Heat lamp bulb to use as a base

[Metal_Gecko]

Hey guys,
Quick question:

I bring home my first Crestie tomorrow, and I've got the Terrarium alredy setup with the exception of the heat lamp.
It's a long 20 gallon tank flipped vertically, with half of one side being mesh on a hinged door.
I know I will need to experiment with different styles and wattages until I get the temp right, but could someone suggest a bulb I might start with to get a decent base of where I need to go from there?

Thanks,
-Wes

 

[darkridder]

Unless your house is around 65 degrees or less, you really dont need one. At most I would put on there is a 15 watt bulb. But how large of a gecko are you planning on bringing home? Unless your plot is to get an adult or nearly adult gecko, that tank is far to large for a baby or juvie and you will need to go much smaller like a med kk, or a plastic storage container. I usually upgrade juvies into 10 gallon size containers at 10g, and something larger aquarium like a 20 gallon at about 24g.

 

[Metal_Gecko]

I ended up getting a 40W red bulb, and 5½" deep hooded lamp w/dimmer.

I brought home a "sub-adult"....... I think.....
Here he is in all his aWESomeness:

http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?p=609846#post609846

-Wes

 

[drpkckmurphy22]

Crested geckos prefer their temperature to be between 70 and 78 during the day and the 60s at night. My bedroom (where I keep my crestie) doesn't get any heat from the heat vent, so its fairly cold (for a crestie that is). It's roughly 65 during the day and 60 at night. For a couple of weeks I've been using just a regular GE 40 watt bulb. His temperature has risen to a stable 78 during the day. He's doing just fine! Good luck!

 

[Metal_Gecko]

Oh yeah man, he's doin GREAT!
I couldn't be happier with him, or the setup.

-Wes