Hello- I am new to leopard geckos, and reptiles in general, but I recently (about 3 weeks ago) acquired my first leopard gecko. Her name is Nelly and from what I was told she is approximately 10 months old. she seems happy and healthy, nice fat tail. Hides most of the day but is very active in the night time. She eats well.. rotates between mealworms and crickets (dusted appropriately. Friendly and is great with handling.. Once my hand goes in the enclosure she climbs it to be taken out. My question is in regards to lighting. She is in an exo-terra large low aquarium. 36" Long by 18 inches deep and 12" tall. She is in a (finished) basement, so there really is no daytime light to speak of. I started using the regular room lights but my wife didnt want me keeping them on all day anymore.. So I purchased the reptisun T5 5.0 tube bulb fixture I believe theyre 24watts. Now I know Leopards supposedly dont really need UVB but also read somewhere this light was okay to use. Is this good to use for her in her enclosure? Does it sit too low being only a 12 inch tall tank? It is on top of the screen on the outside, but the few times I've seen her out while the light is on she does seem to squint a bit. Is there something better I could or should be using? I need some kind of light because the room is dark otherwise.
Thank you in advance for reading my question.
Thank you in advance for reading my question.
yellow color with black bands and an orange/white tail. I was just concerned that maybe the light was too close being only a 12 inch tall enclosure.. Looking for suggestions as what bulb would be best for her size enclosure.