Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry if my questions are really redundant to all of you herp pros out there. I'm trying to get all the main questions answered before I actually bring home the 'new baby', hopefully in about a week Okay, I have a 10 gallon aquarium which I am planning on housing one leo. It has a screen top (to keep cat out and leo in). I was going to get a clip-on CHE device, but then I saw these under-tank heating pads. I'm not sure how I'm going to clip the heating device on with a screen top. So, would we be okay with just an under-tank heating pad, or do we need both?? I'd rather have some experienced advice before I go out and purchas all the wrong things! (Do I sound like I've been there, done that? LOL)

Im not experieced, but I have had a leopard gecko for about 6 years now, and I got another one about a year ago and all I use for heat is a heating rock. They dont need the lights, Im not sure about the heating thing your talking about but heat rocks work great. My lizzards (Liz, and speedy) love their rock.
Melissa

You know those heating rocks are only reccomended by the corporate stores... I have seen some nasty pictures of animals being horribly burned by them from them going out of control, and I have even heard of them killing animal from generating so much heat.

They require UTH period, if they don't have it, it will cause digestive problems.

They can have a photoperiod (day/night), but it isn't required if they are kept in a dark area.

As far as if you wan't to light, just set the light on the cage facing down.

Okay cool, since I am keeping the cage in a room which has natural light, I won't worry about light (or heat) from above. So I'll go with the UTH, but I'll of course get a digi thermometer and have the temp. all secured before the new occupant arrives.

Also, I used to use a heat rock for my iguana (many many years ago when I was but a child...) I never had a problem with it, but lately I have read about a lot of burns and problems that those heat rocks can cause. They are cheaper and neat looking, but they aren't worth the risks, in my opinion.

Be extremely careful leaving cage in direct sunlight, might bake them....

It really depends on your setup. Belly heat is important for digestion, so most people will tell you to go with a UTH. But if you have some heat holding substrate (like tiles), or you have a flat rock your leo can bask on, you can use a CHE or a infrared bulb (the rock/tiles/slate will absorb enough of the heat to provide the belly heat your leo needs). Just aim the CHE or bulb at the rock/tile and it should be fine.

If your going to go UTH, if you can help it, try to get the flexwatt variety of UTH (they're flat plastic laminated pieces) instead of the resistive wire stick on type. The Beanfarm and Big Apple Herp sells these.

If you do buy the resistive wire stick on type, don't stick it directly onto your tank, get a piece of glass or tile and stick it to that, and put that under the tank. This will help out during cleaning (you don't want to get a UTH wet), or if your tank happens to get a crack or chip and you want to replace it.

Also if you can afford it, you might want to invest in a thermostat (not a rheostat, but those are okay too). The thermostat will keep the temperatures in check without you having to constantly fiddle around with the heating equipment. I strongly suggest using atleast a rheostat to moderate the UTH heat, since in my experience UTH's get way too hot (110 deg F easy). Beanfarm and Big Apple Herp sell these too for around $30.

-Lemur 6

Hey,

The best source of heat is a UTH. They will just keep one side warm and the other side at room temp. Belly heat is very important because it helps with digestion. I would definately not recommend a heat rock. To much risk. They can seriously burn your lizard. (NO offense to anybody who uses them) I have to use a UTH and a overhead lamp for some reason. The UTH just doesnt get it hot enough. I have to use a really low watt bulp though.