Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I currently own a fat-tail, leopard, and baby viper gecko.

How important is a nightly temp drop for these nocturnal critters? For any critters?

also, I am looking to by something different (diurnal or arboreal and moderately handleable). What do you recommend?

oops.

*buy

Importance of nightly temp drop. I would say it's pretty important. It gives digestive systems a chance to rest a bit (not to mention the animal, itself).

Diurnal animals: For starters, you might consider a beardie. Alternatively, if you want something a little less common, a desert ig has a similar temperament. And, of course, if you don't mind the critters hiding quite a bit, you might get a kick out of croc skinks:

All three are omnivores; gut-loaded insects on a bed of fresh greens (to keep the insects healthy until they're munched) will keep them nice and happy. The first two, being desert species, require somewhat lower humidity than do the croc skinks. For any diurnal reptile, though, you need UV-B lights. Very different setups for them versus the leos, and definitely worth checking out the other forums specific to them for more (and better) info!

Personally, we have the croc skinks, and are planning on getting a pair of beardies this summer. Next year we might add desert igs, but, not yet...
-----
----------====================----------
Justin, Julie and the menagerie...
www.baskingwonders.com

I use very significant night time temperature drops for most species. I tend to turn off all heat sources late in the afternoon so that it's cooling off about the time my lights turn off. The exception of course would be lights I use for heat sources. I then have my non-light emitting heat sources turn back on early in the AM before my lights kick on and/or before the sun comes up. I just don't worry about how cold it gets.

European breeders tend to use extreme night time temperature drops. European breeders, of course, have had great success with species generally considered to be difficult here in the states. How much this has to do with temp. drops I do not know.

Yeah, I can't turn my heat lamps off, it'll get too cold. where do they sell those things that let you control the heat of a heat lamp? What are they called? how much are they? do they even exist?