I think most would agree that T5 HO is the best fluorescent lighting for almost any setup. There are new T2 fluoros now but they are really expensive and hard to find. You could go with a T5HO but then use some LED spotlights to get to deeper parts of your tank. I only have 1 tank right now though and it isn't that deep so I cant really say for sure.
Help with proper lighting for plants in viv
I have a 42x22x34 vivarium and wanted to know what would be the best fluorescent lighting. I have broms, some miniature orchids, ferns and mosses in my tank which are planted on the floor as well as mounted on the walls.
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In my opinion your best bet for your money is still going to be HO T5's. You can easily find them at most hydroponics shops (about $30 for a 4' single tube with a reflector around me). These will offer your plants the right spectrum of light (around 6500K which is similar to daylight).
In my opinion, LED technology still has a little ways to go before it is efficient enough and cost effective enough to be used on terrariums, especially one the depth that yours is. For tanks not as deep, they may work and provide ample light, but so far the only ones I have found that I am happy with and offer a "white" light that makes it pleasant to look at are extremely expensive ($150 per fixture, and you would need 2-4 of them depending on how bright you want it).
One other thing that you will want to keep in mind is that when you use HO T5, or any light for that matter, it will produce heat. If you can, I try to keep all of my lights up 2-3" above the top of the tank to allow additional air flow, as well as having the tanks ventilated. If it is still warm, running a small fan to blow air across the fixture helps a lot as well. HO T5 lights get up to around 140F and if not ventilated, tanks can easily get up to around the 80+ mark which is really too warm for most dart frogs to be kept.
In my opinion, LED technology still has a little ways to go before it is efficient enough and cost effective enough to be used on terrariums, especially one the depth that yours is. For tanks not as deep, they may work and provide ample light, but so far the only ones I have found that I am happy with and offer a "white" light that makes it pleasant to look at are extremely expensive ($150 per fixture, and you would need 2-4 of them depending on how bright you want it).
One other thing that you will want to keep in mind is that when you use HO T5, or any light for that matter, it will produce heat. If you can, I try to keep all of my lights up 2-3" above the top of the tank to allow additional air flow, as well as having the tanks ventilated. If it is still warm, running a small fan to blow air across the fixture helps a lot as well. HO T5 lights get up to around 140F and if not ventilated, tanks can easily get up to around the 80+ mark which is really too warm for most dart frogs to be kept.
Not to steal the thread but I have been using Zoo Med's ReptiSun Compact Fluorescent Bulb for a month now and have seen little to no growth on my plants. I don't have space for a Fluorescent bulb since I did a vertical conversion on a 30 gallon tank and the light fixture would hang off so I went with the compact bulb.
My question is has anyone else used this bulb and gotten results.
My question is has anyone else used this bulb and gotten results.
Understand wanting to go fluorescent lighting as per cost. For LED to reach down any distance try looking at our sponsors spot 24 W LED lights. The are each half of your 150. They come with CREE diodes and are available with 6500k only diodes or a mix of 6500k and 4500k. So either option you get that bright white light. I have great growth in my tall tanks all the way to the floor with low growing plants. I also have individuals that are using them in 4' deep tanks with great results.In my opinion, LED technology still has a little ways to go before it is efficient enough and cost effective enough to be used on terrariums, especially one the depth that yours is. For tanks not as deep, they may work and provide ample light, but so far the only ones I have found that I am happy with and offer a "white" light that makes it pleasant to look at are extremely expensive ($150 per fixture, and you would need 2-4 of them depending on how bright you want it).
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Jason
I know everyones saying T5 or LEDs but what about T8 6500K fluorescents?
T8 6500K is ok to use as well, just not as efficient or as bright of light. I use T8s on several of my plant grow out tanks and have no complaints besides the cost to operate (which will not be noticed much for just doing one tank) and the frequency of bulb replacements.
Thank you! I have two T8 strips so i guess ill just use those on the tank.
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