One of the most overlooked yet important pieces of equipment in any vivarium setup is the light mount. Whether you’re keeping dart frogs, isopods, or tropical plants, how you position your lights affects everything from plant health to humidity and even animal behaviour.
At Frogfather, we’ve designed a range of 3D-printed light mounts for Arcadia T5s that make lighting safer, neater, and more efficient. In this article, we explore why good light positioning matters — and how to upgrade your setup in 10 minutes or less.
Why Does Light Positioning Matter?
Lighting isn’t just for your benefit — it’s for the plants and animals inside your enclosure. Poor light positioning can lead to:
- Uneven plant growth — Leggy stems or scorched leaves
- Low UVB exposure — Dangerous for reptiles or frogs that rely on it
- Wasted energy — Light spills outside the tank or is blocked
Whether you’re using full-spectrum LEDs or Arcadia T5 UVB tubes, angle and height make a big difference.
Why Use a 3D-Printed Mount?
Our 3D-printed T5 mounts are designed to:
- Securely hold your Arcadia T5 kit above your vivarium or terrarium
- Allow for airflow and heat dissipation
- Fit both wooden vivs and glass tanks (screw-on or adhesive-backed)
They also look cleaner and reduce the chance of the light slipping or falling — especially in humid setups.
Installation in 3 Easy Steps
- Mark Your Position: Use a pencil or masking tape to align your mount just above the tank.
- Attach Mounts: Use screws for wood, or Gorilla Tape for glass/acrylic.
- Slide in Your Light: Arcadia T5 kits click straight into place with a secure grip.
Installation usually takes less than 10 minutes. No DIY skills needed!
How High Should Your Light Be?
Optimal height depends on your setup:
- For UVB: Keep within 20–30 cm of basking areas
- For plant growth: 10–15 cm above canopy for best results
- For ambient lighting: 5–10 cm for even glow without hotspots
Try pairing this with a good selection of tropical foliage, such as:
With the right lighting height, your vivarium transforms into a lush mini rainforest.
Other Uses for These Mounts
Though designed for Arcadia kits, our mounts can hold similar tube-style lights or compact bars with small modifications. Many users also attach them to bioactive rack systems, froglet grow-out tubs, or vertical tanks for day geckos or mantellas.
Customer Feedback
“These are the cleanest T5 mounts I’ve ever used. They make my setups look tidy and professional, and installation took under 5 minutes.”
– Jamie, invert keeper and vivarium enthusiast
“I’ve used these mounts for both dart frog racks and mantis setups. They’re sturdy, simple, and affordable.”
– Arjun, breeder of Ranitomeya and orchid mantids
Order Yours Today
If you’re tired of makeshift lighting setups or clamps that never hold right, upgrade today with a pair of Arcadia-compatible mounts. It’s one of the quickest, most satisfying upgrades you can make to your vivarium or display shelf.
