Reptile & Amphibian Forums

If so, what wattage, what size aquarium ans what brand heat emitter? Also, is this your sole source of het or do you use an UTH? Sorry for the thousand questions - just want to get the right equipment for added heating for the leos! Thx! Rob

I don't use a ceramic heat emitter, but I know those that do. As for the UTH question, the majority of the people here have agreed that they are very important. Leo's need belly heat to digest their food, and my leo always goes in his hot hide (which is right over the UTH) every night right before he poops. However, make sure the UTH isn't too hot, use a digital thermometer and make sure the surface temp over the UTH is around 90 degrees F. To do this you'll either need a rheostat or thermostat. Personally I just put a few layers of cardboard over the UTH to get my temp, as per the suggestion of someone else here. For me ceramic heat emitters are a bit too expensive, I just use a day and night light. The night light is good for night time viewing. Both my lights are 60 watts, which holds the air temp on the warm side at 90 degrees. Also, in case you didn't know, only put the UTH and heat lamp/emitter on one side of the tank, as leos need to be able to acess a cooler side of the cage. Sorry for the long post, hope to be of help.

I agree on the UTH. I'm using a T-rex that is working well - keeps the warm end at 85 degrees. I want to give the leos some added heat during the and am looking into using a heat lamp only for days and use the UTH only nights. I want the temp to get up to 90 days. Winter is lowering the air temp in the enclosure about 10-12 degrees and I think that a heat lamp will bring temps up to summer readings. Still need recommendation on whether to go with a heat emitter or red heat bulb. Ideas anyone? I sure could use the help - rather buy the right thing first time! Thx and happy leos to all... Rob

Yes, I use one on my 55 gal tank setup. It also has a UTH on the same side as the CHE. They are controled by a thermostat and the CHE is 150 whatt. Together they keep the warm side at 88-90F.

RandyS
R&B Geckos