nickexotics
New member
Do leopard geckos really need a UTH or can we get away with a basking bulb at 85 degrees on one side? I heard different opinions and I know this forum know they stuff so had to ask here. ;-)
heating
- Thread starter nickexotics
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cricketsnieceandrepsitter
New member
I have friends who use a red bulb and not a heat mat and their geckos are fine.
cricket4u
New member
Is this a trick question? Shouldn't you know the answer?:biggrin: Well, to clarify Jen's answer. As long as their whole body is able to reach 85 degrees, they are able to digest properly. Why do we insist on everyone using a UTH? Mainly to duplicate natural thigmothermic behavior and avoid overheating. For example if a heatbulb is placed over a hide, it will warm up that whole area allowing the gecko to digest efficiently. The problem is a thermostat must be used. They do not tolerate high air temps well. If it is used as the only source of heat it must be monitored closely, not only to avoid overheating, but burns if it is positioned over a hide in which the gecko can climb on.
I believe it also depends on your gecko. There are some strange ones that enjoy to bask under a red bulb even when provided with a UTH. Yes, a low watt bulb is recommended to raise up the air temp on the warm side along with the UTH. If it is used alone, a higher bulb will be needed in which will dry out the tank. So it's not a good idea to use a bulb as a primary source of heat.
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nickexotics
New member
I wanted to make sure you was on top of your game, lol. This other forum be giving out wrong info telling people the geckos only need under tank heating. This right here shows that they aren't getting heat from below. I also read their heat receptors are on their backs. Thermal Images | The Gecko Spot and some of these gecko are being kept too cold. Let them know. Proper Temperature for Geckos | eHow.com
nickexotics
New member
how can you get one side in the 70-'s and the other side 85 degrees with a heat mat? the heat mat does not warm up the air enough.
nickexotics
New member
you doing it right. Ain't nothing wrong with a white bulb during the day either.
ceduke
New member
Works just fine for LOTS of people, including myself. The gecko is never more than an inch or two off of the ground, so the air throughout the tank does not need to be warmed higher than an inch or two off of the ground.
nickexotics
New member
All the people in the other forum that don't worry about air temp their geckos have those fat boobs or their fat. So that means they don't have enough heat. The people I see on here that keeps the air temps right don't ever have geckos with those fat boobs. Their stomache should be off the ground when they stand.
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cricket4u
New member
Nice find. Interesting ha, how the gecko's body temp is as cold as the environment(air temp) and did not warm up with the human's body body heat from below.;-) Maybe now some people will believe it.:roll:
So are you doing your research because you are ready to purchase or do you already have one?
nickexotics
New member
My girl has a tokay and a crestie, but I haven't decided yet. I have other herps though.