How do you control even temps

[Carlos Greed Sanchez]

I want to keep the tanks for my leos at 85 degrees exactly how do I keep it in that steady temp? And using a overhead heat lamp.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

You can't keep it 100% steady if you're using a light. Also, I wouldn't say 85 is warm enough for a hot side, especially since it'll be even cooler inside the hide. I'm not sure why you want it to stay exactly 85 all the time though. It's not like they don't experience temperature fluctuations in their natural environment.

~Maggot

 

[mtmountainman]

Use a thermostat. I recommend the hydrofarm if you are on a budget. If you can afford a nicer one, go with the herpstat Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden. The hydrofarm tends to be + or - 2 degrees, while the herpstat keeps the temps withing + or - .2 degrees.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Use a thermostat. I recommend the hydrofarm if you are on a budget. If you can afford a nicer one, go with the herpstat Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden. The hydrofarm tends to be + or - 2 degrees, while the herpstat keeps the temps withing + or - .2 degrees.

He's using a heat lamp, not a UTH.

~Maggot

 

[mtmountainman]

The thermostat will still control the temps, but with a little less accuracy. You are better off buying an under tank heater. Belly heat is way more important than ambient temperature. Also, the light from the heat lamp is usually too intense for leopard geckos, especially for albinos.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Also, the light from the heat lamp is usually too intense for leopard geckos, especially for albinos.

I'm curious if you have a good source for this? (Except the albinos, as I understand albinos have much more sensitive eyes.) I've heard it said many times, but I'm curious if this has been confirmed by a vet or anything.

~Maggot

 

[mtmountainman]

I'm curious if you have a good source for this? (Except the albinos, as I understand albinos have much more sensitive eyes.) I've heard it said many times, but I'm curious if this has been confirmed by a vet or anything.

~Maggot

Gecko boa mentions it in his care sheet "Heat lamps are not recommended in most cases because they do not provide Leopard Geckos with an adequate heat source for their needs. Leopard geckos are very sensitive to light(especially albino morphs) so when a heat lamp is on they have a tendency to hide, thus defeating the purpose of the lamp." Leopard Gecko Care - GeckoBoa Reptiles

Golden Gate Geckos also mentions about leopard geckos sensitivity to light. "Be aware that Leopard Geckos' eyes are very sensitive and their eyesight is poor in bright light. Never expose your gecko to direct sunlight." http://www.goldengategeckos.com/careleopard.pdf

They aren't vets, but have been breeding leopard geckos for a while and know their stuff.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Eh, I was hoping for someone with actual proof.

~Maggot

 

[mtmountainman]

I don't know what actual proof you are looking for. Do you want videos of leopard geckos squinting under heat lamps or something? I'm pretty sure Gecko Boa and Golden Gate Geckos spend more time with leopard geckos than any veterinarian.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

I don't doubt that. But just because someone spends a lot of time with an animal, that doesn't necessarily mean they know everything about them. Plenty of people who work with a particular kind of animal can still give bad information. I'd be more inclined to believe that a good herpetology vet would be the best source of information. I was just asking if you had that information because I'd be interested to read it. I use a heat lamp and have never seen my gecko squint, and he readily comes out in the light. UTHs are a great option though, and if the OP is concerned with keeping the temps at exactly whatever, I'd suggest that with a thermostat.

~Maggot

 

[mtmountainman]

How do you control even temp?

I couldn't find any articles by any veterinarians on leopard geckos, let alone on the issue of lights for them. From personal experience, I noticed that my male shtct became more active once I switched from a heat lamp, to an under tank heater on my 20 gallon. He would always stay in his hide. Since then I moved all my geckos into a rack system which I like a lot better. Do you use a night bulb for heat at night?

 

[Embrace Calamity]

No, just a CHE. I prefer to let her have the darkness at night. Can't say my gecko stays in her hide all the time during the day though. She's out and about quite a bit. As soon as I put the UVB strip light on, actually, she started basking in it a lot.

~Maggot

 

[Cesar_Da_KIng]

leos need belly heat not back heat like most other reptiles. they get this it the wild by having warm burrows for during the day and in the morning and afternoon they go lay on hot rocks which gives the apperance of basking. and to the OP the gecko needs the hot side to be around 92 85 is way to cool

 

[Kristi23]

Eh, I was hoping for someone with actual proof.

~Maggot

Breeders that have been keeping geckos for years will be more accurate than vets that don't keep reptiles. Most vets know very little about reptile care.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Breeders that have been keeping geckos for years will be more accurate than vets that don't keep reptiles. Most vets know very little about reptile care.

Let's not start this again, okay? The discussion has been over for days. Everyone's moved on. We'll get into a disagreement, and you're gonna infract me for "antagonizing" a mod and threaten me with more infractions and a ban "if it were up to you." I just don't feel like dealing with you.

~Maggot