UTH plus CHE?

[Dexter07]

I have only had Taz for 2 weeks, but am already concerned. He lives in a 20 long tank. I bought a Zoo Med UTH for 10-20 gallons and now realize it is too small to do the job. The temp is only about 72 degrees way too low. Taz spends most of his time hiding and is not eating. He is not sluggish, but hates handling.

Other Leo owners I work with have suggested I purchase a CHE for the top of the tank to help warm him up. I planned to purchase a 40 watt CHE for the top of his tank. Do I need to get a second thermostat to go with that?

I hope this is not a repeat of other questions, but appreciate any advice you can share. This boy deserves to be cared for properly.

 

[Dexter07]

I work at a large animal shelter where Taz and 5 other Leos were turned in by a Mom who was upset that her son kept purchasing these guys at reptile shows. We don't have specifics on any of the Geckos except they are all adult males. Taz apparently was one of the last ones bought and has not been handled, so isn't social at all.

He is not eating well, but some of that may be due to stress, or perhaps being too cool. He is not thin and is active. I want to do right by him.

 

[Sg612]

I work at a large animal shelter where Taz and 5 other Leos were turned in by a Mom who was upset that her son kept purchasing these guys at reptile shows. We don't have specifics on any of the Geckos except they are all adult males. Taz apparently was one of the last ones bought and has not been handled, so isn't social at all.

He is not eating well, but some of that may be due to stress, or perhaps being too cool. He is not thin and is active. I want to do right by him.

Are they all housed alone?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I have only had Taz for 2 weeks, but am already concerned. He lives in a 20 long tank. I bought a Zoo Med UTH for 10-20 gallons and now realize it is too small to do the job. The temp is only about 72 degrees way too low. Taz spends most of his time hiding and is not eating. He is not sluggish, but hates handling.

Other Leo owners I work with have suggested I purchase a CHE for the top of the tank to help warm him up. I planned to purchase a 40 watt CHE for the top of his tank. Do I need to get a second thermostat to go with that?

I hope this is not a repeat of other questions, but appreciate any advice you can share. This boy deserves to be cared for properly.

What is your room temp where the enclosure sits? That will be the temp of the cool end.

Most of the heat should be belly heat from a UTH that's 1/2 the size of the ground/floor. For that I recommend an 11 x 17 Ultratherm heat mat for a 20 long (30 x 12 x 12). Please get one of those right away. Set the thermostat @ 91*F.

First see where an Ultratherm heat mat brings the temps.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Here are the temps Taz needs.

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

Leave the heat mat/UTH on 24/7. At night turn off overhead lighting/heating (~12 hours on and ~12 hours off) unless ambient room temperatures drop lower than 67ish*F (19.4*C).