I have the 18" x 18" x 24" ET terrarium and was wondering if two of the SMALL compact fixtures would be overkill when used side by side with compact fluorescent bulbs?I'm thinking of getting some kind of Boa, probably Brazilian. So what are the benefits, if any, using CF bulbs over incandescent bulbs anyway? Do they each put out about the same amount of heat? I bet CF bulbs are more expensive too. Would heat from lights be sufficient and only need supplementing with a primary heating pad under the terrarium?Stop me before I ask another question... I have the 18" x 18" x 24" ET terrarium and was wondering if two of the SMALL compact fixtures would be overkill when used side by side with compact fluorescent bulbs?I'm... » Read More I have the 18" x 18" x 24" ET terrarium and was wondering if two of the SMALL compact fixtures would be overkill when used side by side with compact fluorescent bulbs?I'm thinking of getting some kind of Boa, probably Brazilian. So what are the benefits, if any, using CF bulbs over incandescent bulbs anyway? Do they each put out about the same amount of heat? I bet CF bulbs are more expensive too. Would heat from lights be sufficient and only need supplementing with a primary heating pad under the terrarium?Stop me before I ask another question... « Show Less
1146486
I think this fixture is more appropriate for providing light, specifically full spectrum, as opposed to heat. I believe it has a rather low total wattage that can be used, 25 watts on each side. So I don't think you would need two, unless of course you want a lot of light. The CF are nice as they provide full spectrum (UVB) in a compact bulb, eliminating the need for larger fluorescent bulbs. There are not any incandescent bulbs that put out UVB to my knowledge, but they put out a good amount of heat. The CF bulbs are nice as they are lower wattage so less energy. I believe lower heat but they're not really used for heat bulbs in reptiles anyways. I think this fixture is more appropriate for providing light, specifically full spectrum, as opposed to heat. I believe it has a rather low total wattage that can be used, 25 watts on each side. So I don't think you would need two, unless of course you want a lot of light. The CF are nice as they provide full spectrum (UVB) in a compact bulb, eliminating the need for larger fluorescent bulbs. There are not any incandescent bulbs that put out UVB to my knowledge, but they put out a good amount of heat. The CF bulbs are nice as they are lower wattage so less energy. I believe lower heat but... » Read More I think this fixture is more appropriate for providing light, specifically full spectrum, as opposed to heat. I believe it has a rather low total wattage that can be used, 25 watts on each side. So I don't think you would need two, unless of course you want a lot of light. The CF are nice as they provide full spectrum (UVB) in a compact bulb, eliminating the need for larger fluorescent bulbs. There are not any incandescent bulbs that put out UVB to my knowledge, but they put out a good amount of heat. The CF bulbs are nice as they are lower wattage so less energy. I believe lower heat but they're not really used for heat bulbs in reptiles anyways. « Show Less
1146487
I own this and have been using compact fluorescent bulbs since I bought it. My gecko has no issues with it and the temperature stays where it should in there. You shouldn't have any problems if you don't want to use incandescent. Saved us on the electric bill since the light is running half the time.
1146488
CF bulbs will not provide heat like incandescent bulbs. If you are counting on heat from you overhead lighting then stay away from the CF.
1146489
The exo terra hoods are only rated for 25W incandescent bulbs or 26W CFL's. If use use anything with a higher wattage you will melt the hood. The only reason to use CFL's is to provide UV lighting for reptiles that need it or natural light if you are using live plants in a terrarium. For a boa you'd be better off with under tank heating but just make sure there is a temperature gradient so the snake can cool down if they need to.
1146490
CF BULBS R MORE EXPENSIVE BUT LAST WAY LONGER BUT DO NOT PUT OUT AS MUCH HEAT.srry caps. i have one incandescent and a uvb. i run both for combined benefits. all depends on what u have for a critter. i have crested geckos. they dont need as much heat but my bearded dragon dose
1146491
Hello, I'm not sure what species you're keeping, but I'm assuming you'll need at least one incandescent bulb for heat. CFs don't put out nearly as much heat as incandescent bulbs do. But, you do need a CF bulb for proper UVB radiation. Additionally, if I am not mistaken, the fixtures you are discussing are listed at 25w, which won't be enough for your incandescent heat bulb (for example, I use a 40w incandescent in one of my tanks and a 60w in another.) The best bet is to research what your species's needs are and carefully design and test your habitat. Good luck.
1146492
And it depends on what type of cage you have, location, etc, with regards to supplemental heat other than the heat pad.
980916
We were buying twin packs from local stores when I decided to see what Amazon offered. I used the size information from the most recent packaging to identify what to order since I'd learned the hard way that there are more than one size. There is a smaller size I had purchased before, but luckily it was just a twin pack from a local store and I was able to return them for a refund. You probably need the BR30 size bulbs and, if so, they're less expensive. Good luck.
1524817
The heat they put out is so minimal, plants can nearly touch the bulbs and not be cooked. I have both two bulb units and one of these. This one is BY FAR my favorite. Most of my seedlings are in flats. Using the two bulb units, with the flat turned lengthwise under the lights . . .the plants on both long edges for about two rows on each side for a total of four long rows . . .the seedlings become slightly more leggy than those seedlings closer to the middle. The reason why is the distance from the lights. Using the four bulb unit, all the seedlings get the same amount of light. The heat they put out is so minimal, plants can nearly touch the bulbs and not be cooked. I have both two bulb units and one of these. This one is BY FAR my favorite. Most of my seedlings are in flats. Using the two bulb units, with the flat turned lengthwise under the lights . . .the plants on both long edges for about two rows on each side for a total of four long rows . . .the seedlings become slightly more leggy than those seedlings closer to the middle. The reason why is the distance from the lights. Using the four bulb unit, all the seedlings get the same amount of light.
681015
Go out to their site at http://www.dormgrow.com/ where you will find all the details on their lights. I have a 450 and it was good for two folding tables side by side. Next year I plan to create a wrap around for the tables so the light can bounce off and provide better coverage. The lights also have little fans to promote better grow conditions.
1534663
I use 60 watt Clear (incandescent) light bulbs. I prefer those because of the way the light is cast. I have never seen them with flourescent bulbs or standard opaque bulbs, I just know that the light (to me) cast off all of my lamps is better and more crisp with a clear, incandescent bulb. I am not at home to check at this momennt, but I am fairly certain 60W is the maximum/recommended wattage. It sends out lots of light. In addition, I get so many compliments on these lamps, I wish I had more of them!!!
1585876
Get two. I love mine. No problems with the lights or the company. My corals and fish are doing amazing. Was definately worth the money.
1049382
I recently purchased this for my beardie and am currently using the 75w daylight basking spot bulb by exo terra. I've had no issues. It works great. You can use up to a 150w bulb in them.
1122399
honestly the light is great but not for a planted tank. If you decide to go with this, you will probably need 2. one on each side of the middle brace. I dont know what the dimensions are on each side so just measure that out and go with the closest size available to cover each side from left to right. (I think two 36")My recommendations for a planted tank would be to go with the Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, 30-InchI have a 37 planted tank and it works great. It is a deep tank and everything both short and tall grows fantastically. Again, with this I would go with two separate lights to cover your tank. honestly the light is great but not for a planted tank. If you decide to go with this, you will probably need 2. one on each side of the middle brace. I dont know what the dimensions are on each side so just measure that out and go with the closest size available to cover each side from left to right. (I think two 36")My recommendations for a planted tank would be to go with the Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, 30-InchI have a 37 planted tank and it works great. It... » Read More honestly the light is great but not for a planted tank. If you decide to go with this, you will probably need 2. one on each side of the middle brace. I dont know what the dimensions are on each side so just measure that out and go with the closest size available to cover each side from left to right. (I think two 36")My recommendations for a planted tank would be to go with the Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, 30-InchI have a 37 planted tank and it works great. It is a deep tank and everything both short and tall grows fantastically. Again, with this I would go with two separate lights to cover your tank. « Show Less
1233984
Hello! There is nothing extra that's needed to compliment this light's spectrum for flowering as it is already the absolute most complete spectrum that you can create using LED lights once both switches are used for flowering purpose. We use our proprietary 11-band spectrum which has been tuned, tried and tested for years with incredible results. If you're looking to not compliment the spectrum but compliment the *overall light footprint*, then that's a different story! 2 of these in a 4x4 tent would allow a very tight panel height above plant tops and only yield more and more. Or, step up to the 150x3w model.. Hello! There is nothing extra that's needed to compliment this light's spectrum for flowering as it is already the absolute most complete spectrum that you can create using LED lights once both switches are used for flowering purpose. We use our proprietary 11-band spectrum which has been tuned, tried and tested for years with incredible results. If you're looking to not compliment the spectrum but compliment the *overall light footprint*, then that's a different story! 2 of these in a 4x4 tent would allow a very tight panel height above plant tops and only yield more and more. Or, step up... » Read More Hello! There is nothing extra that's needed to compliment this light's spectrum for flowering as it is already the absolute most complete spectrum that you can create using LED lights once both switches are used for flowering purpose. We use our proprietary 11-band spectrum which has been tuned, tried and tested for years with incredible results. If you're looking to not compliment the spectrum but compliment the *overall light footprint*, then that's a different story! 2 of these in a 4x4 tent would allow a very tight panel height above plant tops and only yield more and more. Or, step up to the 150x3w model.. « Show Less
1549419
I presume you are referring to energy saving bulbs, I guerss you can if you can get the correct cap. You should however use Rough Service RS bulbs which allow for frequent switching on and off and temperature fluctuations. See no value in using Compact Fluorescent bulbs.
223297
I would go bigger because you're room has almost 400 cubic feet. You want to turn ask the air in the room over at least once probably more per minute. Also the fan you are looking at is not strong enough for that filter let alone the one you really need. In that size of a room I would go much larger because I assume you are trying to cool lights with this set up as well and I don't think that this combo would be cable of pulling enough air over your bulb to keep anything bigger than a 400 w cool enough to not cause problems in the grow area. Speaking fun experience you need your fan to be rated significantly higher cfm than the filter to sustain enough airflow to keep the light cool as well. Be patient and purchase the right materials off the bat or you will end up purchasing new equipment that should have been bought the first time. Just my 2 cents. A lot of money can be wasted because you cheaped out up front. Save the money you need for high quality equipment and you will get much better results. That being said this filter is great for the amount of cubic feet that it is designed for. Just go with the 400 cfm range one and you will be happy aslong as your fan is not cheap and can pull through the filter as well as cool your light. Peace.
2062751
no, you'd never get those big bulbs in (well maybe two on opposing sides)I'd look at the Linco Flora X Lights, they hold 4 bulbs, aren't expensive and come with a nice softbox.
1524818
The heat they put out is so minimal, plants can nearly touch the bulbs and not be cooked. I have both two bulb units and one of these. This one is BY FAR my favorite. Most of my seedlings are in flats. Using the two bulb units, with the flat turned lengthwise under the lights . . .the plants on both long edges for about two rows on each side for a total of four long rows . . .the seedlings become slightly more leggy than those seedlings closer to the middle. The reason why is the distance from the lights. Using the four bulb unit, all the seedlings get the same amount of light.
1917123
Hi Jennifer. I think 1 light should be good enough. I have a 150G 5x2x2 feet and I have 2 lights and it looks good. Make sure that you hang the light about 12" above the water level so it has good coverage and doesn't bleach the corals. I turned mines to 60% on both blue and white and some of my corals were bleaching badly. I then reduced it down to around 40% for both and the color return slowly and my frogspawn is loving it. Good luck.
1479041
Yes! I own two of these lights & have had compact fluorescent bulbs in them for the past year. No problems!
1978420
I'm using these lights for dart frogs.They are also good for any reptile that requires full spectrum lighting.I bought this particular set because of the sunrise sunset feature.Which basically means the lights start low and get brighter then stay bright for a set amount of time and dim slowly.This is supposed to less stressful to the animal than an all of a sudden bright light from darkness. I never owned a scorpion.But if your considering this as a heat source then I would suggest a different light as the bulbs used in this set-up don't produce much heat.Try a google search for a scorpion forum.and try asking there. Hope this was helpful I'm using these lights for dart frogs.They are also good for any reptile that requires full spectrum lighting.I bought this particular set because of the sunrise sunset feature.Which basically means the lights start low and get brighter then stay bright for a set amount of time and dim slowly.This is supposed to less stressful to the animal than an all of a sudden bright light from darkness. I never owned a scorpion.But if your considering this as a heat source then I would suggest a different light as the bulbs used in this set-up don't produce much heat.Try a google search for a scorpion... » Read More I'm using these lights for dart frogs.They are also good for any reptile that requires full spectrum lighting.I bought this particular set because of the sunrise sunset feature.Which basically means the lights start low and get brighter then stay bright for a set amount of time and dim slowly.This is supposed to less stressful to the animal than an all of a sudden bright light from darkness. I never owned a scorpion.But if your considering this as a heat source then I would suggest a different light as the bulbs used in this set-up don't produce much heat.Try a google search for a scorpion forum.and try asking there. Hope this was helpful « Show Less
1697469
If you use one light in the middle, the birds will receive the benefits but they will have to sit close to each other. You can try one and if it's not enough, get one more. If you have any other questions, please ask. Thanks, Kathy