Do I need heat for my Crested Gecko?

[LeeLee13]

Even though I live in Texas, we get temps in the 30s at times during the winter. My house is old and doesn't have much if any at all insulation. I have a gas heater that heats most of it, but my room is always much colder. I have a thermometer that tells me what the temp in my room is, and the other day it was at 36 degrees (it was 34 degrees outside!) I am worried that is much too cold for my little guy...would I be correct in thinking that?

If so, what type of heating would be recommended? FYI this is for a vivarium with a glass top.

I do have a space heater but it's only for use when I am home.

 

[Aimless]

36 is WAY too cold; you are right to be concerned!

there are two standard ways to heat an aquarium for a nocturnal gecko. first, you can attach an undertank heater. second, you can add a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) bulb at the top. as your place is very cold, you might need both.

cresteds should really never ever drop below 60F, and I try to keep mine from dropping below the upper 60's at night and I keep them in the mid-70's during the day. colder temps reduce metabolism and growth, and extreme colder temps like yours can result in illness and even death in time.

 

[LeeLee13]

During the summer I am able to keep the temp around 72 because I have a window A/C unit in my room. Unfortunately it is not the same for heat...and I can't leave my door open unless my room mate's pets are kept in her room (they tear up stuff in my room!) If I am setting up a vivarium, though, wouldn't an under the tank heater be detrimental to the plants? Do you think the vivarium set up I have would be big enough for two ceramic heaters?

I have a rock heater that I could use that came with the tank. I wasn't sure if it would help at all, but if it will I will use it.