Full Spectrum light

[Christian]

Can someone recommend a full spectrum tube light. Not the kind that look like twirling bulb. Need one that runs along the entire length of the cage. I will mount it on the outside of the cage. My cage only has one opening up front. You can't see birds from the remaining sides. Approximately 40 inches. Can a grow light for plants be used?

[Barbara]

Christian the long tube grow lights for plants is what I use on all my cages ,but I also have a clip light on all of them with a full spectrum swirly bulb.I will be watching to see if there is any place to buy the tube light that are full spectrum.I always wonder if aquarium bulbs would work ? good luck

[Icearstorm]

Christian

Generally, lights should be between 5000 and 6500 Kelvin in color and have a CRI of at least 90. Equatorial birds would experience around 5000 Kelvin in the wild. 6500 Kelvin is considered the "typical" sunlight color and makes normal and blue gouldians stand out more. Aquarium and terrarium lights should work fine, and tend to be 6500 Kelvin. Try to get a light with high luminosity; very few lights on the market are too bright. From what I have heard, if you provide adequate vitamin D3, full-spectrum lights are not required, so you can use a regular house light. I use this light, but it is only 24" long, and lacks full spectrum:http://www.bulbs.com/product/F17T8-TL950

Use a hood for more effective lighting.

[debbie276]

Some great articles on lighting in my signature

[Icearstorm]

debbie276

Huh, turns out the light I'm using is the same one the first article recommends.

[Barbara]

debbie276 very interesting thank-you for sharing