Lighting: Understanding the Basics of Vivarium Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and thriving vivarium, especially when it comes to supporting the growth of plants and providing a suitable environment for the inhabitants. While lighting can become more complex when dealing with rare or delicate plants, beginners can start with a simple approach by focusing on easy-to-grow plants.
There are several reasons why lighting is important in a vivarium. Firstly and most obvious, plants require light for photosynthesis, the process by which they convert light energy into chemical energy to fuel their growth.
Additionally, a day/night cycle is important for the inhabitants of the vivarium to replicate a normal circadian rhythm, which can contribute to their overall well-being and natural behavior.
Understanding Kelvin and Lumens in Vivarium Lighting
When researching lights for your vivarium, you will come across two common types of measurements: Kelvin and lumens.
Kelvin
Kelvin is the unit of measurement for color temperature. It determines the hue of the light emitted by the bulbs. Some lights have a soft warm glow, while others emit a bluish tint. For most vivarium plants, lights in the 4500-6500K range are ideal, as this falls within the standard daylight range.
This color temperature provides a balanced spectrum of light that is neither too warm nor too cool. Nowadays, many lights come with LEDs that allow you to adjust the color temperature according to your desired aesthetic.
Lumens
Lumens, on the other hand, measure the intensity or brightness of the light. In general, the higher the light wattage, the higher the lumens. Different plants have varying light requirements, with some thriving in low-light conditions while others require bright light.
It's important to consider the distance between the plants and the light source, as the closer the light, the brighter it will be. For instance, if the light is too close to certain plants, such as many ferns, the leaves may become crispy. Conversely, plants like bromeliads enjoy bright light and can be placed higher in the vivarium.
Optimizing your lighting for Success
Determining the optimal brightness for your vivarium lights may not have a straightforward solution, but here's a simple starting point:
I have found success using Nicrew Strip lights on several of my vivariums. These lights are not only thin and visually appealing but also budget-friendly. Often a single light strip is sufficient. However, lately, I have personally been using two lights per vivarium to help with light distribution.
For placement, I position one light near the front of the vivarium, set to full brightness. This placement allows the light to penetrate deep down to reach lower terrestrial plants. For the second light, I position it approximately 3/4 of the way back in the vivarium and adjust the brightness to around 50%. This configuration prevents scorching of plants growing higher on the background while still providing a sufficient spread of illumination.
Typically, a 12-hour lighting period is a good starting point, but you can adjust it seasonally to mimic the natural habitat of your vivarium inhabitants.
Remember, it's helpful to start with hardy and easy plants when setting up your vivarium. By focusing on these plant varieties, you can simplify the lighting requirements and increase your chances of success.
Shedding Light on UVB
Depending on the species you keep in your vivarium, you may also need to add UVB lighting. UVB is particularly important for animals that are active during the day and enjoy basking in the sun. Research the specific lighting needs of your inhabitants to determine whether UVB is necessary.
When using UVB lighting, it's important to note that the beneficial UV rays do not pass through glass. If your vivarium has a glass top to retain humidity, you will need to ensure that the UVB light is not placed above it. For the UVB rays to pass through, you will need to cut the glass to allow direct light exposure through the screen
The Power of Smart Lights and Accessories
Many lights on the market now include automatic timer functionality. However, if you purchase a light that doesn’t, smart plugs like these are highly recommended, as they allow you to control the lights remotely through a smartphone app.
By plugging your lights into a smart plug and connecting it to your phone, you can easily set a lighting schedule and forget about manually turning the lights on and off.
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In conclusion, by selecting an appropriate lighting system, providing a suitable day/night cycle, and considering the inclusion of UVB lighting, you can confidently create an environment that supports optimal plant growth and the natural behaviors of your vivarium inhabitants.
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