Hanging Lights

[mtalley]

Sorry if this is already covered in a previous thread.
I have an adult Russian Tortoise named Clyde that is in a Cement mixing tray with a second story loft area added. I was using the Compact (spiral) UVB light bulb in a deep dome and a separate basking lamp. I am due to replace my UVB bulb, but I have seen so much controversy that I am wanting to switch to either a mercury vapor bulb or a fluorescent type strip and keep my basking bulb. Is one method really better than the other?
I am thinking about getting a T5 HO 36" and have it run lengthwise down the enclosure as I want light for the whole enclosure instead of just at the basking site as would be with the MVB. My question is what is the best way to hang this light?

Thanks!

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. For a Russian, I would go with the flourescent. The coil types are bad. We have seen many new members with eye problems. When they remove the coil bulbs, the problems go away. Best just to not use them.

 

[Yvonne G]

(the tortoises have eye problems from the light, not the many new members)

 

[mtalley]

Thanks. I ordered a T5 HO 36" light, but What is the best way to suspend the light strip over my enclosure? I am used to having the lights sitting on top of the screen lid or clamped on the side of the enclosure in the domes, but I have to hang the light strip 12+ inches above?

Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

Most screen material filter out the UV rays, so having a screen between the light and the tortoise isn't doing the tortoise any good, UVB-wise.

I have my T-5 lights suspended from the ceiling on tiny chains.

You could take some scrap lumber and make a stand. Just off the top of my head: A piece of wood the same length on either side of the habitat (outside of it), maybe a 1x1 or 1x2...something like that. Or even a PVC. Then have a piece of wood going across from one piece to the one on the opposite side, or pvc. Then suspend the light from that.

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-74564.html
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-59992.html
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-32549.html

There are even more. Just type in "light stand" in the Google Custom Search box at the top of every page and you get quite a few threads about it here on the Forum.

 

[ascott]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Knape-Vo...et-HD-0099-12WT/100523416?N=c4cu#.UtDos2RDs7Q

You can also use this type of bracket directly on the enclosures back wall (if the enclosure is up against a wall that is )...