Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Would keeping a UVA/UVB bulb on my leo be harmful? (Obviously he will continue to have a heat bulb) I recently talked with my vet that I take all my herps to and she said the leo would benefit from the bulb. I always thought they didn't need it because they are nocturnal. I have been using the Super UV coil bulb that fits into a standard can light. I just want to be certain it won't hurt the little fella.

no it won't hurt him but really really they don't need it if you are providing a supplement with calcium and D3 in it (which you should be doing already). personally, i would just get the supplement because leos won't really bask under the lamps to get the rays, they just hide under their cage furniture when it is too bright in the tank (which prevents the rays from reaching them).

Cleo

I do provide supplementation. I'm using Rep-Cal. I just wanted to make sure it won't harm the little fella. Thanks. Steve

They don't need it but it won't hurt them at all either, just be sure to put it on a timer so it goes off at night. Some people feel geckos benefit from having regular day/night hours (e.g. if they are kept in a dark room). If there is nartural ambient light in the room they are in anyway this should already be taken care of.

Of course.....all my herps are on timers. I have had leos for about two years now. It wasn't until my previous geck simba passed away from renal disease and hypercalciamia that the vet had mentioned a UVB/UVA light. I now have a baby tang named dakota and wanted to make sure he wont get harmed. Thanks

P.S. I know I might sound inexperienced but I have 4 herps..

Scooter=three toed box turtle
Mitch= Snow Corn
Deacon= Bearded Dragon
Dakota= Tang Leo