I have a project which simplifies everything needed in the habitat but one thing that eludes me is the lighting which will be no easy task. I dont think I will need the light to promote as much in heat as I will want it to provide best color for the habitat itself AND the safest for the reptile(s) themselves.

enter in the project;


The shaded area on the dome represents a fixtures allowed real estate area for a rock/cave formation along with providing either faux or natural vegetation.
The orange represents an under the gravel/sand heating element that will be sealed away from the animals for safety but effective enough to sustain proper temp in the habitat. Keep in mind this habitat will be in S. Calif by the time of its construction and use.

Will a desert or rain forest type habitat change the lighting requirements? output? color spectrum's?

How creative will those requirements allow me to make it aesthetically pleasing for the construction and least noticeable to the reptiles. ( NO, i dont think they really mind but, if they had to have an opinion i'd be concerned... lol)

I'm assuming you are refering to UV lighting ?

__________________
Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan