red light for night viewing?

[BigBadConrad]

I have a couple scorps & pedes, looking into T's as well. Does anyone use a red bulb (not sure exactly what they're called but have seen them at zoos, etc.) for night viewing? I have a black light, but I want to see my pedes, prey and environment as well. Does a red bulb, or anything else, allow viewing without disturbing or confusing the animals? If so, can you use the bulb in a regular clamp light? How strong a bulb for how big a tank? Any details or experiences appreciated.

Thx,
BBC

 

[pelo]

My T cabinets are heated with red incandescent aquarium bulbs.They come off and on quite frequently.Doesn't bother my T's or scorps in the slightest.Red bulbs should be fine for viewing and heating purposes.Just be careful.Incandescent lights can dessicate an invert very quickly and also dry out an enclosure very quickly.Make sure they have access to water at all times...peace..

 

[minax]

Yes........

Thats right, just be careful, and check the temps often, as it's better to be too low, than too high. Try a very low setting first. I have used these bulbs often. Mine are the Zoo-Med infra red bulbs, 50 w. They will work fine with a clamp lamp. It can cause the T to dry out, but only when it is not monitored well. I think it is funny that people always pass around the legend that T's will dessicate with bulbs! They will dessicate with any heat source, if it is not regulated properly.

The most sensitive T's are slings, right? And look what they use in the most advanced mech. moms. Yes.........thats right, they use bulbs. So how do they make it work? They use a good thermometer, and a thermostat, to regulate the temps. I use a dimmer switch, like for the ceiling fans. And put the lamp at least 1 1/2 to 2 ' away. I have researched this area of T keeping for years, and it seems to not get much attention or thought from most, but there is a obvious benefit to heat for some species, insofar as breeding and growth are concerned. I have tried it on my T. blondi, and there is a definate difference in their level of activity. And...........Theraphosa like it somewhat cool, according to Sam Marshall, " A.T.S., Marshall Manual". He said his research indicates that their burrow temps. are only 72 to 78 degrees. Outside ambient temps were 76 to 82. So............it looks like this species would not need heat, like a Haplopelma might favor. But..............mine seek out the 80 deg. temps, and all my T's , will come out and sun themselves like a cat!

 

[minax]

sorry........

I forgot to mention............the T's are never bothered by the red light, in my experience, it seems they cannot see it, though they certainly can feel it. But it makes it great for viewing them at night, and they still feel protected, like they are in the dark.

 

[MizM]

Is a red-colored regular lightbulb acceptable?

 

[minax]

Yes..........

MissM, the red bulbs will work also, as long as they are not painted red, and it is made of red glass. I have seen these bulbs as well, I think they call them festive party bulbs, or something. The only disadvantage, is they are not infra-red, and do not heat as well. But.........they are much cheaper. I have seen these, and the infra-red bulbs at Lowes, and Home depot, for alot cheaper than the pet shops, though the infra-red bulbs are a very large wattage, 200watts, and though only $9.00, I prefer to use the 50 watt bulbs, to regulate the temps. easier.

 

[Telson]

Daytime lighting

I have a set of salt water aquarim lighting for providing UV to live coral (I used to have a live reef tank) and was wondering if I set the lighting high enough above the enclosures to prevent overheating / desication, would that pose any trouble?

The reason I ask is that I've seen pics in natural light and compared to interior house lighting and the natural light brings out the most beautiful colors in the T's.

 

[Jeff_C]

In my limited experience, red lights seem to work great...I light my T cabinet (see below) with a fluorescent fixture fitted with red plastic gel(?) - the kind they use for lighting in photo shoots - and I have some small 25watt bulbs (also surrounded by red plastic) on a thermostat that provide heat. None of the Ts seem to react when these lights go on and off. I also use a couple of flashlights that I fitted with this same red plastic and this allows me to 'sneak' up on the Ts at night. I assume that they sense the light but that it's just not as startling.

Regards,
Jeff

 

[death66]

so it doesnt have to be a "special" red light for it to work, just any red bulb or white light used with those gel thingies? i have an old red bulb that we used to shine on the x-mas tree; will that work?

 

[arcane]

I think red LEDs would be a great solution for this, they dont produce much heat at all.

I was gunna build one of these but I got distracted:
link

another:

link

somewhere, I imagine you could order these things. A lot of places sell red LED flash lights, but I haven't found a plugin lamp yet.

 

[manville]

I was gonna buy a red light at the pet store but didnt have enough money..

 

[Damnathius]

About the flashlights...

I haven't noticed that my Ts react in any way to a flashlight when they're "out and about". Even my very secretive OBT doesn't react to a flashlight when night viewing, or peering down her tube during the day. However, 99% of the time I use this little LED flashlight with three white LEDs in the lens, so maybe that's it?

I dunno.

I used to have a red incandescent bulb on my Curley's tank, and she would still come out at night.

I think Ts can see, but just enough to determine the difference between day and night, and apparently different Ts react differently to light, be it constant, or the occasional flashlight beam shined on them.

I know, let's ask Mr. Owl.

Dave

 

[MizM]

OMG how funny.... I remember Mr. Owl!!!!

I use three lamps for heat, 60 watt bulbs keeps the whole area at a constant 82F. But, I think I'll try regular light bulbs that just have red glass and see how that works!

 

[abstract]

I use three lamps for heat, 60 watt bulbs keeps the whole area at a constant 82F.

"Mr. Owl - how many lamps does it take to keep a terrarium at 82F?"

"Hmmm....let's see. One.......Two-oooo.......Threee..... Three!"

(Tootsie pops rock)

 

[Damnathius]

Oh man... Are we dating ourselves, kids?

 

[MizM]

Nahhhh, my MOM used to watch that show!!!!!=D

I just about died when my son asked me what a "record album" was!!!:8o

 

[vulpina]

My T's also do not react to a good old flashlight, no running back to the burrows or anything, just go about their business.

Andy