I've read that Boaphile used rope light within their racks (not sure if they still do). He warned that using both flexwatt (or heating period) along with them would be too much as they output heat themselves. So, I guess it's a question of, would you rather heat with a rope light and be able to use that as heat and light, or would you rather get a light that doesn't output heat (LEDs) and have two electrical items rather than one to control. I don't think you can control the heat of a rope light using a rheostat like you can true heating elements so it seems like the best option is to get non-heating LEDs to go on a light timer while your heating goes on the rheostat.
The other thing I'm wondering is, finding the right type of LEDs that I can have small sections of rather than a long string, although now I'm probably breaching into the near impossible to find right?
More brainstorming for near future usage, but I am researching around and asking opinions from fellow keepers as well.
The Christmas lights seem like a neat idea (we have some white LED Christmas lights that we hang over our main door in the den along that wall for subtle lighting...very fun!) but I'm concerned with humidity and the cord. Unless it states water resistant/proof like I assume the outdoor Christmas lights do (don't know because I haven't looked into them), it's a concern.
Concerning those as well, if you spray/mist inside the cage and the lights get hit, since they are LEDs will they have the potential to shatter like reg. Christmas tree lights? Again I don't know, it's why I'm asking.
All in all, I will want to place non-heating LEDs inside the enclosures affixed to the top/back of each cage for lighting cycles. Most cages that are 1' high for our snakes don't have a good amount of room for an actual light bulb and that's too risky for misting times as well as snakes crawling around them.
Just pickin' some brains, looking for ideas.
Kindest regards,
Amanda