UTH + heat lamp=overkill?

[hds1492]

I am moving my leo into his new home this week. It is a 20g long, and I have already attached the UTH on the left side, which, as you can guess, will be the warm side. I have read that leos need light as well, and was wondering if I could still use the heat bulbs with the domes that came with his old setup for light, or if that would create too much heat. I was thinking of putting the day bulb over the warm side during the day, and the night bulb over the midline or cooler side during the night, with the UTH on 24/7. Thoughts?

 

[Dinosaur!]

leopard geckos actually dont need any light, and they do not bask as other species do. They are nocturnal, only need belly heat, and get everything they need from their food and supplements. Heat lamps can also dry out the air too much, causing shedding issues. Light also tends to stress geckos out, which tends to make them hide more often, and can reduce the time they spend outside eating, which can cause weight issues. (plus you wont be able to view your pretty geckos as much!) I would reccomend JUST the UTH for now... (A low watt heat lamp should only be used if the amibient, or air, temperature drops below sixty degrees fahrenheit inside of your gecko's tank.)

I know that there is a lot of conflicting data out there, but this is what most knowledgable owners, and proffesional breeders would agree on I hope this helps you out a little bit though

 

[hds1492]

Thank you! It's just as well that I don't need the lamps-one of the bulbs blew this morning lol

 

[DrCarrotTail]

In my opinion if your house is over 65 degrees most of the day and night the light is overkill. They don't need it and it tends to dry their enclosure out.

 

[Elgreco]

I use an uth and ceramic lamp hooked to a hydro farm. Never seen a problem with her shedding. I wouldn't use a light though.