Best lamp for plant growing - Dart frogs

[Socrates]

Eric what type of plants are you growing in the viv? I always go by that, because all plants are slightly different. For example, in my mossy frog tank and white's tank I have the EXO Terra Repti Glo 2.0 compact with 6700 K (full length bulb for my mossy's they're in a 20 breeder). I like the 6700 K b/c it has the full spectrum of light (covers a lot of plant types). But if you are going to be growing plants that are located lower in the different canopy layers of a forest.

[itzjezze]

Eric ur awsome lol im at petsmart lookin at there bulbs and now I know wich one to get XD you always seem to have an answer for everything lol thanks again

[DonLisk]

Picked up the Zoo Med Aquasun T5 Double hood for 35 bucks tonight. Looks like it has a nice reflector inside but takes 22 inch lamps. I may modify it to take 24 inch bulbs if I don't see any bulb that fit my needs at a decent price.
The clear bulb cover was damaged and its something I would have removed anyway so 35 bucks was a great deal.

[clownonfire]

Eric ur awsome lol im at petsmart lookin at there bulbs and now I know wich one to get XD you always seem to have an answer for everything lol thanks again

Jess, that is rally nice of you to say. I own a lot of what I know to the people on this board, by exchanging with many and asking LOTS of questions and never hesitate to scream loud my ignorance. And lately, I have been working with poison beauties and I must admit that I have been learning a great deal, in a very very short time. And I'm always happy to share this with who ever needs the info. After all, it's for the frogs first and foremost.

[DonLisk]

Well, I picked up a new (slightly damaged) Zoo Med Aquasun 30 inch light fixture and have to head out this morning to find some bulbs. The lamp size is only 20 inch long and calls for a 24watt lamp.

I found some that have a 4100K light spectrum at 24watt HO.
Hopefully these will be enough for the plants. I see the aquatic plant version from Zoo Med is a 5K spectrum and can get from eBay at 8 bucks each plus shipping.

Since we ahve the reptile show tomorrow, I'll grab these cheaper ones today.... in case the ballast or something is wrong with the fixture, and if the fixture works correctly I'll look at the show for better lamps.

I talked with Black Jungle and was informed that the 4100K should be fine since its more wattage than spectrum I should be looking for. True?

[clownonfire]

Well, I picked up a new (slightly damaged) Zoo Med Aquasun 30 inch light fixture and have to head out this morning to find some bulbs. The lamp size is only 20 inch long and calls for a 24watt lamp.

I found some that have a 4100K light spectrum at 24watt HO.
Hopefully these will be enough for the plants. I see the aquatic plant version from Zoo Med is a 5K spectrum and can get from eBay at 8 bucks each plus shipping.

Since we ahve the reptile show tomorrow, I'll grab these cheaper ones today.... in case the ballast or something is wrong with the fixture, and if the fixture works correctly I'll look at the show for better lamps.

I talked with Black Jungle and was informed that the 4100K should be fine since its more wattage than spectrum I should be looking for. True?

Don, thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to seeing what you will pick up at the show tomorrow, and the information you will gather. When I wrote that thread, I researched aquarium and gardening forums, and the information is conflicted. The spectrum seemed to have been the most important factor, but some used lower wattage, and some others used higher voltage (26w). The plants in my 29G are under two Repti Glo 13w 2.0. And they are doing beautifully. I wouldn't change that even if someone would tell me other wise just because it works for them. I have 2 Repti Glo 13w 2.0 on top of my 50G and it doesn't look sufficient, so I purchased a "Glo" T5HO unit and will be putting some tubes on that one soon enough.

Funny enough, these bulbs only start at 24W...! That might be conclusive with what you were saying, Don.

[clownonfire]

Here's another question: As I will be using the Glo T HO and the unit uses end cap and not a "canopy" to cover the lights, can you use anything over the tubes so that the light is not spread all over the room? This is one time I don't have the words in English to make myself clear...

[Tony]

Here's another question: As I will be using the Glo T HO and the unit uses end cap and not a "canopy" to cover the lights, can you use anything over the tubes so that the light is not spread all over the room? This is one time I don't have the words in English to make myself clear...

Reflector is the word you are looking for, do a google search for "T5 reflector" and you should be able to find one that fits your needs. Make sure you choose a model that comes with clips to hold the tubes.

[DonLisk]

Don, thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to seeing what you will pick up at the show tomorrow, and the information you will gather. When I wrote that thread, I researched aquarium and gardening forums, and the information is conflicted. The spectrum seemed to have been the most important factor, but some used lower wattage, and some others used higher voltage (26w). The plants in my 29G are under two Repti Glo 13w 2.0. And they are doing beautifully. I wouldn't change that even if someone would tell me other wise just because it works for them. I have 2 Repti Glo 13w 2.0 on top of my 50G and it doesn't look sufficient, so I purchased a "Glo" T5HO unit and will be putting some tubes on that one soon enough.

Thats where I get stuck here since my Dart Viv is growing so well and I'm using a basic T8 aquarium bud at 13watt and 2 13 watt compact florescents with only a 5000K spectrum.

I bought the fixture for later use in another dart viv. Can't wait but need to worry more about the frogs I have right now so tat will be later this spring or early summer. Yeah right, with the show tomorrow I'll have to superglue the wallet shut to not get in trouble.

Oh, my Dendrobates Leucomelas started talking this morning... first time I hard them. Guessing it was the bigger one but he would quiet down once I got anywhere near the viv.

[clownonfire]

Very nice! Do you have a male and female Don? You know now for sure you have at least one male...

[clownonfire]

Eric what type of plants are you growing in the viv? I always go by that, because all plants are slightly different. For example, in my mossy frog tank and white's tank I have the EXO Terra Repti Glo 2.0 compact with 6700 K (full length bulb for my mossy's they're in a 20 breeder). I like the 6700 K b/c it has the full spectrum of light (covers a lot of plant types). But if you are going to be growing plants that are located lower in the different canopy layers of a forest.

Socrates, sorry for the delay, I just saw this one. Here are the plants that I am growing in that particular 29G:

1X Neoregelia Nivea.
1X Philodendron Erubescens.
1X Ficus pumilia.
1X Ficus oak leaf.
2X Phalaenopsis Orchids

There's also live sphagnum moss in it.

I myself am using 2 Repti Glo 2.0 compact lights with Glow Light fixtures and all these plants are doing great in it. I have picked up a T5 light unit for my 50G, and more of the Repti Glo 2.0/Glow Light fixtures for the new 29G, just to make comparisons.