Exo Terra Large Wide terrarium Lighting

[Trooper]

Hi, I'm getting an Exo Terra Large Wide (36x18x18) terrarium (PT2613), with the Exo Terra 36" compact lighting unit (PT2228)

The lighting unit takes 4 bulbs, no more than 25 watts each.

I'm also planning on having a dome light for the heat lamp, so what are your suggestions on bulbs for the compact light unit?

The unit has 2 on/off switches so you can turn 2 bulbs on or all 4, I guess so I can put some kind of night viewing bulbs in there.

 

[indyana]

Seems like a lot of light for Leopard Geckos, so watch out for indications of stress and reduce the lighting if necessary.

For display lighting, I lean toward using daylight compact fluorescents, especially if you do not want to increase the temperature. Conversely, you could use low-wattage incandescent bulbs and possibly eliminate the need for a heat lamp (while still using an Under-Tank Heater).

If you want to also have some night-viewing capabilities, install some red bulbs or moonlight bulbs on one of the sides. Don't leave them on all night though, just use for periodic viewing.

 

[Trooper]

Just as an update for anyone with this size tank, or looking to get this tank...

I ended up using 4 x Zoo Med 25w Moonlite bulbs in the Exo Terra 36" compact light unit, which comes on at night.

I also used a double dome with 1 x Exo Terra 100w Heat-Glo Infrared bulb, and 1 x Zoo Med 40 watt Nightlight red bulb, which come on during the day for 10 hours.

As for under tank heat pads, I used 2 x Zoo Med UTH heat mats (small 10-20 gallon). Having 2 as opposed to one medium or large mat gives me some redundancy should one fail, and a little peace of mind.