Lighting advice for diy enclosure

[JaredT]

I am almost done with my diy enclosure for my Russian so that they can graduate from their 55gal tub. I just need some lighting advice before I drill wiring holes places I regret. The pic below shows my plan with basking in yellow, uvb in blue, and che in red. Should I spread them out more or leave them bunched up with the right side free of lights. (Led lighting will be around the whole cage) Thanks in advance!

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hi! The enclosure looks nice, first of all.

Your plan looks fine to me: to make a basking corner with heat lamp and UVB tube and put CHE in the middle (to heat up whole enclosure). What lights are you planning to get and what's enclosure size/height?

 

[JaredT]

Hi! The enclosure looks nice, first of all.

Your plan looks fine to me: to make a basking corner with heat lamp and UVB tube and put CHE in the middle (to heat up whole enclosure). What lights are you planning to get and what's enclosure size/height?

I have 60w flood bulb for basking, 100w che, and Arcadia 36" 12%. I'm using 10.5 in chicken brooding lamps that I will hang from chains to adjust height/temp. It's 4'x4'x2'. I know I need 4'x8' once full size, but this is all I have room for at the moment.

And thanks, it's been a long project and I'm very happy with it

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I have 60w flood bulb for basking, 100w che, and Arcadia 36" 12%. I'm using 10.5 in chicken brooding lamps that I will hang from chains to adjust height/temp. It's 4'x4'x2'. I know I need 4'x8' once full size, but this is all I have room for at the moment.

And thanks, it's been a long project and I'm very happy with it

Ok, equipment sounds good. When hanging basking lamp you may need to tilt it slightly to direct heat and light in the area lit by UVB lamp.
I've attached an alternative layout - maybe you will like it better as it leaves more freedom to place LED lights

 

[JaredT]

Ok, equipment sounds good. When hanging basking lamp you may need to tilt it slightly to direct heat and light in the area lit by UVB lamp.
I've attached an alternative layout - maybe you will like it better as it leaves more freedom to place LED lights

I do like that more than my plan. I'll make sure the heat ends up under the uvb too. Thanks again, I'll post some pics once it's done

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

I do like that more than my plan. I'll make sure the heat ends up under the uvb too. Thanks again, I'll post some pics once it's done

You may also want to use plain socket without a dome for the basking lamp (it has a reflector sleeve so wide dome is not necessary) and put a bright LED lamp right next to it to add more brightness to the basking area.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hello and welcome! Im liking your build! Do you plan to make it a full closed chamber as they’re so young?

Also just to check, you aren’t housing two Russians as a pair?

 

[JaredT]

Hello and welcome! Im liking your build! Do you plan to make it a full closed chamber as they’re so young?

Also just to check, you aren’t housing two Russians as a pair?

Thank you! Yes, the plan is for a closed chamber. I have a lid for the top and I'll have sliding glass on the front when it's done.

Nope just one, I see how my wording was confusing though just said "they" since I don't know if it's male or female yet.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Thank you! Yes, the plan is for a closed chamber. I have a lid for the top and I'll have sliding glass on the front when it's done.

Nope just one, I see how my wording was confusing though just said "they" since I don't know if it's male or female yet.

Haha no worries! so many people do and Russians are particularly territorial feisty little souls
Would love to see it once it’s all set up!