Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am just curious before i got my gecko would it be better to get a heating pad or a light i would greatly appreciate your help

thanks, Eric

you need an under tank heater on the warm side of your tank. the under tank heater is essential because leos need belly heat. this helps them during digestion.

if you're in a warm area and your leos tank can get up between 86F-88F during the day, then you don't need a day light - just make sure the temp stays in the high 80s during the day. also, if it goes below 75F during the night, you'll need a night lamp (red, blue, or black bulb so they can't see the light) to bring the temp up to the low 80s. at night the tank can be from 78F to 82F. also, during the day, keep the window open so they have a day/night schedule. if your area can't keep the tank at these temps, then you'll need a heating light to go along with your under tank heater.

have fun, good luck, and take care!

[aimee]

ps: the pic i attached has the red night lamp which keeps the heat in the tank at a constant 82F on the warm side. also on this warm side is my under tank heater.

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1.0 Albino Leopard Gecko (Melvin)
1.0 Black Lab / Pitbull mix (Mikey)
1.0 Blue Fighting Fish (Blue Balls)

i use both a lamp (black/purple bulb) and a uth my temps havent passed 88 and have not dropped below 80

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~~~~~~~HEATHER~~~~~~~

Mostly, it depends on what you (the human) prefers. All that matters is that your gecko's temps are within the proper specs. A lot of people prefer lights because it allows for nocturnal viewing. Other people prefer pads because they are easier to deal with and don't require the replacement like light bulbs do. I prefer UTH's myself.
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3.5.1 leopard geckos
0.1.0 leopard tortoise
0.1.0 asian leaf turtle
1.0.0 ball python
0.1.0 adopted cat
0.1.0 hamster