Basking light at an angle?

[Sabayon]

So I finally got my new cage, 2x2x4 and I bought a plastic shelving unit w/ holes already in each shelf, which takes care of my drainage.

I'll try to explain this without a pic and attach one later:

There is basically a shelf that the cage is resting on and another shelf that is on top of the cage (about 4-5 inches clearance from the top). The only problem is, if I still want to use the top shelf, I cannot make it any higher.

I have room to put my UVB fixture right on the screen, but my heat light fixture will not fit. I was thinking I could clip the light on the top, left, edge of the top shelf and have it at an angle pointing into the top of the cage.

Does it matter too terribly much if my light isn't pointing straight down? I have a 4' high hibiscus tree going in there (its maybe 5mm from touching the top panel), which fills up the entire top half with foliage. I will be able to position it so he gets prime basking light, but yeah it will have to be at an angle.

I kind of feel stupid posting this without a picture, but I don't have one yet. I just kind of wanted to get some thoughts/opinions so I have a better idea of what to do once I get off work!

 

[reptilover]

So I finally got my new cage, 2x2x4 and I bought a plastic shelving unit w/ holes already in each shelf, which takes care of my drainage.

I'll try to explain this without a pic and attach one later:

There is basically a shelf that the cage is resting on and another shelf that is on top of the cage (about 4-5 inches clearance from the top). The only problem is, if I still want to use the top shelf, I cannot make it any higher.

I have room to put my UVB fixture right on the screen, but my heat light fixture will not fit. I was thinking I could clip the light on the top, left, edge of the top shelf and have it at an angle pointing into the top of the cage.

Does it matter too terribly much if my light isn't pointing straight down? I have a 4' high hibiscus tree going in there (its maybe 5mm from touching the top panel), which fills up the entire top half with foliage. I will be able to position it so he gets prime basking light, but yeah it will have to be at an angle.

I kind of feel stupid posting this without a picture, but I don't have one yet. I just kind of wanted to get some thoughts/opinions so I have a better idea of what to do once I get off work!

Don't feel stupid. I think its a legitimate question. If u think about It the sun is only straight up and for a short while if at all. If ur temps are right i see no problems

 

[BeBoSON]

There's been talk about this. People say if you angel it, it gives off better temp zones throughout the enclosure so your good.

 

[Sabayon]

Awesome guys, thanks. I'll post a pic of final set up in here when I get it

 

[Solid Snake]

I believe I understand what you are talking about.

the angle of the light makes a huge difference!

For my xanth, I actually keep it over the cage, and facing to the outside of the cage. This heats only a small portion of the cage, which is ideal for her, as it leaves the rest of the cage cooler.

Angling it in, will heat the entire cage, which may be a good thing.

Straight down will heat the area underneath,which may also be a good thing.

Just depends on your ambient temps, and what works for you.

Play with it, and check temps, and see what works.

Im sure you could get something appropriate going, from one angle or another.

 

[Sabayon]

Yeah, I like the way it is right now because if I need to change the angle or area of the light it would be very easy to do so.

And with all the foliage from the plants I got, there will be areas that are HEAVILY shaded and areas that are really open. I'll play with it and get a few pics up.

 

[Sabayon]

Here is a pic of the cage before I put everything in.

 

[JonRich]

I have a basking light at an angle and i saw no difference over having it facing down.

 

[Sabayon]

Alright here is the final setup:

He had a bit of a freakout because it's the first time I "took" him out of his cage, rather than let him out of his cage. So he sprinted to the top and is scared sh**less I imagine.

Whatever cranky pants I just bought you a new house