Aquarium LED Strip Light for Leopard Gecko Tanks

[Boxraddict]

Hi guys, I have my leopard geckos in 36x18 enclosures, they warmed with under-tank heaters and a surface lamp with a 100w heat bulb.

I am wondering if I can provide lighting for viewing purposes only in the form of an aquarium strip light. I have Marineland single bright 36" LED's made for fish aquariums but I am wondering if these would hurt the leos.

 

[Alexicography]

Normally ambient light is enough for a gecko. They have very sensitive eyes due to being nocturnal creatures. I have a low-wattage red lightbulb in my bedside light on the other side of my bed from my leo and that's normally enough for me to see her -- even during the day, a small lamp on my dresser across the room is enough. I've heard a lot of warning against putting viewing lights directly over their tank. At best it's unnecessary for them when a simple desk lamp provides enough light, and at worst it could distress them to the point where they stop eating.

 

[JessJohnson87]

Exo terra makes a moonlight bulb for viewing but I would turn it off when you go to bed. LED's are very bright so I would only use them during the day to simulate a day time photo-period.