T5 HO 54W Plants & Veilds

[Brodybreaux25]

T5 HO 54W vs 160W Merc vape bulb.

I've done my research, but this is my first Veiled Chameleon habitat build, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I'm redoing my lighting for my Veild's enclosure, I wasn't impressed with the mercury bulbs I've been using because they seem to go out a lot and don't put out they kind of light I was expecting. So I broke out one of my old marijuana grow lights that I haven't used in years. I'm going to replace the bulbs before I install it. I started looking up the replacement bulbs online I noticed a very large price gap for different bulbs, some are $5 each some are $55 each. See attached for pics and specs.

$ is not a huge deal for me but I don't want to be wasting money either....

My questions-
- How do Merc Vape bulbs compare to T5 HO 54W bulbs as far as penetration, lumens, and UVB output? T5 bulbs are better all around right?
- Do the lower priced T5s put out enough/any UVB light?
- Do I need to use the high cost bulbs?
- What is the difference between the cheap bulbs vs the expensive ones?
- Color spectrum, should I be getting a certain one for my Veilds or does the color spectrum not have any effect on my Veiled?
- Can I mix and match color spectrums as long as the electrical specs are the same?
- My fixture holds 4 48" bulbs, if I need the expensive ones can I just put one or two of the high dollar bulbs in with cheap ones?
- Can some one recommend the best bulbs for my set up? Pics attached.

Thanks!

 

[nightanole]

You want the $23 reptisun 5.0.
Im guessing that cage is around 2ftx2ftx4xft like a standard reptibreeze xl. If that is the case the reptisun 5.0 (or arcadia 6%) is the best choice.

I would go with 2 reptisun 5.0, and 2 ultrasun (tropical bulbs), both are made by zoomed, have the same color temps (6500k), the ultrasuns just dont put out UV. If you can find some 6500k grow lights for cheap ( i have found them for less than 10 bucks per bulb) you can get those vs the ultrasuns.

The merc vapors are more for "dragons" and are self balasted and break after about a year.

 

[Nursemaia]

I prefer Arcadia bulbs.

 

[Brodybreaux25]

You want the $23 reptisun 5.0.
Im guessing that cage is around 2ftx2ftx4xft like a standard reptibreeze xl. If that is the case the reptisun 5.0 (or arcadia 6%) is the best choice.

I would go with 2 reptisun 5.0, and 2 ultrasun (tropical bulbs), both are made by zoomed, have the same color temps (6500k), the ultrasuns just dont put out UV. If you can find some 6500k grow lights for cheap ( i have found them for less than 10 bucks per bulb) you can get those vs the ultrasuns.

The merc vapors are more for "dragons" and are self balasted and break after about a year.

Would the merc vap work for Leopard Geckos?

 

[nightanole]

Would the merc vap work for Leopard Geckos?

I am not a leopard gecko expert. How much UV does a nocturnal animal get? But merc vapor are for equator reptiles that get ALOT of sun.
http://arcadia-reptile.com/lighting-for-leopard-geckos/

So a leopard requires a 2% bulb ( and a high mounted one at that) while a merc vapor puts out more like 15-18%.

 

[Brodybreaux25]

So I guess that would be some serious overkill. Could that hurt one? Would it be ok to just use that bulb a couple of hours a day until it needs to be replaced in 6 months? Then get the right bulb for that species... My 5yo always wants to hold my chams and that's not happening so im looking to get him something he can hold under close supervision. This is my first day of doing research on geckos so I defiantly appreciate the help.

 

[Venutus1]

So I guess that would be some serious overkill. Could that hurt one? Would it be ok to just use that bulb a couple of hours a day until it needs to be replaced in 6 months? Then get the right bulb for that species... My 5yo always wants to hold my chams and that's not happening so im looking to get him something he can hold under close supervision. This is my first day of doing research on geckos so I defiantly appreciate the help.

For what you are doing,
forget the merc vapor. 1920's technology...
and hasn't changed since then. LOL
It is only good supplemental at best on really large cham cages lit properly by other full spectrum means anyway.

and NO NO merc vapor on leopard gecko.

Study their natural environment and create a rocky environment with lots of caves and shady place.
( yes - it is OK to use real rocks - and driftwood, cholla cactus logs etc.to create a naturalistic set up.
Maybe even a few arid plants.
light with a 6% T8 arcadia bulb about half the length of the cage so it is "shady" going thru a screen top on 8 hours a day.

Every once and a while they will stick a toe (or foot ortheir nose) out in the light during the day to synthesize vit D.
They are very efficient at it.

Lots of shady caves and logs and hiding places. Psychologically important.

Keep it dry-sh ... but mist lightly in the morning to simulate the morning dew is Kashmir.

oh... & no heat at nite.
screen top, good air flow thru cage.

Hope this helps Brody.
Todd