Lighting question...

blizzard

Go Denver Broncos
Messages
104
Location
Ohio
I was using a uvb light with my leo so that she had efficiency in calcium digestion (i guess you can say) so that her bones grew correctly. The light however wasn't getting the tank hot enough for the one side. I changed to a sunlight by exo terra, but I was wondering if she should still have the uvb or if there is so other type of light...?
 

LizMarie

New Member
Messages
2,002
Location
NYC
Leopard Geckos are nocturnal so they don't need a UVB, its optional. The best thing to warm the substrate is a Under Tank Heater because Leopard Geckos need "Belly-Heat" to digest their food. If your worried about Calcium with Leopard Geckos just leave a cap full or Calcium w/o D3 in the tank at all times. The Leopard Gecko will regulate it's calcium by licking it when necessary.
 

sushikam

~Louisiana Leos~
Messages
1,111
Location
Hammond, LA
I would say a light isn't necessary unless it gets too cold in the winter...you should use a UTH (Under Tank Heater). They need belly heat for proper digestion and really do not need a UVB light or light at all, unless like I said the temps cant get up when the house is colder in the winter.

I think you should just invest in a UTH and it'll save you in the long run, and make your gecko happier :) .
 

sushikam

~Louisiana Leos~
Messages
1,111
Location
Hammond, LA
LizMarie said:
Leopard Geckos are nocturnal so they don't need a UVB, its optional. The best thing to warm the substrate is a Under Tank Heater because Leopard Geckos need "Belly-Heat" to digest their food. If your worried about Calcium with Leopard Geckos just leave a cap full or Calcium w/o D3 in the tank at all times. The Leopard Gecko will regulate it's calcium by licking it when necessary.

She said it much better :main_thumbsup: !
 

blizzard

Go Denver Broncos
Messages
104
Location
Ohio
yea i have the uth. i just wasn't sure for the lights. plus i'm never really sure how warm the bottom of the tank gets so i use a light so the atmosphere in the tank is around 88-90. but thanks for the reply.
 

Golden Gate Geckos

Mean Old Gecko Lady
Messages
12,730
Location
SF Bay Area
Agreed! Nocturnal reptiles' skin and eyes are not adapted for UV rays. Belly heat at around 90 degrees, and a normal day/night photocycle are all your leo needs.
 

Ccrashca069

New Member
Messages
3,179
Location
Lake Berryessa/Napa, Calif
If you do still want to use a light, I use the red Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamps during the winter. It helps provide extra heat and allows you to see your leopard geckos better at night. I use the 50 watt ones. When it warms up in the Spring and Summer I don't use any at all.
 

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