general advice

[neilious]

Hi all, I've just picked up some second hand equipment that I'm going to use for a crested gecko and am confused about a couple of things!

1. The terrarium is 45x60x90cm, it has a 100w ceramic heating bulb however its fairly cold in the UK atm, the temp of the house is normally between 12 and 13 degrees. When I put the ceramic heater on it is only the 20 degrees needed for the gecko within about 4 inches of the heater (which is sitting on top). The rest of the terrarium stays at about 12 degrees, is this OK or do I need to get the rest of the terrarium warmer as well, I know you need a heat gradient but I'm thinking either 20 degrees or 12 degrees isn't ideal? If it isn't good enough what would you advise? Would a deep heat projector be better and if so can you use it at night?
2. The set up had been used with a lizard in the past and comes with a 25w desert dwelling UVB light, if I got a 8w shade dwelling UVB bulb could I use it in the 25w light fitting?

Any advice would be amazing!

Thanks loads

Neil

 

[acpart]

20 is a fine temperature for a crested gecko in the winter. As you note, 12 is a bit on the low side. If there's a place the gecko can be to warm up, you have a heat gradient. It's a delicate balance. Adding some more heat in the form of a light or a ceramic heat source might make things a little more comfortable, but it will also decrease the humidity, especially if there are no plants there. See where your gecko spends time and how much of it the gecko tries to be in the 20 degree area. If possible it would be nice to provide a warmer area at night when the gecko is active. Usually to the best of my knowledge you could put a lower watt light in place of a higher wattage. It's only important not to exceed the maximum wattage listed on the fixture. I hope this was helpful.

Aliza