Next step in the setup-lighting

[jerrymb]

He's got his heat pad and everything in the tank. Should I get the blue moon light or the red light? Do both the blue and red bulbs procduce the same amount of heat if they are of equal wattage? Can I use these bulbs in a desk lamp I have or do I need a special type of fixture for them?

 

[Adinar]

Since he's got his heat pad, don't worry about additional lighting.

 

[ProGeckoServices]

Blue Moon and a Rock Hide for him to bask on that is right below it. Blue moon bulb should be 60 watts or less. They will occasionally night bask under blue lights, and the rock hides are good holders of heat. It by all means is not required since he already has a heat pad, but it does give them an optional source of heat to utilize. I personally like them for my adults because its a) neat to see a few of them on a rock just chillin at night, b) Helps get them exercise because they have to climb up the rock, c) help provide proof to my theory that geckos are related to wolves and will occasionally howl at the moon. In 20 gallon or larger tanks, I keep my light on the cold size of the cage, since my geckos generally only go over there to take a s...t in their 30 dollar mega hide I bought them which was not its original intended purpose. Now at least they chill on top of it.

 

[jerrymb]

Do I need a special fixture for the blue bulbs or will on old desk lamp do?

 

[ProGeckoServices]

Id get the dome fixtures sold at pet stores but the risk involves fire hazard issues not gecko heating issues

 

[SDCowboy]

Get a heat bulb for his hot side as it helps keep the ambient heat up. Just make sure to turn it off as soon as it's night where you are though. I prefer a red light for night viewing but blue is fine too. You'll be amazed how active they are at night when you can actually see them.

 

[jerrymb]

I got a 50 watt infrared bulb from Pet Smart. Ren loves it. 5 minutes after I first turned it on he came out of his hide and just sat under the light like he's on the beach in the sun.

 

[Blazebabe]

I've got back lights on in the day so Blaze knows it's the day plus extra warmth and then i've got a red lamp ontop of mess which is situated over the tank and at night i turn the main back light's off and the red lamp comes on and off through the night.
Then Blaze appears when she's ready.lol

All those red and blue bulbs work the same as long as you keep to the same wattage.