Looking at getting a large enclosure, approx. 17 sq ft. Assuming due to room temps and compared to my current set up less than half that size, I'd need a MVB plus 2-3 60 W CHEs (I currently use 1 MVB + 1 CHE...we keep the house cold). Using a lamp stand for each bulb/fixture is an option that is safe and adjustable, but not the prettiest and probably not cheapest. Wondering if anyone else has a good idea?
I'm almost thinking of some sort of structure built over the enclosure to mount the bulbs, but I really want it vertically adjustable and very stable/safe. I love the ZooMed lamp stand I have for the MVB, but the CHE clamped to a board laid over the enclosure has never been adjustable to my liking. Anyone have photos of what they use for multiple bulbs that is adjustable vertically? Anything off the shelf or with minimal construction skills necessary? A tension rod (think shower curtain rod, but I'd hope for something skinnier) with the CHE clamped was my first idea, but not as stable as I'd like as the rod can wiggle loose.
Or, am I thinking this all wrong and I need to have something more efficient for heat? Will I want to consider more light too? Adding a light bulb or two to the MVB + 2-3 CHEs is talking a lot of bulbs! Right now I think the amount of light from ambient + MVB is sufficient, and the new enclosure is a light tan plastic tub so it'll let a bit of light in, but I know Russians are a high light species. I won't consider under enclosure heat pads, but I think radiant panels are awesome, although I'm not sure how I would go about rigging them up as I'd need some sort of over tub structure, and these would block access to the enclosure (will these work with a plastic tub enclosure?).
What do you all do for heating & lighting a large indoor enclosure (> 10 sq ft) when a MVB is used as the primary source?
Thanks!
I'm almost thinking of some sort of structure built over the enclosure to mount the bulbs, but I really want it vertically adjustable and very stable/safe. I love the ZooMed lamp stand I have for the MVB, but the CHE clamped to a board laid over the enclosure has never been adjustable to my liking. Anyone have photos of what they use for multiple bulbs that is adjustable vertically? Anything off the shelf or with minimal construction skills necessary? A tension rod (think shower curtain rod, but I'd hope for something skinnier) with the CHE clamped was my first idea, but not as stable as I'd like as the rod can wiggle loose.
Or, am I thinking this all wrong and I need to have something more efficient for heat? Will I want to consider more light too? Adding a light bulb or two to the MVB + 2-3 CHEs is talking a lot of bulbs! Right now I think the amount of light from ambient + MVB is sufficient, and the new enclosure is a light tan plastic tub so it'll let a bit of light in, but I know Russians are a high light species. I won't consider under enclosure heat pads, but I think radiant panels are awesome, although I'm not sure how I would go about rigging them up as I'd need some sort of over tub structure, and these would block access to the enclosure (will these work with a plastic tub enclosure?).
What do you all do for heating & lighting a large indoor enclosure (> 10 sq ft) when a MVB is used as the primary source?
Thanks!