Leopard Gecko Heating and Lighting Guide
Good Morning, Reptilians! With all of the options available, heating and lighting your leopard gecko's tank can be overwhelming. So, as requested, let's talk about all of the ways you can do that.
Items I Talk About In This Video (some of these links are affiliate links, the prices are the same for you, but purchasing the items just helps support the channel) 🖤
Heat Pad - amzn.to/3cSvgAc
Thermostat - amzn.to/3BwCDHI
Double Thermostat - amzn.to/3BsodZ6
Dome w/ Dimmer - amzn.to/3cWTLfK
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Thermometer (analog) - amzn.to/3zL9hnT
Thermometer (digital) - amzn.to/3PLuJ1D
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0:00 Intro
0:31 Heating - Heat Pad/Heat Tape
2:57 Heating - Basking Bulb
5:06 Heating - Deep Heat Projector
6:31 Heating - Ceramic Heat Emitter
7:29 Heating - Mercury Vapor Bulbs
8:02 UVB Lighting - Importance
8:55 UVB Lighting - Type & Amount
9:51 Helpful Tools
11:18 What NOT To Use
12:42 Outro
12:55 Sponsor - iheartgeckos.com
13:57 Shoutouts
14:17 Bloopers
Don't forget to check out store.iheartgeckos.com/ for their awesome conversion kits. :)
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Thanks for watching! :)
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Elle O'Shea
PO Box 3061
Decatur, AL 35602
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Disclaimers:
Although I have a few reptiles, I am in no way a reptile expert. I just research a whole bunch and make videos. Please always do lots and lots of research (outside of these videos) before getting any pet, and please take any sick pet that you have to the vet for care. 💜
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This just means that I receive a small percentage of your purchase, but don't worry, the prices are the same.
We're just spreading our love for animals. :)
Don't forget to subscribe! We upload every single Sunday, and some Wednesdays. Come hang out with us and watch us talk about animal things... and watch our animals do animal stuff.
music: Touch - Patrick Patrikios
Oh My - Patrick Patrikios
Early Oceans - Freedom Trail Studio
Lovable Clown
#leopardgecko #leopardgeckolight #reptiles
Пікірлер: 293
I’m a new gecko mom an you have helped me so much. I’m so nervous I’m going to do something wrong.
@Geolies
Жыл бұрын
Same I'm always doing research every day thinking I'm gonna do something wrong that will eventually kill them 😭
@itdoesntmatter4066
7 ай бұрын
We bought a 2 month old baby female Leapord gecko with full kit. We have only had it a day but I feel like it isn’t healthy by the way it’s behaving.
I just started watching Elle, and I thought I knew a lot about leopards from when I was younger, but after watching I've realized a lot has changed in the world of Geck's! thank you for putting it all together!
Had my crestie (Pedro) pass away recently, I’m starting some research on leopard geckos because that’s one species I’ve been interested for a few years now. Your videos are a godsend, I really appreciate them
Came across your videos while researching for my first baby gecko and I’m so glad. I love your vibe and info is so very helpful! Thanks so much
thanks so much for all the hard work and research you put into this video! lol i don't even have a gecko but this is just a really nice crash-course in different heating options. love your channel!
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 💜
Thank you so much for this video. I just became a gecko mom to a leopard gecko and a crested eyelash gecko and ive been trying to figure lighting/ heating and this helped me so much. Ill be watching your videos for more tips
3 seconds in and I’m in love. The hair, brown skin, and country accent 😍🥰😇
Just learning at moment as my son wants "a pet", but is a busy active kid (17). Thinking the building of an living space would be a great project to do together. Lighting and heating are technical aspects that are likely far more important than the actual decorations. Search for supplies and availability in the Philippines currently. As he goes to school and resides there. Greatly appreciate the work you do. And hope that your recent medical issues have resolved themselves, you are a valuable asset to this community.
Good morning Elle, hope you have an amazing Sunday!! Another wonderful and informative video today!!
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! And I hope you're having an amazing Sunday as well 😁
@davidphillips2798
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles thank you Ma'am 😊
Great video, Elle! I really appreciated the pros and cons format detailing so many different options for both heating and lighting. I think you did a wonderful job touching on the most popular options and which you suggest and why. I agree with using UVB lighting for pretty much all reptiles, and it's important for reptile keepers to ensure they are doing their due diligence and researching lights and heat. Thank you for being a wonderful Snake & Lizard Mama!
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words! I try to cover everything (that I could think of). 🥰
Wow your videos along with others have been helpful. I recently took in 2 leopard geckos and theres so much that has been done wrong. They've been housed together along with sand and a red light. There is a heating pad and 4 hides. They seem healthy but im in the process of preparing another tank to seperate them. The female kinda stays to herself but she does come out now and then but i believe she would thrive more in her own home. Only had them a less than a week so may be shy cause she was out often before I got em. The male comes out more he is shedding at the moment I'm keeping an eye on that. Thank you for information. This is my first experience with any kind of reptile. The previous owner couldn't keep them no longer. I want them to thrive as much as possible.
You always bring great topics!
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 💜
VERY helpful. ordered via your likes. thank you for posting this helpful video
I started using ceramic heat emitters, during the winter, for our cresties. I found it easy to provide them with some mild warmth, up where they tend to sleep, and find that it has been really easy to control with the dimmer switch. I like that it focuses on a smallish area, so they can get out of the way, if they want cooler spaces, even up in their pothos "trees." Thanks for covering this subject thoroughly. A leopard gecko is on our wish list, for a future new reptile, and since our understanding of these creatures keeps evolving, it's nice to have a proper update.
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
That's a really good idea! 😊
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
I recommend using low wattage halogen bulbs instead, they produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively. They make a much better primary heat source than CHEs, which only produce IRC.
God called my Leopard gecko home on August 16th i know he's in a better place now and awesome Video Elle
Awesome video. Really enjoyed it. Brand new Leo dad. Halogen bulbs are not easy to come by in California unfortunately learned that lesson this weekend. Love all the info in the video. Nice to see I'm doing somethings right lol
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I’ve heard that halogens are banned in California, that’s unfortunate :/ an incandescent bulb would probably be the next best thing
Great video Elle, I always learn something 🤗 I was at a large chain pet store yesterday when someone was purchasing a Bearded Dragon and the employee was grabbing at the frantic babies from overhead! Just not right 😟
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! Awww, well hopefully the people that got the beardie will do a good job caring for it 🥺
Thank you for all the great info
Thank you so much for this video. My sons lg hes healthy. Always eating but our family is new on how to care for a lg. Weve been using a red bulb and it burnt out so my son and husband went and bought another. Thank goodness i saw this video. I showed t to my son and his eyes got big and he was like i didnt know that. So i also showed it to my husband. So we are leaving the red bulb off until we can get him one of those heat bulbs with a thermostat to adjust the temp of the heat. Thanks again
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
I'm so happy to hear you've removed the red bulb! But it's awesome that your son's leopard gecko is healthy 💜
I just got a leo and love her. Your channel has been helpful, but no lie, I actually just like stopping back here to see that beautiful face.
Thank you for this video!
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
You're very welcome! 😊
Love your videos ❤
Thanks again for another informative video on leopard geckos. GOD BLESS 🦎💖🦎💖🦎💖
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for always watching 🥰
Thanks for everything elle!
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank YOU for watching 🥰
Just got a Leo for my son’s 16th birthday. He “researched” however mom is the research queen. I think Oscar will be my pet….😅
Small thanks for helping to educate pet owners, a cause near and dear to my heart as a pet nutritionist 🥰
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Oh wow, thank you!!! It's very much appreciated. You're amazing 💜
Can’t wait to watch another great video
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
🥰
@Rj_0
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles can you rate my newest video out of 10
Anybody can do reptile videos these days you prove that!!
Great and informative video as always :-)
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much 😊
@nataliesreptileroom3348
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles I also saw in one of your older videos you're a veteran? Thank you for your service! I was in the Marine Corps
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
@@nataliesreptileroom3348 not me, my husband. He was Army until he hurt his back. But I'll let him know you thanked him 🥰 and thank YOU for your service
@nataliesreptileroom3348
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles ah ok, thank you!
I love watching your videos it teaches me a lot I have a dragon named Spyro and she is 2 and I also work at amazon
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Thank you! And Spryo is an amazing name. I used to love that game when I was a kid. 🥰
@michaelsweet4498
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles I loved that game that’s why I called her that
this was great cause I have a new leopard
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Congrats! 🎉
Hey so I cant see the whole length how you got the lights set up nice
If I have a basking bulb as my main source of heat, how would I put it on a thermostat and also a timer so it turns off at night and on in the morning
Hi, Elle, I love the video. I have a question can I plug the DH projector into a digital thermostat?
@nightinggale6470
11 ай бұрын
Yes. Although I highly recommend using a halogen flood bulb instead, they’re actually more natural and beneficial than DHPs! The levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most beneficial wavelength).
Hiya! Found this video when searching iheartgeckos and uvb and figured this would be a good place to ask considering this is topic + sponser. I converted a tank with one of their kits and have it all set up, and was gonna go with a no-uvb-needed frog but now considering a uvb-is-suggested geckos (gargoyle). Do you think a flexible lamp with uvb could be shine throw the vents? Have a nice spot right by it that could be a basking spot. Worried about warping. I don't want to try cutting throw the glass to add a are to top, I'd have to probably tear it all down to do that and risk breaking the top glass, which scares me @.@ Though I guess I could like tape a drop cloth under area... Also, for heat on my mourning gecko, I'm using one of the zilla blue lights cause it came with the kit (with thermostate). Only during the day, that should be fine, right? (as night time stays within their range, but having a hotter basking spot is suggested for them).
What do you do if the power goes out since outlets won’t work??
Arcadia Deep Heat Projectors have a manufacturer stated lifespan of 2-5 years with daily use, not the one year stated, but I understand the mistake.
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Oh that's cool! I talked to the Head of Science and Innovation at Arcadia a couple years ago about them, and he said a year at that time. But that's awesome that they've updated it, I guess I'll get even more use out of them. Love those bulbs! 🥰
@caitycarine5412
Жыл бұрын
Do u like the Arcadia Brand?? I’m a new gecko mom an I’m meeting to make sure I got everything set up right.
@HeartsScales
Жыл бұрын
@@caitycarine5412Arcadia appears to be a highly regarded brand by many reptile keepers. They make some of the best UVB lighting as far as I can tell from my limited experience and two weeks of research.
Hi! I have a question. Would I use a basking bulb with the uvb for light? I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to pick one or use both. I love all of your videos! They are so informational and I love learning about all the reptiles you have :)
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Some sort of heat source is necessary, and a halogen bulb is the most natural and beneficial heat source. A tube UVB bulb in addition to the heat lamp is very beneficial. So yes, it’s ideal to use both :)
@nicolepillow3262
10 ай бұрын
Thanks❤for the deets which one would really work best for leo don't want to try so many cause I feel like I'm going wrong with her
Hey great video! I have questions if you have time to answer them! How long do you put UVB lights on the geckos? All day or just for a few hours? Is it the only lighting you use? Also I plan to get an albino morph for my first gecko. Are UVBs harmful for albino geckos? Any advice helps! Heating and lighting has been the most confusing thing for me 😅. Thanks!
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
UVB should be on all day, for 14 hours in the summer and 12 hours in the winter. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial heat source, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option (this doesn’t produce light and is what I use for my albino). UVB can still be used with albinos, just provide plenty of plant coverage and opportunities for cryptic basking. It somewhat depends on the individual, though; some are more sensitive than others. Consider getting a non-albino gecko so they can get the full benefits of lighting.
Would these also work for a house gecko?
What time should i turn off my basking bulb? 🤔
hi love the video it was very helpful and informative, I had a question about heat lamps, could i use a normal thermostat to controll the temp of a ceramic heater/DHP or a halogen lamp or should i use a dimming thermostat instead?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
A normal thermostat can be used with CHEs and DHPs, but not light emitting bulbs. Dimming thermostats are ideal for any heat source, though. A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial heat source. You can also use a dimmer, which is much cheaper than a dimming thermostat but you need to manually adjust the temperature rather than it being automatic. A dimming thermostat is definitely worth the investment.
@miles7519
Жыл бұрын
@@nightinggale6470 thanks so much for your advice, i didnt see this comment until now oops but i already ordered the che and on/off thermostat.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
@@miles7519 just keep in mind that CHEs aren’t a good primary heat source. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively. Whereas CHEs only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.
What is "too high of an ambient temperature?"
hi elle i have a question! i just got my gecko from my nephew he came from an environment where he wasn’t handled much he has shed since he’s been with me, about 4 days ago he did and this is the second time i’ve found a little ball like thing it’s a yellowish color in his tank… last time it was complete white and when i picked it up to examine it wasn’t like a ball of skin it’s mushy i thought he was a boy… could spot actually be a female and these are eggs that she’s tried to make and is leaving behind ?? please help
Awesome, Wish we had more subscribers
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
I subscribed 💜
@Jungleroomreptiles
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles Thank you we really appreciate it
I want to know if a bedroom light can affect my lepord gecko when the lights are off in his tank?
How do you use your thermostat without having to stick it to the tank
do you use the UVB light and the basking light together? Im just trying to figure out when you turn them on and shut them off. Thanks for the help!
@nightinggale6470
7 ай бұрын
Yes, you use them together. Turn them on in the morning, off in the late evening.
I currently am running an Arcadia shade dweller t5 during the day and a 60w ceramic heat bulb 24/7 on the hot side of the tank I was wondering if a heat pad would be necessary on the hot side and if reptivite with d3 once a week is needed even though I’m running the uvb bulb ( also calcium without d3 is always available to my Leo)
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
A heat mat isn’t necessary. Neither heat mats nor ceramic bulbs are ideal for the primary heat source. A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial heat source, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. If she seems to be exposing herself to the UVB (even just cryptic basking by exposing only part of her body), using artificial d3 isn’t necessary, although you could dust with d3 occasionally if you want to just in case. She needs multivitamins regardless.
I'm getting a Chinese Cave Gecko but since there aren't many videos about them. I'm also trying to watch as many leopard gecko videos too since they're pretty similar other than humidity and temperature
@thelegenddeuce
Жыл бұрын
I'm also planning to use excavator clay to make stalagmites and stalactites to kinda make it seem like a Cave
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
That's interesting. I'm not sure how excavator clay holds up to high humidity, since it's meant for arid tanks. But if you happen to test that out please let me know! 😊
@thelegenddeuce
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles Will do, but that won't be for months because I'm only getting one after I complete a semester in school :( Also I love your accent, so satisfying, my grandma has a country accent too, but hers is much more strong than yours.
I am worried my baby albino mack snow Ghost can’t see well or at all. Years ago I had a leo. Julius loved crickets and meal worms from day one and came out at night and he was great . Ghost doesn’t come out much and he shows zero interest in crickets or meal worms. He won’t eat unless I hand him baby horn worms . He won’t touch them if placed in front of him . I’m not sure if I am doing something wrong or if he really is visually impaired 🙁
I have a UTH mat and overhead uvb do I need a basking spot light as well?
@nightinggale6470
10 ай бұрын
Yes. Heat mats are not a good primary heat source, a halogen bulb is the most natural and beneficial option.
I have a baby leopard gecko (6g) and I bought a halogen and tiles to absorb the heat. Do I need to have a heat source at night? I see so many people say you do not as it replicates their natural habitat so long as temperatures don't drop to 60 F. My place stays 76 F and I checked the tank and it is 77 F. Just concerned since they are a baby and I feed them at night and don't they need to digest. So much to learn.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Nope, you don’t need heat at night! The tile will also retain heat for awhile after the lamp is turned off. At some point I recommend switching at least half of the substrate to a suitable loose substrate (a soil/playsand or soil/sand/clay mix) to offer digging enrichment :)
I’m going to be owning a leopard gecko soon, would you be able to use a basking bulb and a heating pad if you’re worried about how much heat your gecko is receiving, or is that too much? I’m asking because I was recommended the heat pad but I got a hand-me-down basking bulb i can use as well
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yes, you can use both. It isn’t necessary, though. A heat lamp is all they need.
I have an albino leopard gecko that I got 2 days ago the only thing I’ve been using is the ceramic heat emitter but I want to start getting the gecko used to some uvb lighting. What is the best watt/uvb for albino leopard gecko!?
@nightinggale6470
3 ай бұрын
Arcadia’s shadedweller would be good. Whatever you use should be a 5-7% tube bulb from either Arcadia or zoo med. Keep in mind that ceramic heat emitters aren’t a good primary heat source since they only produce infrared C. A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial primary heat source, a deep heat projector is the second best option. DHPs don’t produce light. I personally use a DHP for my albino girl’s primary heat source, but only because she doesn’t seem to bask during the day. Halogens can be used with albinos, just make sure you provide plenty of plant cover/shade and cryptic basking opportunities (cryptic basking is when they only expose part of their body, like their tail or leg).
Thanks for the video. What thermostats do we use with the deep heat projector here in the US? I am having a hard time finding out what to use with a deep heat projector since all videos in the UK use a dimmable one.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Herpstat is the best one. Pricey, but worth it. Just letting you know: halogen bulbs are actually more natural and beneficial than DHPs! The levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most beneficial wavelength).
@HectorO
Жыл бұрын
@@nightinggale6470 thanks
Hi I'm new to your channel and it's great to be here👍 so i have a question about Bioactive setups for Leopard Geckos. I've seen your video on making a Bioactive setup and I was wondering if my Leopard Gecko (whose name is Veronica in case you're curious) can do fine in a Terrarium that is moist and humid instead of a simple dry desert like setup? I would like to hear your feedback if you can! Ty and have a nice day👏👏👏
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
While it's ok for their humidity to spike up a little from time to time, too much humidity for too long can cause respiratory infections. So an arid bioactive setup is best. 😊
@rubenavila1087
Жыл бұрын
@@ellesreptiles TY😊
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
The ideal humidity range for leopard geckos is 35-65%, as measured by a digital hygrometer (not analog).
Hey I am so scared of my tank getting to hot for my Leo that I am getting next week! And I just really need some help about the exact dimming switch and heating you use. please!!!
@nightinggale6470
6 ай бұрын
A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial primary heat source. A good dimmer is the lutron credenza dimmer. Although a dimming thermostat (herpstat being the best) is ideal if you can afford it.
Should you keep the DHP on 24/7 with a dimming bulb or turn it off at night to allow the hot side to cool down?
@melaniesink9183
Жыл бұрын
Curious about the same!
Hi, I have a question about the UVB. is the exo terra desert uvb 150 [13w] good for my leopard gecko
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Nope, it needs to be a tube bulb, not a compact one. You need either an Arcadia shadedweller or a zoo med T5 5.0
I have a question can you use a regular thermostat like one you’d use for a heat mat for a deep heat projector???
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
You can, although a dimming thermostat is ideal. Although I recommend using a halogen flood bulb as the primary heat source, they’re more natural and beneficial than DHPs :)
Can you use the thermostat listed in the description for a heating lamp or just for a heat mat??
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Just a heat mat. For a heat lamp you’d want a dimmer or dimming thermostat. Although it’s ideal to have the lamp at full power/close to full power for the animal to get the full benefits of the infrared A produced by the lamp, so figure out which wattage will work best.
I want to get a leopard gecko...researching what they need at the moment. I just want to clarify is using one heat source enough? I was thinking of using a heat pad but now I'm thinking a ceramic heat emitter. If I went the ceramic heat emitter route is the lamp with the dimmer switch enough or do I connect it to a thermostat controller if that's possible? I'm new to this and have no idea.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Neither heat mats nor CHEs are good primary heat sources. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial heat source, a deep heat projector is the second best option. They don’t need heat at night as long as it doesn’t drop below 60F.
What morph is her gecko?
Hi just a question, can I use a heating pad and basking light at the same time? I’m worried because the basking light turns off at night so I was wondering if having the heat pad going all the time would keep it warm at night still when the lights turn off
@nightinggale6470
11 ай бұрын
You can use both, although a heat mat is unnecessary. Leopard geckos can handle a temp drop as low as 60F at night. A night drop is perfectly natural and even beneficial.
How do you like your pymeter thermostats? I have a couple of them and I’m still on the fence
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
It's fine. 😅 At first, it was super irritating to setup, but now that it is all correctly setup, I've had no issues. Definitely not my favorite, but I love that it's a 2 in 1
I just got a leopard gecko named nugget she’s a rain water albino tangerine and I realized that her heat is about 5 degrees to low on both sides she has a heat mat that stays at 90 degrees and I want to get a heating lamp also so my question is can you have a heat mat and heating lamp if someone could please tell me as soon as possible that would be great. Thanks
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
You can have both, although the heat mat is unnecessary. A heat lamp is the most natural and beneficial primary heat source. Since she’s albino, just make sure she has plenty of plant cover and cryptic basking opportunities.
Elle, I bought the ceramic heat emitters and the first one only lasted 2.5 hours. Put in the second one, it’s working for now but the dome and and ceramic socket is very warm. The socket temp is 174f, the heat emitter registered at 415f, I’d that normal? I worry about a fire hazard.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
CHEs aren’t a good primary heat source, I recommend switching to a heat lamp such as a halogen flood bulb.
What size deep heat projector would you recommend for a 4x2x2 snake enclosure?
@nightinggale6470
7 ай бұрын
What species of snake are we talking about? You’d most likely want an 80W DHP. However, keep in mind that a halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial option for the primary daytime heat source. The levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most bioavailable type of heat).
I have an albino leopard gecko who's very sensitive to light. What light can I use for her??
@nightinggale6470
2 ай бұрын
Generally speaking, the ideal setup would be a halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat, and a tube UVB bulb such as the Arcadia shadedweller. Halogens are the most natural and beneficial heat source. As long as you provide plenty of plant cover and cryptic basking opportunities (so they can expose part of their body to the heat/UVB while staying hidden), they should do fine. If you believe your gecko is too sensitive for a halogen, you can use a deep heat projector. They’re not as good as halogens since they produce barely any infrared A (the most beneficial heat wavelength), but they’re the second best option.
So should I not use Both a mat and a basking lamp? And should I turn if all light at night?
@nightinggale6470
10 ай бұрын
All lights must be turned off at night. There’s no need for a heat mat, all you need is a heat lamp :)
Hello Elle, ceramic heat Emitter’s how many watts i should use for my 17x17x17” terrarium?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Two things to keep in mind: one, ceramic heat emitters aren’t a good primary heat source since they only produce infrared C. A halogen flood bulb would be far more natural and beneficial. Two, that’s not a big enough enclosure for an adult leopard gecko. Aim for a 36x18x18” enclosure or larger. Regarding wattage, the best wattage depends on various factors, it may take some trial and error. I’d start with 50W and see how that works out.
I just got my son a leo gecko, but im worried im not providing enough heat to the floor of the tank (10 gallon). The kit I got came with a day basking light and a night time heat blub, during the day the warm side gets to around 85-88deg the thermostat on the back wall is about 6-8" above the floor, so the floor temp has to be lower. His warm hide has an open bottom with reptile carpet as the substrate, I was planning on order a UTH which comes with a thermostat, placing that thermostat on the floor of his warm hide to get the temp to high 80s but im not sure if that's overkill with having the basking light? Do you have any suggestions or feedback? Also the night blub keeps the warm side to around 78-80deg on the back wall thermostat. At night he lays on top of his warm hide, goes to the cool side and back to the top and during the day he stays in his warm hide the whole time. I've only had him for 6 days now and he's eating fine.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
I already addressed the heating/lighting and tank size in my other reply. Kits tend to be pretty bad unfortunately. Ditch the night light, they disrupt their day/night cycle. They typically don’t need heat at night, they can handle a temperature drop as low as 60F. The basking spot surface temperature should be in the 90s during the day. Make sure you’re measuring surface temps using a temperature gun. Your thermometers are most likely analog, and analogs are notoriously inaccurate. You need digital gauges to accurately measure ambient temps and humidity. I’d also ditch the carpet, it’s not a suitable substrate. New reptiles should be quarantined on paper towel for the first three months to monitor their health. After, once you’re confident your husbandry is correct, a suitable loose substrate such as a soil/sand or soil/sand/clay mix is best for digging enrichment.
DHP during the day and what at night to keep the tank warm!? Could I use a halogen during the day and DHP at night to keep the tank warm? Thanks!
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
A halogen during the day would definitely be best. You can use a DHP at night, although leopard geckos typically don’t need heat at night. They can handle a temperature drop as low as 60F.
Is a basking bulb necessary? I have a heating pad for her and worried she might get to hot.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
A heat lamp is far more natural and beneficial than under tank heating, I’d replace the mat with a lamp.
How do you use heat lights and uvb in a glass tank converted by an iheartgecko door?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
If the lid is glass, you can’t, unfortunately. I’d use a different enclosure.
How long do the deep heat projectors last and would I still need a source of UVB?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Deep heat projectors last for years. However, I highly recommend using a halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat instead, they’re more natural and beneficial than DHPs. The levels of Infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most beneficial wavelength). And while they can live without UVB, it’s very beneficial for them and strongly recommended.
I have a couple questions about my leopard gecko tank about the uvb lights?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
I can help! What’s up?
Your hair makes you look like an Egyptian princess.
My only question, can you have BOTH a basking bulb and heat mat?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yes, although heat mats aren’t necessary.
Is it okay that I’m using a heating pad and heating 75 watt light during the day and at night I’m using the pad and a red heating light? It says on the warm side that it’s anywhere from 85-95 and the cool side doesn’t go above 85
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Ditch the red light, they disrupt their day/night cycle; all lights should be off at night. The heat mat is unnecessary, all you need is the lamp. If you’re using an analog/dial thermometer, they’re known for being inaccurate. A temperature gun is most accurate for measuring surface temps, and a digital thermometer would be best for ambient temps. Make sure the lamp is connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat as well, to regulate the temperature.
Welp I got a pvc tank for my soon to be leopard gecko, and I got a heat pad which I read isn’t very compatible with pvc 💀. So does this mean I should just use a deep heat projector or a cermic heat emitter?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
A halogen flood bulb would be the most natural and beneficial heat source. DHPs produce barely any infrared A, the most beneficial wavelength. CHEs only produce infrared C and are therefore not a good primary heat source.
I have a question are ceramic heat emitters and uvb light a good combo for a 40 gallon 36x18 tanks
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
CHEs aren’t a good primary heat source. A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial heat source, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. Make sure the UVB is a tube bulb such as the Arcadia shadedweller :)
@WESTSIDEFN
Жыл бұрын
@@nightinggale6470 ok thank you
im getting a leopard gecko soon, i’m planning on using a heat mat along with a thermostat, and will this be enough heat on its own? i have a 30 gallon tank and i was wondering if i should get a basking bulb to go along with it. (btw this is my first time owning a reptile) edit: ALSO!! does anyone know if getting a uvb light is worth it? reading about D3 and supplements, it seems like uvb lighting along with calcium supplements is best. any experienced owners pls help lol!
@sydneyvoeltz3303
Жыл бұрын
Second this! I just got my buddy. Im currently using the heating pad and a 75 w heating bulb in a ceramic lamp
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Heat mats are not a good primary heat source. Rather than getting a mat, I highly recommend using a halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat, they’re the most natural and beneficial heat source. I highly recommend getting a tube UVB bulb such as the Arcadia shadedweller, UVB is very beneficial for leopard geckos (and pretty much all reptiles)!
what thermostat should I use for the Arcadia deep heat projector 50w? And how far should it be from the Leo?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
I use a vivarium electronics thermostat with mine, although a dimming thermostat is ideal. However, I strongly recommend using a halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat, they’re actually more natural and beneficial than DHPs! The levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most beneficial wavelength).
@sarinbaby
Жыл бұрын
@@nightinggale6470 tysm!!
Can I use ceramic heat emitter in wooden terrarium?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yes, however: CHEs are not a good primary heat source because they only produce infrared C. A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial primary heat source, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively.
is it safe to use the heat mat and deep heat projector day and night?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yes. Although leopard geckos don’t need heat at night as long as it doesn’t drop below 60F, a temperature drop is perfectly natural and potentially even beneficial for them. I also highly recommend using a halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat as the primary heat source, they’re more natural and beneficial than DHPs! The levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most beneficial wavelength). Heat mats aren’t necessary.
Can I use the deep heat projector an a heat matt together?
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yes, although heat mats aren’t necessary. A halogen flood bulb is the most natural and beneficial primary heat source, since the levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any IRA, the most beneficial wavelength).
I’ve bad my Leopard Gecko for 10 years. Unfortunately I’ve been using a red light and I started turning it off at night. I want to switch to ceramic heat lamp but I don’t know which watt to use or how to change it to that because he’s been using the other one for so long.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Ceramic heat emitters are not a good primary heat source. A halogen or incandescent bulb would be the most natural and beneficial primary heat source. You may need to experiment a bit with wattage, I’d try 40-50W.
Someone PLEASE tell me whats better halogen or deep heat projector!!!
@nightinggale6470
3 ай бұрын
Halogen hands down. The levels of infrared A and B they produce more closely mimic the sun (DHPs produce barely any infrared A, the most beneficial heat wavelength).
im looking for title for my lepoard gecko what do you reccomend
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
I always name my animals after my favorite movie/tv/game characters 💜
I've been using heat tape with thermostats in my gecko racks for about 20 years without issues. I use 2 different heat measuring devices to check temperatures. I have some of the geckos that are around 15 - 20 years old if not older. I got them as adults so not sure how old they are but they get a variety of live insects, canned insects and Hikari leopard gecko gel. They are trained to eat from feeding tongs and climb up on bin when opened. When they have enough food or I stop feeding they go back inside and they seem to be happy.
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
That's awesome! I love leopard gecko personalities. One of mine always comes out to me too, and it's just the coolest thing. 🥰
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
I recommend looking into overhead heating. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively. Whereas heat tape only produces IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Here’s a good video comparing heat sources kzread.info/dash/bejne/lol-vJJto9TOqM4.html
What if it’s cold at night and goes below the desired temperature for the gecko..we use a purple/blue bulb to keep the temp at 70 is that not good to use??
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Any lights at night disrupt their day/night cycle. Leopard geckos can handle a temperature drop as low as 60F and typically don’t need heat at night, although if you need/want heat, a ceramic heat emitter can be used for nighttime heat.
Do you recommend a brand of any UVB lights ? Just got my Leopard Gecko yesterday
@ellesreptiles
Жыл бұрын
Arcadia Shade Dweller or ZooMed Reptisun 5.0 are both great! 😊
@tony3176
Жыл бұрын
@EllesReptiles Thank you for the recommendation. I tune in to all of your videos because I feel like you really know what you're doing, so thx. again. Do you know what wattage, or is there only one size ? I have a 55 gal.
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
@@tony3176 wattage doesn’t matter much for UVB bulbs, although the UVB % does. The things you need to consider are the distance between the bulb and basking spot, and whether the bulb is on top of a mesh lid or inside the enclosure.
How do I connect my basking bulb
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
What do you mean?
these videos just stress me out
@SniffVr27
3 ай бұрын
Same I don’t know wich option to choose for heating
@gapnap
Ай бұрын
@@SniffVr27i use a heat pad and led lights for lighting.
@SniffVr27
Ай бұрын
@@gapnap I use a heat mat and lights too
@gapnap
Ай бұрын
@@SniffVr27 seems to be the best overall. a heat pad and some sort of lighting. it CAN be a heat light but i wouldnt reccomend it as it makes the enclosure too hot.
@SniffVr27
Ай бұрын
@@gapnap I got my gecko last Tuesday and I used heat mats and a heat bulb and a uvb light
Should I be turning off all heat lamps and my uvb light at night time
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
Yes. All lights must be off at night so as not to disrupt their day/night cycle. They can handle a temperature drop as low as 60F at night.
@Gavin92
Жыл бұрын
Alright thank you so much!
How many watts should my basking light be for leopard gecko ? need an answer asap
@nightinggale6470
10 ай бұрын
The best wattage to use depends on various factors, although 50-75W is generally good for leopard geckos.
@procamodo621
9 ай бұрын
@@nightinggale6470thanks
quick question... can you use a basking light and a heat pad?
@ellesreptiles
9 ай бұрын
If you need extra heat, definitely! I use both for some of my animals, especially in the fall/winter. Just make sure you're using a temp gun, so you're not giving too much heat
@maya_isskibbidi
9 ай бұрын
tysm!!!@@ellesreptiles
@nightinggale6470
7 ай бұрын
Heat mats are typically unnecessary, a heat lamp is most important. If you want to use a heat mat for supplementary heat, it must be connected to a thermostat.
Please help me. I just got a leopard gecko and my temp in my tank is so inconsistent. One side is way too cold but the other is too hot. I have a heating pad under her hot hide but if I add anything else, the temp rises over 95. If I have the heat on it helps the humidity but it gets too hot and I have to turn it off and the humidity goes way up. I have it on a thermostat but it's not really Weirton
@bgoehres
Жыл бұрын
Working
@nightinggale6470
Жыл бұрын
The basking spot surface temperature should be in the 90s, as measured by a temperature gun. The cool side ambient temperature should be 70-77F during the day. Use a digital thermometer/hygrometer combo to measure ambient temps and humidity. For heating the most natural and beneficial option is a halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat. The heat mat isn’t necessary. Humidity in the range of 35-65% is fine.