russian tort enclosure almost complete

[Dov]

I'm almost finished the new enclosure. Just need to add a few more things to it. I need to get another lamp and a bulb that has both uvb and uva. I need to add in more coco coir and then add orchid bark as a top layer.

What other plants can i add in? I already have a young spider plant in the enclosure.

And how do I keep the coco coir from drying out fast?

Anything else I should add to the enclosure?

Thanks?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Those lamps that have both UVB and UVA are probably MVB lamps....Please save your money and don't buy them.
I have a box full of them because I made the same mistake.
They are very desicating and provide sporadic levels of UV.
Search the forum for MVB stories.
What you need will be a T5 HO strip florescent UVB tube light.
Covering part (most) of the top with plexi will help with the substrate drying out and will trap in some warmth and humidity at the same time.

 

[Dov]

Those lamps that have both UVB and UVA are probably MVB lamps....Please save your money and don't buy them.
I have a box full of them because I made the same mistake.
They are very desicating and provide sporadic levels of UV.
Search the forum for MVB stories.
What you need will be a T5 HO strip florescent UVB tube light.
Covering part (most) of the top with plexi will help with the substrate drying out and will trap in some warmth and humidity at the same time.

Would the exo terra light unit be ok to use?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Would the exo terra light unit be ok to use?

Is it a MVB (or Mercury Vapor Bulb?)
No.
Not for UVB.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

On their webpage. Their UV lights are all either MVB or spiral type cfl.
Neither are your best bet in my opinion.
Search ZOOMED or ARCADIA T5 HO strip florescent 10.0 or in the case of Arcadia the 12%.
Several lengths are sold. Each length has a different wattage. Don't be concerned about that part.

 

[jaizei]

All UVB bulbs produce UVA.

Exo Terra Light units are T8; they are more versatile in how the bulb can be mounted, but dont have a reflector, so they might not provide enough UVB without being real low.

 

[Dov]

Is it a MVB (or Mercury Vapor Bulb?)
No.
Not for UVB.

I think it's just for uva