Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am to the point of purchasing the light fixture for my 75 gal terrarium for gold dust days. Since they are DAY geckos am I correct in thinking they don't need light at night? Just heat? I am not putting any kind of heater under the tank as I think it would be wasted trying to heat the substrate, and I don't want to attach anything to the side walls as I am afraid they may injure their feet if that should get too hot.

So, I guess my main question here is, if I get a combo light fixture should I use one of those red night time lights in it for the heat or should I use a heat emitter? (I don't want alot of stuff cluttering up the top of the terrarium)

Any and all opinions are appreciated!

The best, most natural heat source for a Phelsuma (day gecko) is ambient room temperature (the temperature your room is). At night, gold dusts would want something in the mid-70s - but they can drop to the low 70s. If your room can't provide those temperatures, there are options, such as the one you mentioned. Under-the-tank heat strips can be used, but it is important that there be a good amount of substrate to prevent any hot spots. No hot rocks!