Lighting for salamander vivarium

[JoshBA]

I would really like to give my tiger salamanders a planted vivarium. What kind of lighting should I use that wouldn't give off much or any heat? I've heard that LED lighting can be used, but there have always been mixed opinions. What kind of plants could be utalized? Also, has anyone used a clay background with tigers? I thought it would work as a good insulator, making it easier to keep the tank cool during the summer (also would look kindove cool).

 

[Adogowo]

It is my understanding that tigers can withstand higher temps than most caudates; not that keeping cooler temps is a bad thing. Lighting is going to be plant related since a mole salamander (tiger) is a burrowing species. Cheapest lighting would be a flourecent fixture from Home Depot or Lowes with a plant bulb in it. This should grow many low light plants for you. Given the big lumbering bodies of these guys I might suggest an Arrow head plant (Syngonium podophyllum) they are sturdy and have a nice effect when they lay over and grow sideways sending their leaves like vertical trunks.

You can see the main stalk gets thick and will eventually fall over and root where it lays. That is my thoughts.

 

[Coastal Groovin]

Use the bulb marked Sunlight instead of the ones marked for Plants. They are brighter and work better. My anacharis, java moss, riccia and duckweed grows like crazy under those bulbs.

 

[RJF]

Fluorescent lights put out a lot of light per watt, and don't generate too much heat. If you can place the light fixture away from your tank, that will also minimize any heat from the lights. You can also go to a surplus supply, and get a small fan to keep your light hood from putting out too much heat.