Leopard Gecko Lighting And Heating Requirements

In our vivariums we have lights to help heat their enclosure.

Leopard gecko lighting and heating requirements. 6 16 cm or shorter 20 gallon tank or about 30 x 12 x 12. We have our lights on a timer. Using a mini heat uvb fixture with a zilla 50w mini halogen bulb and a zilla desert mini compact fluorescent uvb bulb will provide the correct heat and uv for your leopard gecko to thrive. Leopard gecko terrarium lighting and heating.

Red blue or black night light which should be for a couple of hours while you want to watch your geckos optional. When using a leopard gecko heating pad it is essential that you use a thermostat to ensure you secure the right temperature to reduce burning your reptile or providing a side that is cooler than required. Here is a quick overview of a 5 element setup for any leo tank. Incandescent heat lamp as daylight.

Heat lamps supply heat in a way that works with a leopard gecko s instincts replicating nature in captivity. Leopard geckos are crepuscular lizards which means that they will be sleeping and hiding from the sun during the day. Ceramic bulb for nighttime heating or a heating pad if your tank is too small. While leopard geckos don t need uvb to survive uva uvb light has been shown to greatly improve the immune system health and wellness of all reptiles both diurnal and crepuscular.

In the wild they hide from bright light and sun during the daytime hours and come out when it becomes cooler. As leopard geckos are terrestrial ground dwelling the tank or cage you keep them in should be long and wide. I find that this can be done most effectively with a good basking bulb and a dimmable heat lamp with a ceramic socket my favorite is this one by zoo med. T5 or t8 5 6 uvb bulb 2 3 for albinos.

Given measurements are length x width x height. To simply a standard 10 gallon tank would work as long as it is a long and not a high. In reality it doesn t really matter which method you use as long as it s safe for your leopard gecko and provides enough heating. Heating mats and heating pads are the preferred choice for leopard geckos.

Depending on the size of your viv determines the wattage of the bulb needed. When looking for a leopard gecko terrarium consider your gecko s age and size before making your choice. Humidity improper humidity can make it more difficult for them to shed properly cause hydration issues or increase the chances of leopard geckos getting an infection. Infrared heat lamps will provide your leopard gecko with heat overnight and are specially designed to use with nocturnal animals as the light s color doesn t affect leopard geckos.

Best leopard gecko lighting setups. Leopard geckos do not need artificial lighting or uv light which some reptiles do require but they do need to know whether it is day or night. Some swear by the heat lamp while others advocate heat mats.