Concerns about heating.

[ZombieDharma]

Let me say that I am a newbie to raising herps.... that being out of the way, my question is....

I'm preparing a terarium for a leopard gecko, but I have concerns about the heating. I'm going to try using over head lighting, but I'm not sure what kind of bulb (incondesant, spotlight, or other) I should use or what wattage I should go with. Also.... for night viewing what would be the best color and wattage?

Thanks for any advice and help,

Tyler

 

[boutiquegecko]

Not sure about night viewing, but for heating the gecko would do best with heat from the bottom of the tank. So that would be a heat mat. Leos need to be able to lay where heat is for proper digestion. If you check out geckos etc and I think golden gate's websights (look at the top of the page under site sponsers for thier websights), they have a care page that goes over just about everything for a leo set up, that might be helpful so you can see what type of heat, bedding etc. I suppose you could use a night bulb for at night, I don't know if that will effect them or not. Someone else might have more insight on that.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Leos can't see red, blue, or black light. As already stated, under tank heaters are much better for a leo's health. Air temperature does not really effect them much, and that is all a heat lamp does for the most part. Ground heat is necessary for proper digestion and health. For night viewing I use a 75 Watt blue bulb. Once this goes out, which I am sure will be soon, I think I may switch to a red bulb. Either way I am going to go with a 50 watt bulb instead. Hope that helps.

 

[ZombieDharma]

Another idea I was going to go with was Heat Tape. Anything I need to know about it?

 

[Scott&Nikki]

A lot of people prefer heat tape. I don't know about it really, but I know it makes more sense with racks and large amounts of tanks. If you use the search function, I am sure you will find what you need.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

There are commercial under tank heaters (UTH's) that are designed specifically for various tank sizes, and put out the appropriate wattage for the heat to maintain at around 90 degrees. They are actually safer than trying to wire your own heat tape. IMO they are a much better choice when heating only a single tank enclosure, and will be much mor beneficial to the health of your gecko.

 

[ZombieDharma]

Thanks for your comments:

I went with the Zoo Med Repti Therm U.T.H. I've read reviews of the product and it seems to work pretty well for Leopard Geckos.

thanks again.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

Thanks for your comments:

I went with the Zoo Med Repti Therm U.T.H. I've read reviews of the product and it seems to work pretty well for Leopard Geckos.

thanks again.

That is what almost everyone uses. My leo was SO happy when I put mine in.