UTH, overhead lamp, or both?

[LadyShinron]

Hey GU! As a new leo mom I have plenty of questions to make my new addition the happiest he can be! I've read about 356,743 mixed reviews on which is best for leos.. I understand that they need heat on their bellies to help digest food but does that necessarily mean that they need an UTH? Would a "basking light" not also provide heat if the tank is set up with flat river rocks that would be warmed by the light? I'm only trying to decide what is best & I'll happily accept any tips & advice you all might have!

Pardon my noobness & thanks in advance! :-D

 

[acpart]

As you've probably figured out, there isn't one straightforward simple answer, so I'll lay out the issues. You can pick something to try, observe how the gecko reacts, and either change it or keep doing it:
--the most common thing to do is to use under tank heaters and not uses lights
--some people prefer the more "natural" idea of using overhead lighting to warm the substrate
--some albino leopard geckos have more sensitive eyes and the lights bother them
--even though leopard geckos are nocturnal, some people report that their leos love to bask
--sometimes the overhead lights (especially in a small enclosure) heats the air to the extent that the. geckos can get overheated and dehydrated

I know that doesn't answer your question exactly, but it does point to some reasons why some people use overhead lights and some use UTH's.

Aliza

 

[LadyShinron]

As you've probably figured out, there isn't one straightforward simple answer, so I'll lay out the issues. You can pick something to try, observe how the gecko reacts, and either change it or keep doing it:
--the most common thing to do is to use under tank heaters and not uses lights
--some people prefer the more "natural" idea of using overhead lighting to warm the substrate
--some albino leopard geckos have more sensitive eyes and the lights bother them
--even though leopard geckos are nocturnal, some people report that their leos love to bask
--sometimes the overhead lights (especially in a small enclosure) heats the air to the extent that the. geckos can get overheated and dehydrated

I know that doesn't answer your question exactly, but it does point to some reasons why some people use overhead lights and some use UTH's.

Aliza

That's all great info, thank you so much! It really helps to put reasoning into perspective! What wattage is typically reccomend for daytime use? I know it will probably be some trial & error but is there a particular wattage that seems to do the best for them?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

That's all great info, thank you so much! It really helps to put reasoning into perspective! What wattage is typically reccomend for daytime use? I know it will probably be some trial & error but is there a particular wattage that seems to do the best for them?

Welcome to Geckos Unlimited! What size is your leo's enclosure? When one uses overhead heating, it's best to go with a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE). CHEs produce heat, but not light.

These are the temps you need. With overhead heating, it's impossible to get a lower air temp and still get the necessary ground temp.

Temperatures - A temperature gradient from warm to cool maintains your leo's health. Here's a temperature guide for all leopard geckos as measured with the probe of a digital thermometer or a temp gun (and controlled by a thermostat set at 91*F/32.8*C):

• 88-92 F (31.1-33.3 C) ground temperature right underneath a leo's warm dry hide
• no greater than 82ish F (27.8ish C) air temperature - 4 inches above ground on the warm end
• no greater than 75 F (23.9 C) air temperature - 4 inches above ground on the cool end