was pretty old so I got a new light fixture (24" long florescent style), but the tank still seems too dark, even after trying two different bulbs. Any ideas? Could it be that the light source is just too far from the bottom and diffused by the screen top? Or should I add another light source? Do bulbs typically lose strength over time even if they haven't burnt out?

[DonLisk]

Hi Lara.

What wattage bulb? Is it a single or dual bulb fixture?

Wattage is what gets you to the bottom.
You could look at the LED fixtures from AAA frogs.
And yes, bulbs wear out over time. LEDs will have a way longer life span too.

[lara]

Hi Don,

Thanks for both of your replies. Duh - should have realized that I needed to provide better details when I first posted (and of course pics would help). Got home too late last night to get more info about the light and viv but will try tonight. I appreciate any advice you may have...

Best,
Lara