Habitat - Indoor :: Lighting Question...

[BLewis]

So...

I have two of the clamp on type lamps. And I also have a aquarium light-18".

I am buying a new UVB bulb online. My question is, should I get a compact florescent for one of the clamp on lamps? Or should I go with a 18" florescent bulb for my aquarium light?

I figure I'll have to use at least on clamp on anyway for UVA and heat because I know that florescent bulbs dont put off much heat. So, I was thinking it would be easier to use both clamp lamps one for UVB and one for the UVA. It's kinda tough mounting a regular aquarium light over a tank properly so...

I was just looking for some advice on what people here prefer. It's a great forum. And there are some very intelligent people here.

Thanks!

[Pito007]

Yeah, I would just use two clamp lamps.

[BLewis]

Thanks for the input! Thats what I'll do then.

Thanks!

[SpotsMama]

I think you are headed in the right direction, but just to clarify one point - the UVB bulb also provides UVA. Any bulb that provides UVB and visible light also provides UVA because UVA lies on the spectrum between UVB and visible light.

UVA really isn't the same thing as heat. Actually, the rays that produce the most heat aren't UV (ultra violet) at all - they are infra red - at the completely opposite end of the spectrum. You've probably heard of infra red goggles which people use to "see" living creatures (like other people) at night when there's no visible light. These goggles detect the heat - infra red radiation - that is emitted by warm blooded creatures. Remember "Predator" the movie? The Predator was using infra red goggles to hunt Arnold Swartzenegger in the dark.

[BLewis]

Thanks spotsmama!

I appreciate all the help from everyone! This is a great place!

PS - Predator is a great movie!