How hot can it get?

[Josh P.]

Hello everyone.

How hot can a contact surface (heat mat surface area) be acceptable for a leopard gecko?

I know that in the heat gradient inside the vivarium, the air temperature in the warm area should be around 33ºC (92ºF), however the contact surface in that area can get quite warmer. How hot is too hot? Would something like 38ºC (100ºF) burn the animal? What is the limit?

Please advise.

 

[The Gecko Person]

90-95 degrees is best. I don't think up to 100 would burn them, but lower would probably be better.

 

[Josh P.]

So what is the top limit (contact) temperature before a gecko burns or has ill effects on its health?

 

[The Gecko Person]

I don't think it has been tested. People usually just keep them from 90-95, because they know that it is safe for them. I wouldn't risk it above that.