Here are the main types of lights that are used for terrariums:
- CFL’s (Compact Fluorescent)
- Fluorescent tubes
- T-5
- T-8
- Horizontal LEDS
- LED fixtures
Compact Fluorescent (CFL’s)
Use these for most tanks under 24″ tall and up to 36″ wide.
Pro’s
-inexpensive
-widely available
-with or without UVB
-range of color temps
Con’s
-not efficient compared to output
-not suitable in larger terrariums
-larger wattages won’t fit in housing
-produces a lot of heat
-fragile
Overall, this is a cheaper bulb which comes in many wattages, color temperature, shapes and sizes. They will work in a variety of housings. These should be avoided in tanks for heat sensitive species as they have a greater heat output than some of the other options. Although in these cases, the fixture could be raised up to allow the heat to escape.
T-5 Fluorescent Tubes
Use these above racks where aesthetics is not a concern.
Pro’s
-produce a high light output
-most energy efficient fluorescent tube option
-many color temperatures & lengths available
-Available with or without UVB
-widely available
-24″ & 48″ length fluorescent tube options can be affordable
Con’s
-Other lengths can be expensive
-produces a lot of heat -even compared to other fluorescent tube options
-aesthetics
Overall, the T-5 tubes are the most energy efficient tube lighting at a reasonable price (if you stick to common lengths). It is available in many color temperatures and lengths. This is a good replacement for the T-8 & T-12 bulbs. These should be avoided in tanks for heat sensitive species as they have a greater heat output than some of the other options. Although in most cases, the fixture will be raised up to allow the heat to escape.
T-8 Fluorescent Tubes
Use these above short racks where aesthetics is not a concern.
Pro’s
-many color temperatures & lengths available
-Available with or without UVB
-widely available
Con’s
-less light output than the T-5 tubes
-produces less heat than the T-5 tubes, but still a decent amount of heat output
-aesthetics
-Not as energy efficient as the T-5 tubes
-Stick to enclosures under 18″ in height
-most come in multi-packs of 15-30 bulbs so you may have a lifetime supply if you do not have many tanks
The T-8 tubes are widely available and have been used in large collections for numerous years with a reliable light. These tubes would make a good replacement for the older T-12 tubes, however I would spring for the T-5 if you can afford it for better energy efficiency and output.
Horizontal LED’S
Use 1 screw-in horizontal LED bulb for a small 12″x12″ tank, otherwise use 1 bulb for every 8″ of width (rounding down) as long as the depth is 18″ or less. For example, a 36″ width tank could use 4 bulbs.
Pro’s
-very energy efficient
-low heat output
-varying wattage’s
-can be used within inexpensive housing
-optimal color temp
-long life (~10 years)
Con’s
-Expensive
-no UVB option
-online only
-generic brands are hit and miss on quality and light penetration
-unless it is 12″ or less in width, the tank will need more than 1 light
The horizontal LED’s are an excellent light to use within an existing screw-in fixture for an application that does not require a UVB light.
LED fixtures
Select a LED fixture which will extend to the correct width of your tank.
Pro’s
-very energy efficient
-low heat output
-good light penetration
-adjustable color temp.
-adjustable legs to fit a range of widths
Con’s
-Expensive
-online only
-generic brands are hit and miss on quality, light penetration & life
The LED fixtures are worth the investment if you want a long term solution which is very energy efficient and has many custom settings. I would personally recommend the Current Satellite LED Plus Pro. It has numerous settings including a 15 minute morning sunrise and sunset, along with storm, clouds, lightening and fully customize-able color and brightness. I currently have the Current Satellite LED Plus, which does not have all the features of the Plus Pro, but is still awesome. If you do not see yourself using all the added features of the Plus Pro, you could get the Plus and save 50%.
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