Geckos and UVB

[Libby15]

I have a 75 watt red heat bulb during the day and I turn it off at night. He's near a window and I open the blinds during the day. He likes to look out the window. No direct sunlight hits the tank.

 

[Gregg M]

Since leopard geckos are noturnal, their skin and eyes are not adapted for UV rays. Most reptiles bask for warmth, but most of all it is to convert UV rays through their skin to convert to Vit.D to aid in calcium absorption. Leos do not have this capability, so constant exposure to UV can actually harm them.

I say ditch the UV bulbs.

Marcia, ALL reptiles use UV to absorb calcium and leos are just as capable of doing so as any other reptile... Infact they have no other way to produce the vit D needed... Just because they are nocturnal, it does not mean they are little vampires that with burn up into ash when a beam of sun hits them... Nocturnal reptiles are not as active during the middle part of the day (most reptiles are not) but they do bask in mornings and before dusk... And their night time hunts for food do not go on all night long...
Can constant, all day exposure to UV be harmful to leos??? YES... It can be harmful to any reptile... Would an hour or two a day hurt??? NO WAY...

 

[larry26]

The leopard geckos dont need uvb or uva because the are nocturnal