Questions regarding heat

[geckonoob]

Sorry if I ask a lot of questions.. anyway:

1. I have 2 plastic tubs as cages for my geckos, with dimensions 14" x 18" x9". I was wondering if I'm going to place an UTH (Under Tank Heater), will it melt the plastic tub?

2. Do I need a basking lamp in addition to the UTH? And if so, what would be the specifications (e.g. red light bulb 60 watts)?

3. How long should I leave the lamp on? At daytime only? Nighttime only? Or 24/7?

4. Won't it be too hot for the geckos if I had a lamp and UTH?

5. Do I need individual UTHs and lamps for each tub? Or can I just stick the 2 tubs close enough for each to share 1 UTH and 1 lamp?

Thanks!!!

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Pierre, leopard geckos do not need any light or overhead heat at all... they are nocturnal and do not bask like other dinural reptile species do. Depending on the type of plastic tubs you are using, an under-tank heater (UTH) with a floor surface temperature of around 90 degrees shouldn't be a problem. Since the UTH should be attached to the outside bottom of the tub, I would recommend a separate one for each tub since yours are quite large.

 

[geckonoob]

Thanks Marcia, but I can't find any UTH here.. even the reptile breeders I know don't have any UTH. A friend of mine told me that a Philips Spotone 40W Bulb would provide the right amount of heat for the geckos, but I don't know how to set it up. I know I should put the lamp on one end of the enclosure for a hot spot.. but when can I turn on the lamp? During the day? night? I'll have to settle for this since I just can't find any UTH

 

[Ipsl]

Wll Pierre, if thats the only soucre of heat you have, leave it on all the time. If its a regular daylight type try to get a piece of red gel (a red plastic see-through piece) to cover the light so it doesnt stress them out.

 

[geckonoob]

Thanks I finally understand.. haha! It's only during the day that I need the temp to reach 90-92F. But at nighttime, the temp can go below 80F. So I only need the lamp during the day! Am I correct?

 

[johnnyboy4783]

Leopard geckos are a nocturnal species so no form of UV lighting is necessary. A simple spotlight with the appropriate wattage bulb can provide both daytime light and heat. Daytime temperatures should be around 90-94 and the nighttime temps can go down in the low 70s. Also, what are you using as substrate?

 

[geckonoob]

Yup, I'm using a Philips Spotone 40W Bulb to provide the right amount of heat.

My substrate's newspaper

 

[johnnyboy4783]

as long as you getting the heat they need you should be fine. I use a uth and a light