Lighting and Timer Question

[ppg5tu]

Hi we are trying to find the best option for lighting fixtures and good timers that are reliable and nto too expensive. We have 2 large flight cages that we have the traditional 18" light fixtures on top right now but we want to figure out a lighting system for our breeder cages.

We have 3 breeder cages that stack one on top of another and we are trying to figure out if one single standing light will be enough light for all three cages or if we need individual lights for each cage. We are thinking of getting a multi-head standing lamp kind of like the one pictured but one at least that you can adjust the individual sockets to different heights to accommodate the 3 cages. What are your thoughts on this?

Secondly, does anyone have a particular timer that they have found really easy, cheap, and reliable to use for their cages? We live about 30 minutes from a Home Depot so we want to see if anyone has gotten some from there or if they just ordered online. If you can tell me the type and where you got it that would be great! Thanks again

[paul-inAZ]

I use programmable digital timers made by GE. Purchased at Target I think but Walmart should have them as well.
Only 6 months or so of use so far but no troubles (yet?). They seem to maintain their timing schedule better than the old fashioned mechanical timers.
As I recall they are not very expensive. Mine came in a two-pack.

Does the lamp use halogen bulbs? If so, be careful because those bulbs are known to get hot enough to be a fire hazard if near anything flammable.

[ppg5tu]

paul-inAZ

I would obviously change the bulbs to be full spectrum lights now halogen lights. And we wouldn't position them close enough to give off enough heat to the flammable things in the cage.

[ppg5tu]

And also, what kind of Wattage do people use for gouldians?

[debbie276]

I thought true full spectrum you could only get in fluorescent lights?
You will be looking for something with a Kelvin rating of 5000 to 5700 and a CRI (Color Rendering Index) at 100

[Finnie]

I have some like these, which I bought at Target a few years back for about $35. Not sure if Target still has them. Mine seemed to have slightly longer arms. I also bought some at Walmart and returned them, because they had short arms. I can aim mine at whichever cages seem to need more light:

http://www.amazon.com/Park-Madison-Ligh ... B00857R9PY

I have gotten full spectrum bulbs from this site before. But not all full spectrum are equal. For actual UV bulbs, you have to look at the fine print: http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/00 ... MgodgWgAKA

I have my doubts about most of what they call "full spectrum", but I think the Verilux qualifies.

[ppg5tu]

Finnie

I'm curious if you can get a picture of your set-up and put it on here or PM me. I'm just curious how you set the light up. Thanks

[Finnie]

I was able to find these old pictures. Back then I apparently didn't need all 5 arms!

One thing I found with them. I used to move them daily as I was sweeping. After a while, this caused the stems, the main poles, to not be perfectly straight. (The screw threads get weak.) So now I only move them when I have to, and I am very careful not to stress the poles.