Lights? Gargoyle Gecko Question

caleytkd · #1 08-21-2011, 02:04 AM

Hi everyone!
I just moved back into my dorm. Phoebe's all set up and comfy. My question is this:
There is a pole that goes across the room and I wanted to wrap some colorful Christmas lights around it. I wanted to make sure this wouldn't bother Phoebe any as they would pass over her vivarium? (Roughly a foot and a half over head.) If it would be okay are there any colors I should avoid anyway that would be more bothersome than others?

Thanks!
Caley

PassPort · #2 08-21-2011, 04:01 AM

you're fine with doing lights, just as long as they don't run all night and aren't too bright. I'd imagine the colors shouldn't be an issue at all.

caleytkd · #3 08-21-2011, 10:08 AM

Okay, thanks PassPort.

One other question I have is last year I had her by a window, so she had a corner of her tank where she would get natural sunlight if she wanted to bask (she usually slept there too lol). But this year I had to put her on the opposite site of the room. I know gargs don't require any special lights, but would it be beneficial to get a little UV light for one of the corners? Just so she still gets a natural light cycle?

PassPort · #4 08-21-2011, 01:49 PM

I provide lights for all of my geckos, whether or not they use them. It creates an photoperiod and establishes proper night activity (just not too bright so they can hide from it).

That being said, most of my gargs bask on a regular basis.

caleytkd · #5 08-21-2011, 03:09 PM

Do you have any recommendations for what type of light would be best for an 18x18x24 exoterra (like UVB percentage)? I no longer have the light/topper that came with it.
Also, I have heard that UV lights go bad after a while. How frequently should I change the bulb?

Thanks again for the help.

PassPort · #6 08-21-2011, 08:40 PM

I just use the 13 watt CFL's from Home Depot. If you choose to go with a UVB type bulb then a 2.0 or 5.0 at the most would be ok. The only Rhacs that I offer UVB to are my chahoua and they get 2.0's

Hannibal · #7 08-21-2011, 08:50 PM

On the christmas lights the red, green and red should be ok, I'd kinda stay away from the white & yellow near her enclosure since they seem they tend to be a little brighter and are not as defused.

We use both the 5.0 & 2.0 fluorescent tube lights since we have enclosures that are 24" & 30" tall. We have found that ours usually emit the UVB for 13months. Since the UVB is not necessary for them, but the light cycle is, you can replace the bulbs every year or whenever the light burns out....your choice.

caleytkd · #8 08-22-2011, 02:48 AM

Thanks guys!