How sensitive are gecko eyes?

ankan333 · #1 08-06-2011, 09:43 PM

Hi,
I have been thinking about the UV light in my enclosure and I'm wondering if maybe it is too bright for the geckos eyes? I have one linear bulb (5% UVB) which doesn't bother me, but then I got an extra UV lamp, a compact bulb (also 5%) since I thought one lamp was too little for the big tank. However, the light from it is really intense and it gets me a bit worried since they are there all day, plus they can't close their eyes. Anyone got any thoughts?

Annika

daggekko · #2 08-07-2011, 08:38 AM

All of my gecko enclosures have spots where the gecko can get away from the light(inside a bamboo pole, under a plant leaf) so I would imagine that as long as you don't keep your geckos in a plain empty enclosure the intensity shouldn't be an issue. I have also read a lot about how Phelsuma do better under very bright lights, hence the name "Day Geckos". I could be absolutely wrong as well, but I would bet your gecko loves the bright light. I brighten up my gecko enclosures as much as possible without spending tons of money on new equipment. All of my Phelsuma spend time out in the open where it is bright.

ankan333 · #3 08-07-2011, 12:51 PM

Thank you, yeah I guess that they would have sense enough to take cover if the light is to brigth..

colinmelsom · #4 08-08-2011, 04:59 AM

There is a lot of talk about compact u.v.bulbs causing damage to eyes.I dont know if this is true or just an old wives tale.Certainly ultraviolet tubes are fine.
If you are worried about this use a tube,I personally use 10 or 12% u.v.b. tube and create a hotspot witha halogen bulb or the like.

hexentanz · #5 08-15-2011, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colinmelsom

There is a lot of talk about compact u.v.bulbs causing damage to eyes.I dont know if this is true or just an old wives tale.Certainly ultraviolet tubes are fine.

I think this is what you are referring to UV Lighting for Reptiles: A new problem with high UVB output fluorescent compact lamps and tubes? , the last update was in 2009 stating companies were working on the issue. Since it is now 2011, I would certainly hope the remaining issues were fixed.

The problem was also with certain lamps from a few companies and not all of them.

I personally have used compact bulbs over some smaller enclosures for several years now (since 2004) and have yet to run in to an issue. Then again I have always used bulbs from Arcadia & Exo-Terra which I never read to have these issues.