Vivarium Lighting!

[@marcusr3700]

Hey Mike, this is a great series... recently I've been getting into terrariums and vivariums, and this is incredibly useful information!

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoy! Tune in for the new build on saturday morning!

[@bethanyhamer2429]

THANK YOU!! I am new to vivariums, and have been doing lots of research, but yours is THE BEST and most informative video I’ve seen on plant lighting. Thanks for speaking clearly and informatively, and helping me understand exactly how to choose lighting that will be effective for my plants AND my wallet!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching Bethany! I will probably be making a video about lighting in the near future! Glad you enjoyed this one though!

[@mikearraiol1803]

haven't watched the video yet but know it's gonna be great. loving this mini series

[@MikeTytula]

hahaha thanks man!

[@888fluffy]

Pro tip, the best value led light fixtures i've ever used are Ikea plant cultivation lights, i think they're called växer. A 12inch one is £27 (bout$35). They do an amazing job and are full spectrum, but because they're aimed at everyone and not 'reptile hobbyists' they actually priced reasonably. Funny how the market works huh

[@MikeTytula]

Interesting! I will keep that in mind!

[@JasonACadder]

Thanks for doing a video on lighting. this is the best lighting tutorial I've found, especially covering the UV aspect.

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it!

[@bobkob]

I love Led vivarium lights,one of the best and throughal vivarium Led videos ive seen.

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I put quite a bit of time into this one!

[@MarksTarantulas]

Yeah definitely LED lighting is the way forward thanks again great video 👍☺

[@MikeTytula]

Agreed my friend!

[@aribh4929]

Good info, a couple things more that I would have mentioned is that warmer color light promotes flowering and bluer light promotes vegetative growth and also, you would end up spending the same amount of money in the long run for replacement cfl bulbs and fluorescent bulbs since they need replacing every 2 years or so, than if you were to just invest upfront in LEDs since they last around 10 years or so. But other than that I would say you hit all the important points!

[@MikeTytula]

As much as that info would have been useful I think it was beyond what people are looking for in a video like this haha. Thanks though man!

[@dezign2the9z58]

Excellent video. Finally a light explanation that is very easy to understand.

[@MikeTytula]

Glad it was easy to digest and I hope it helped :)

[@shylacovington9609]

Just bought an exoterra small tall with the intentions of making a bioactive vivarium (I've never even owned a reptile OR A PLANT before so I'm gonna see how long I can keep a box of plants and bugs healthy before adding a single crestie in there) and OHHHH my god your video answered so many questions, I appreciate you so hard. I can approach the lighting with much more confidence now. Bless your heart and all you do

[@MikeTytula]

Glad this helped you out! Hopefully you are off to a good start!

[@brandont9916]

Awesome! Think I'll be treating my tank to a shinny new led fixture for Xmas! Thanks Mike!

[@sstevo4066]

Thank you for this. Lighting has really been a major question for me as i'm just getting into vivariums. It's exciting.

[@MikeTytula]

Right on! Glad I could help!

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Great job, really. Thanks for the effort. It's very very informative and helpful.

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks Luke! Hope to make some updated versions in the future!

[@andone01red]

I knew mist of the plant stuff, but this helps clarify the lightbulb stuff which is the purpose of the video I guess so good job 👍🏼 I'm liking the 'series' about vivariums, you're making me want to build a big community tank but I ain't got no $$

[@MikeTytula]

hahaha if you want it too happen you will save haha. good luck!

[@Chaptor]

Great video Mike, keep up the good work!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@snowingsniper]

Beamswork DA series led light fixtures are great and are really good price,also a good mention that any plant that is red like red bromeliads,red veined nerve plant,polka dot plant etc need quite a bit of light to stay red,so keep that in mind.i have all 3 sides of my 30inch tall vivarium in leds to keep all plants nice and happy :)

[@MikeTytula]

I will check out those Beams works! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@snowingsniper]

Mike Tytula no prob.needs to be the DA series.those are the high lumen series.those start at around $45 for a 24inch

[@reded8528]

How can people give this vid the thumbs down??.. a great upload and very helpful, much appreciated!

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated!

[@dancarlton7712]

told me exactly what i was looking for. i will be purchasing the 30 inch finnex led setup. THANKS MIKE!

[@MikeTytula]

No problem! Enjoy!

[@tybee4662]

love getting these intermittent info based videos, they are all very well done 👍

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks! Stay tuned for the vivarium build video!

[@mmpkao]

Thank you for the vid. It helped me al lot!

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@elreypapo360]

Can you leave links on where to buy items you talk about please!!!!!

[@Jaybiiird]

that would be really useful :)

[@MikeTytula]

I'll be making a new video about it, and I will leave links for sure!

[@ParksAndCreature]

How many hours do you leave the light on each day? (btw, Im loving this video series!!)

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed! And about 12-14 hours!

[@Yummypikletits]

I love the reptisun led lights

[@MikeTytula]

Ya I haven't used them yet!

[@mustachadon]

You should do an updated video on this subject!

[@MikeTytula]

A lot of the information is actually still valid, but I will most likely revisit the topic!

[@karlcottingham1472]

Thanks Mike. You cleared it all up for me.

[@MikeTytula]

Glad it helped Karl!

[@Rollerdisco100]

Lumens honestly isn't a great marker of anything. PAR is a vastly superior measurement to take into account. Even though you have fluorescents over 2 enclosures are any of those t8's? T5ho and power compacts(like that little 13 watt fluval lap) are tried and true, I don't know if t8's have a place in the hobby anymore. As always great video Mike.

[@MikeTytula]

Ya you are correct there was no real easy way to breakdown PAR, and PAR meters are also wayyyyyyy more expensive and less common. But ya I agree they are all t5 and compacts

[@franciscovecchia7926]

Hi mike, Congratulations on your work, I live in Brazil and your videos help me a lot. The creation of exotic animals around here and really complicated 😥

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dogzallday]

Hey Mike cool videos. Question. I just put together a 10 gallon bioactive tank with custom background. Theres 2 bromeliads, some tillandsia,couple ferns, sheet moss and a vining plant in good abg mix and One 6 inch LED light. If i put an anole in will it NEED an extra light for basking or will the led be enough? Will the basking light burn the plants?

[@MikeTytula]

Anoles require UVB so you will need screen on the terrarium... and pretty much all of your plants are going to out grow a tank of that size...

[@brazilfem]

I really liked your video, very thorough! Greetings from belgium, keep it up ;)

[@MikeTytula]

Thank you Stefanie! Glad you enjoyed and hopefully it helped!

[@JQuadGMono]

Thanks for the help!

[@eros5556]

mann i appreciate the hard work you put into your videos thats why at my job i send people to your channel because you cover from shrimps to chameleons one again good jobb and continue the great work

[@MikeTytula]

Thanks man! Where do you work?

[@eros5556]

im the aquatic specialist at a petco its pretty cooling having a passion for animals and actually working with them and no man thank you i know its hard making these videos but u keep on so thanks again

[@MikeTytula]

eros I appreciate it! Thanks man! And that's cool

[@chriskinney8947]

Thanks for the info and advice

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@freelansor]

Thank you for making your videos. So informative and helpful!!

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoy the videos! Im happy to hear that they help!

[@bryancruz3262]

Hey good video but i have a question I'm gonna make the nano exo terra vivarium with couple of plants and maybe one dart frog could i use a desk lamp led white for that or it won't work? And my plants would die or no?

[@MikeTytula]

DEpends what the strength of the light is and what plants you are selecting to go in the terrarium. Chances are the plants wouldn't die.

[@robertnunley6477]

im so glad u made this video cus I learned so much Rob

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@isabelsamora1240]

I'm thinking of buying a terrarium but the top is glass not mesh, it is still ok for the plants? or it will affect the light penetration?

[@MikeTytula]

No that is fine!

[@isabelsamora1240]

Thanks Mike!!

[@jacksullivan4668]

Thanks for being so aswome and helpful. Your asome

[@coreyfreeman3135]

Thank you for this video !!

[@MikeTytula]

You are welcome!

[@jammi1036]

Cool video bro, you were the one who inspired me to get my own reptile room

[@jammi1036]

Oh and I was wondering could you recommend if I should get a frog or a lizard next. I don't have any frogs so far

[@MikeTytula]

Awesome!

[@eros5556]

JK JAMMEE get some dart frogs bro its a very interesting pet

[@jammi1036]

eros ok thanks!

[@herpfreak1666]

Thank you Mike... extremely informative vid.. Any points on wattage per gallon or lumens per gallon or something like that.. which we should follow..? I'm making a 36'/18'/15' live vivarium.. so like how may watts I must for if its led .. or how my lumens if its a T5.. Thank you very much in advance Mike.

[@MikeTytula]

For that information it varies with what plants you are going to be growing, so that is some info that you should do some research to find. If you are going the LED route I would just pick up a nice finnex one off amazon!

[@herpfreak1666]

Thanks Mike... Waiting for ur next vid.

[@scottmournian7293]

What’s the best heating and lighting for White’s tree frogs in a 24inch high 36inch long vivarium? Cheers

[@MikeTytula]

Depends if you would like to offer UVB for them, or not.

[@scottmournian7293]

I would yea as I have read/researched it is good for there health, is there a particular bulb or method you would recommend? The compact top for the exo terra vivarium I have has four bulb connections. Cheers mate

[@Kevin100469]

Would a LEDstrip with 2800K 12V RBGW be enough for a 24inch tall tank?

[@MikeTytula]

Not likely.

[@maryharvey7601]

Great info best one ive watched on the subject

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@medusa3439]

your awesome!! this was so helpful!! :)

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@joeclarkson4253]

Big fan

[@MrWyteboy29]

I needed dis well put together👍

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@OA-iu3vh]

Floodlights are a much cheaper form of LED lighting as they're only about $7 on ebay and they have a kalvin rating of K6500

[@MikeTytula]

Then that works!

[@jaratt85]

I plan on starting up the plant side of my tank before I look at getting a gecko and making sure the bio is working right first. Unfortunately after a trip to town it seems I'm going to have to order everything online because no one has cool tropical plants in stock and the reptile store is at least double (quadrupled for the substrate) the price in store than online.. The one crested they had left (thanks christmas) was $100 when they show $40 on the website. The stores I went to also didn't have any isopods for sale, the reptile store was just starting their own cultures.

[@MikeTytula]

Sweet, good luck

[@michaelfabregas3496]

Hey Mike.. Quick question I have a Exo Terra 36w 18d 24H vivarium and The two 48" t5 plant lights and heat cable are included.. Am I in the right track for a successful live vivarium? Daily.. How long does the light need to be on? 12 hrs on 12 hrs off? for live plants

[@MikeTytula]

Ya depending on how much light there is and what plants you are growing. Ya I would do 12-14 hours on.

[@michaelfabregas3496]

Thanks Mike for the fast respond!!

[@MikeTytula]

Michael Fabregas No problem!

[@hoggarththewisesmeagol8362]

Brilliant and informative video mate! Do you know, or does anyone know if you can use the screw in LEDs in the Exoterra Lighting hood? Thank you for any feedback 👍🏻

[@MikeTytula]

You likely can depending on the wattage.

[@justinfawcett4321]

I'm setting up a crested gecko tank and was wondering if having a waterfall and small pond in the tank would be safe for it

[@DerSebiss]

If you do it right it is safe but never forget: go always from the worst case. What happens when the waterfall leaks and comes into contact with the electricity. There is always a risk the only tip I have for you is: never use a pump in the terrarium always outside. If something with the pump is not correct you always access the pump and does not disturb the animal (noise is not to underestimate even if you do not hear it or only quietly the animal sits right next to it and hears this 24 hours) 1 tip left if you want to have a waterfall try it in a tank with no animals and a pond isnnt a problem^^

[@davidelvirafranqui7874]

Mike, thanks for taking the time to inform us about options. This will sound like a dummy question but I'm not sure of the mounting measurements, do you think the Finnex Planted +24/7 20" will fit the 18x18x24 exo terra tank?

[@MikeTytula]

Ya It should might have a few more dim spots though

[@sarahmcguire9654]

I’m putting together a bioactive for a Colombian boa in a plastic tote. It’s 18 inches high. I have a typical heat lamp fixture. Could I use those smaller bulbs in it and be okay?

[@MikeTytula]

You have a heat lamp on a plastic bin enclosure?

[@FunkyMunky1137]

Hi Mike, is there a light intensity that you would recommend for the substrate level of a tank or is it something best determined tank to tank based on the preferences of the plants?

[@MikeTytula]

Ya it differs between different species of plants

[@davidbrown-55]

Another great vid! Hey Mike setting up an exo terra 18x18x24 for dart frogs. What led strip brand and size do you recommend for the plants and frogs? Thanks again, great work

[@MikeTytula]

Depends on the budget! I enjoy the skylight LEDs, there is a US based seller

[@lydiankennin2253]

I added 5000k 800 lumen bulbs to my vivarium. Will these work?

[@MikeTytula]

They will work yes, depends on if it's T8 or anything though

[@oliverpetersen3930]

I have a 36x18x36 tank and was thinking about getting that exo terra hood for it. I can attach a total of 4 lights and I was wondering in what combination of light I should get. My tank will have dart frogs and live plants.

[@MikeTytula]

I would honestly forget the exoterra hood and spend that money on a LED strip if you are just keeping dart frogs.

[@dillmaster1116]

For an 18x18x36 should I use 2 13 watt LED jungle dawns or the jungle dawn spotlight fixture? Also your videos are awesome

[@MikeTytula]

I'd probably do LEDs

[@johnbagley1315]

Ty so much every ? I had about lighting was answered,i am going to watch your other videos

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@verstappen9937]

Don't LED bulbs not contain uvb

[@MikeTytula]

Ya LED do not have UVB

[@WrightWayAround]

hi i ask i want put live plant in my tank for chrested gecko want light i use.

[@DerSebiss]

you could use anything you want. Compact tops are one of the cheapest. The plant doesnt really care what lightning you use it will grow less fast or faster. It depends on what you want to spend. If the tank sand next to a window and the sun shines into it you dont even need extra lightning

[@mcery1]

Thank you for the Video! What do you think about LED floodlights? With 6500K and 100LM/W. They are also pretty cheap, at least in Europe...like 18€ for 50w on amazon.

[@MikeTytula]

You could give them a try, chances are they aren't all that tuned for plant growth but it might work!

[@SaitoGray]

That work pretty well on my aquarium. I'll probably give it a try.

[@mcery1]

Hey! So I've used a 20W floodlight on my 60x40x40cm enclosure. I've got to say that its pretty great! The plants are loving it, and the moss is growing like crazy! The only thing I've noticed is an increase in algae grow! Its great for the water area because of the oxygen and as a food source for the tadpoles. On the other hand, the glass has to be cleaned regularly.

[@SaitoGray]

Thanks for the info ! I'll definitely try it then, my gecko won't care for it, but my plant will love it !

[@mcery1]

@@SaitoGray you're welcome! I hope it will stay that way, I've only used them for the last 2months. Best luck and feel free to update me on it!

[@nbdysfool3]

I have an 18x18x18 exo terra bio active terrarium, I’m wanting to set it up for dart frogs. Im looking at the fluval aquasky 3,000-25,000k rgb+w. Would this be good for my tank? What about heat?

[@MikeTytula]

Ya that is a solid option for the tank! Just check the temps inside the tank a few times a day before putting the frogs in there. If you find it's too hot, just lift it a bit off the glass.

[@nazblack6771]

So basically you don't need the grow lights?

[@MikeTytula]

Depends what the end goal is

[@adamzocchi]

1:25-1:46 Please answer! What were the high/low percentages of the colors of light used in that clip? Trying to arrange the most natural lighting, and the cycle you displayed looks really good!

[@MikeTytula]

I didn’t check the clip, but you want to shoot for 6500k

[@adamzocchi]

@@MikeTytula lol

[@DRISSERY]

What light do you recommend for plant growth, I’m using the largest exo terra. It’s 24” tall.

[@MikeTytula]

That’s not the largest exo Terra then… but LEDs tend to work well. It depends on what plants you are looking to grow.

[@LakesReptiles]

Very nice video as usual, I agree on the LED lights, I've got a current led + in the mail right now. One question, what is the name of the bromeliad at 8:30? I really like the compact look

[@MikeTytula]

I don't remember honestly, I was never told the name of it because I bought the tank second hand.

[@LakesReptiles]

Mike Tytula ahh well thanks anyway

[@MikeTytula]

Lakes Reptiles ya is a neoregelia of some variation

[@drogowrefire7041]

Hey. I'm building a cage that is 6ft long, 3ft tall, and 2ft deep. I was wondering if there is a bulb that is powerful enough to light up the whole cage (I don't want to buy multiply bulbs) and provide sufficient lighting for my plants? Is there any bulb that you would recommend? Thanks!

[@MikeTytula]

6 feet is a really awkward size to light with only one light because many of the good LED plant lights are a maximum of 4 feet long. Honestly I would say you might have to buy a couple :/

[@vickitori02]

Which of the finnex setups would you recommend for a 29 gallon vivarium for dart frogs, I would love the lunar feature as well

[@MikeTytula]

How tall is the tank and what kind of plants are you trying to grow.

[@DRISSERY]

Hi, would you recommend a 70 watt metal halide blue light for plant growth 🤔🤔

[@MikeTytula]

Nooooo will probably burn them

[@leomoto7792]

Great Videos, thumbs up !

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@xoxchipsahoyxox]

Very informative!

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@victorgroenen9066]

do T5 lights stimulate plant growth?

[@MikeTytula]

Depends on the bulb itself.

[@isaaceeeo]

i like this video its very helpful

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@0tto777]

Arcadia Jungle Dawn. Simple as that. They are the best.

[@MikeTytula]

They are but there are other options out there.

[@josefdiam]

Hey Mike Working on a 36x18x36 exoterra. I've seen people use 2 x 50 watt LED flood lights + 4 x 20 watt flood lights . What's your opinion on using flood lights in a vivarium? Thanks

[@MikeTytula]

Well I wouldn't use it in the vivarium but on top of it, they produce bright light!

[@bobkob]

Could any plant light LED 6500k sufficient for succulents ? - I wondered because I heard the succulents need lots of bright lighting.

[@MikeTytula]

You just need one that produces a lot of lumens not so much the colour temps

[@tonyknight1971]

So I'm trying to setup a red eyed tree frog tank, it's a exo terre tank 18×18×24 size, also it's going to bioactive, with live plants, but I can't bend my head around the lighting and heating setup, I know how hot I need it and the humidity, just need to know the right lights to get or heat mats? please help me, thank you, Tony from the UK

[@MikeTytula]

I wouldn't get head mats, if you are using T5 it should be okay

[@tonyknight1971]

ok, were would you think the best place to put the heat mat, on the bottom of the tank or on the outside on side of the tank?

[@ambercostello3145]

I hav a large tank for my baby red foot tortoise but it's a high tank, can I raise the "bottom" by adding more substrate so the tortoise overall lives higher to the light? If so wat material? And if I can do that, where does the heating pad go?

[@eros5556]

Amber Costello maybe use pvc pipes and egg crate (light disfusers) then from there u could elevate it to height u want it to be but KZbin false bottoms for red foot tortoise

[@MikeTytula]

I would just suspend the lights in the tank honestly.

[@ambercostello3145]

Thank you!

[@jameslavelle2790]

Grate video

[@mspeir]

What are those bubble plant thingys?

[@createdshocked4700]

Daylight Kelvin temperature is 5500K.

[@MikeTytula]

Noted

[@cheviot2988]

would a 14 watt LED bulb for 5 pound be enough for a 15 gallon fish tank terrarium ?? its 1560 lumens, 6500 K (daylight) it is extremly bright

[@MikeTytula]

Probably not great for growing plants. Might be bright but not likely good for plant growth

[@cheviot2988]

@@MikeTytula Okay thank you very much XD

[@bobkob]

Could a aquarium led 6500k provide sufficient for neo appulacea ( and other high light species) bromeliads?

[@MikeTytula]

The colour temp isn't what makes plants grow, it's the PAR (Photosynthetically active radiation), so it totally depends on the light.

[@bobkob]

Mike Tytula ok thankyou

[@wa5780]

Great vid thanks 👍🏼

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@moneymaks24]

Can plants grow with only UVB? 26w on 18 inch glass tank

[@MikeTytula]

UVB is harsh on the plants!

[@msgnomi9727]

super helpful

[@MikeTytula]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@hirokicruz47]

About how many lumens should you have?

[@Captainluck12]

Which light would you suggest for a vivarium for a 12 by 12 by 18 it’s for my dart frog .

[@MikeTytula]

I would say something like an LED or some very small T5HO.

[@Nsantmyre1208]

Mike Tytula I also just got a 12/12/18 vivarium what is the cheapest top light hood I can get that will give enough heat n uvb light for my dart frog and plants?

[@plug_0280]

Do u think that it is a good idea to put living plants in with an ackie monitor and if so what kind of plants?

[@MikeTytula]

You could if you really wanted too, I would say some arid grasses would be okay. Just research plants from aus that might be found in their habitat!

[@plug_0280]

So plants that live in Australia and that withstand hot conditions. Thanx for replying

[@MikeTytula]

Half n Half Start with that

[@zachbechtel725]

Hey man,what are those sprayers called in your aquariums an where could I get them?thx in advance.

[@MikeTytula]

They are mistking nozels

[@uomorana71]

it's simple: a nice led bulb costs 5-7 bucks in every supermarket and it's perfect for frogs or crested geckos

[@MikeTytula]

Maybe it is, and that is awesome!

[@pat7785]

Where do they screw into though

[@ThunderWindz]

Hi Mike. I have a nice aquarium im about to make to a vivarium, and therefor i got a 2x fluorescent tubes. I see you can get many types of T5 and T8... should it be LED? and what colour code / kelvin? :)

[@MikeTytula]

LED is the brightest but some low light plants will do fine with T5 honestly I wouldn't even bother with T8

[@ThunderWindz]

gottcha! have you tried the new LED tubes there fit the socket used for fluorescent tubes?

[@vitopalazzolo1546]

Will a strong fish light work it's for growing plants in fish tanks by the way great vid man 👍

[@MikeTytula]

Most will grow plants well!

[@vitopalazzolo1546]

Mike Tytula thanks man

[@Benny.cm_2.0]

I just got 4 cresteds and 2 leopards

[@bobkob]

Are the Aquarium Beamswork EA LED lightings good for herp vivariums ? ( i read theyre in 6500k range)

[@MikeTytula]

Give it a try man!

[@bobkob]

Mike Tytula Thanks, just to let you know my ficus benjamina and pothos are growing well with the beamswork as update.

[@marcj6364]

Where can I get a fluval compact fluorescent bulb?

[@MikeTytula]

Where do you live?

[@luca490]

Mike do you think that 2 t4 6400k and 900 lumen each would do the job? They really are bright!

[@MikeTytula]

How big is the tank

[@luca490]

It's 60x40x50h, and thank you!

[@MikeTytula]

I think you must mean t5 bulbs? And that would be fine for many plants

[@luca490]

Nono I mean t4, they are smaller than t5 and are often sold as lights for kitchens and stuff like that

[@MikeTytula]

Really??? I didn't know those existed!

[@Joegattofan27]

Will aquarium leds work?

[@MikeTytula]

If you buy a decent aquarium LED is will be just fine.