[Ketatlas]

I already have a lamp and I use reptile carpet in a 20 gallon long tank in my bedroom so the red light thing won't work for me cuz it's too bright. UTH's have so many bad reviews plus u can't control the temps with that without a thermostat which is kinda overpriced. I was thinking of a ceramic heat emitter but I'm not sure what wattage I'll need, so if any of u could show me a good one that would be nice, and another thing with using a heat lamp, the ground temp is lower in the hide then outside so should I pay more attention to inside temps and it can thermoregulate during the night.. Is it dangerous having the outside temps on the hot side like 100 but inside 90?

[cricket4u]

Originally Posted by Ketatlas

I already have a lamp and I use reptile carpet in a 20 gallon long tank in my bedroom so the red light thing won't work for me cuz it's too bright. UTH's have so many bad reviews plus u can't control the temps with that without a thermostat which is kinda overpriced. I was thinking of a ceramic heat emitter but I'm not sure what wattage I'll need, so if any of u could show me a good one that would be nice, and another thing with using a heat lamp, the ground temp is lower in the hide then outside so should I pay more attention to inside temps and it can thermoregulate during the night.. Is it dangerous having the outside temps on the hot side like 100 but inside 90?

A UTH is a MUST for leopard geckos. They need it to digest their food properly. Expense comes along with owning a reptile. It is our responsibility to provide them with all their needs. To prevent burns it is important to use a thermostat along with a UTH. A ceramic heater will be fine as a secondary heat source, however your gecko still needs a UTH.

With what and how are you reading the temperatures?

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/commu...12-update.html

[Yoshi'smom]

It's also recommended that all heat sources are plugged into a thermostat as to avoid over heating the reptile and for other general safety reasons. I agree that the leo needs belly heat and how you achieve that is up to you. I've heard of people being able to use a CHE to get appropriate temps but I personally use UTH's. Just make sure that you're providing your leo with belly heat up to the 92-95F range and you should be fine.

[Riverside Reptiles]

If you can't afford to spend $30 on a thermostat, you need to reconsider owning a pet. As mentioned above, whether it be a uth or a che, it should be placed on some sort of controller. Proper heating is a KEY factor in keeping reptiles since they can't raise and lower their own body temperatures like a mammal. Do your animal a favor and save up for the appropriate equipment to give it a happy, healthy life.

[ceduke]

If a thermostat is absolutely out of the question, a lamp dimmer ($5 or so at the hardware store) can be an effective TEMPORARY way to control the temp of a UTH until a theermostat can be acquired. Seriously though, thermostats are a good investment and not terribly expensive. If you can't afford one, what's going to happen if your animal needs to see a vet?