Light length

[Harley2013]

I just acquired a double flight. 62 inches long. I am shopping for full spectrum for them. In a cage this length, what is the length of light I should use? I have tried to web search this and have seen images with just a compact full spectrum ( in a 10 inch dome) on the cage. How far ( distance wise) does the light put out beneficial factors for the birds? I guess what I'm asking is, what is the minimum length of light I can use for the benefits of the full spectrum to reach the distance to benefit the birds in a cage this size?

[KarenB]

I just use cheap ballasts which accommodate an 18 inch full spectrum uv fluorescent bulb, and the ones I have are effective for about 10 inches of depth, which is fine. I have perches up high, middle and low, so the birds can choose how much they get. I also have spots without light (shade).

Since I have a couple lights on my flights, I stagger the times I have them on. For instance, the first light comes on when the sun comes up. A few hours later the second one comes on, so then both are on. Then toward evening, the first one goes off and the second one will remain on until the sun is going down. All on timers set to simulate the natural sunlight patterns. The way I have it set up, both lights are on for pretty much the same amount of time each (12 hours) so that when they wear out, they will wear out equally and I'll replace both at the same time. Total time of lights on is about 14 to 15 hours.

I am planning to add moonlight, but I haven't gotten there yet. Right now they just have regular blue night lights that come on automatically when it gets dark.

[Sally]

On my double flights, I use 4' shop light fixtures. It is just a personal preference that I like lots of light on my cages for my own enjoyment, so my birds show up better. I have been using the more inexpensive daylight or sunshine bulbs available at places like Lowe's or Hlome Depot for most of my cages.

[Harley2013]

I have looked at lowes and Home Depot for bulbs, but am so confused as what is sufficient. Could you help me out maybe with a link or picture of what I can get there. Thank you!!! If I were to use a 10 inch dome fixture for the time being, what bulb could I use?

[Harley2013]

Sally, I went into Lowes today and found this fixture, I did not buy it however, because upon looking at it in person, I didn't think it would rest flush on top of the flight. I think it would be resting on the tubes and not the reflector. Do you rest yours or hang yours? Is is this type of fixture? Also, I did find the bulbs to go with it, and the stats on it was 5000K, 2600 lumines, it was sunlight. This cheaper type of bulb does not give off the beneficial UV though correct? so these cheaper lights are mainly for viewing and giving the aviary a light cycle is this right?

This is what I found. http://www.lowes.com/pd_420866-43921-MX ... $10%20-$15

[Ginene]

Harley2013...I bought 2 of these from Avitec.com for my double flights and am happy with them. Also, buying from a bird site took the guess work out of purchasing. I have stared @ fixtures and bulbs in Home Depot and Lowes way too many times, without ever making a purchase. Hope this helps you out
http://www.avitec.com/24-Inch-Fixture-w ... p/ff24.htm

[Harley2013]

Another idea I had was I have LED rope lights. Is this an option? Has anyone ever put these on your cage as light?

[Jason in TX]

In order to get full spectrum LED's with the amount of output that we need to be beneficial to our birds you would need a fixture designed for planted aquaria. You are talking about some serious money (upwards of $500). The benefit does not outweigh cost.