Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a setup where i need lighting for light only. i have other heat sources. my enclosure is built for fluorescent lighting. anybody have a preference in kind or brand? pretty much every website you go to says something different but since you post here i'm assuming you are really into leos and would have a lot of experience to share.

i greatly appreciate it! thanks!

jason

I use this one.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/R28/Class/Reptile Supplies Ligiting Bulbs/T1/R28 0047 0357/Itemdy00.aspx

It is low wattage so nice on the power, gives off UV-B for nice appetite stimulation and plant growth. Produces great colors on the animals as well as the set-up. I like'em, but many would say just go to walmart and get a $1.50 flourescent.

Matt

and I've noticed that a few others on the forum have had the same problem. Leos don't need UVB light...they are nocturnal animals, and so don't use the sun to manufacture vitamin D3...they get their D3 from the food they eat. I have heard that UVB could even be harmful to their eyes (it may have been Robin who said that...I don't remember). If it isn't harmful and you happen to have leos that will bask under it, it could brigthen their colors (or they will at least look better under it...), and help them manufacture vitamin D3. Really there is no reason to buy a UVB light for a leo, I personally believe it's a waste of money. Just go get yourself a regular low wattage flourescent bulb for the day time...I'm not sure if they make colored flourescent bulbs...but if they do you might want to consider one of them, they will disturb your leo less.
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Christina

Leopard Gecko Morph Descriptions

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)
-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)
-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)
-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

-ignorance is not to be punished when one is trying to gain knowledge...what scares me is the vast number of people who, when given the information to gain knowledge, choose to ignore it.

The reptile vet I go to highly recommends the use of the UV-B bulbs. This is debatable. I use them with my geckos and turtle. My snakes seem to enjoy it, though I don't have any lights on them now. Go with what you enjoy I guess. Wouldn't force anyone to use or not to use. I personally don't mind paying $9.99 a bulb (the link I listed must have raised prices). I buy quite a few at once for all my animals and get a price break.

Matt

I would assume if they are diurnal species they need it...but I could be wrong. I do know that leos do NOT need them (I didn't look at your link...I've just never seen a uvb bulb for less than $16.99). No nocturnal species that I know of should require a uvb bulb...they do not bask in the sun, so they normally do not recieve uvb rays in the wild...why would they need it in captivity? They DO need a source of vitamin D3...but for nocturnal species (leopard geckos anyway...) their requirements are easily fulfilled by using a supplement that includes it. Are you sure your vet was strongly recommending you use uvb for your leos and not just for your other reptiles?...
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Christina

Leopard Gecko Morph Descriptions

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)
-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)
-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)
-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

-ignorance is not to be punished when one is trying to gain knowledge...what scares me is the vast number of people who, when given the information to gain knowledge, choose to ignore it.

I as well had a vet recommend a UVB bulb when my leopard gecko was sick. This vet however caused me nothing but stress and I honestly believe caused the rapid death of my leopard gecko. I know these lights are a debate and I really don't want to get into it. However, I don't think they can hurt them. Mine do stay hidden while the light is on, but they seem to hide from any bright light, UV or not. Personally I think they can benefit from it, but that is just my own opinion. Not to mention the positive effects from the light with the proper day to night cycles.
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0.1 Hypo Leopard Gecko
0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko
0.1 Blizzard Leopard Gecko
1.0 Albino pacman Frog (Phatty)
1.0 Lovebird (Tony Montana)
1.0 Elkhound cross (Otto)
0.1 Malamute cross (Paris)
6.0 Bettas

one of the experienced keepers commented about it at some point. All I know is that uvb is NOT necessary for leos. I have used a uvb light...but my leos NEVER came out while it was on...but if the regular lights in a room are on, they will come out. I don't use the uvb now and I doubt I ever will for them again...I figure it must bother their eyes if they'll come out with regular light but not uv light. If you have a leo that's fine with it...then I say go for it if you want to spend the money...but I wouldn't use it for a leo that refuses to come out if it's on.
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Christina

Leopard Gecko Morph Descriptions

2.3 leos
-0.1 tangerine het rainwater albino w/jungle background (Blinkers)
-0.2 jungles (Vahz & Skissor)
-1.0 tremper albino (Spitfire)
-1.0 tangerine rainwater albino (Bronx)

-ignorance is not to be punished when one is trying to gain knowledge...what scares me is the vast number of people who, when given the information to gain knowledge, choose to ignore it.

Lol, I just turned mine on and my little albino ran for cover. Her eyes seem to be more sensitive to it because she bumped into the rock like she was half blind. I don't use it as much as I used to only because I know her eyes are more sensitive to the light.
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0.1 Hypo Leopard Gecko
0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko
0.1 Blizzard Leopard Gecko
1.0 Albino pacman Frog (Phatty)
1.0 Lovebird (Tony Montana)
1.0 Elkhound cross (Otto)
0.1 Malamute cross (Paris)
6.0 Bettas

np
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0.1 Hypo Leopard Gecko
0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko
0.1 Blizzard Leopard Gecko
1.0 Albino pacman Frog (Phatty)
1.0 Lovebird (Tony Montana)
1.0 Elkhound cross (Otto)
0.1 Malamute cross (Paris)
6.0 Bettas

but I think there is still so much we ALL have yet to learn about reptiles. There is so much un-chartered territory when it comes to the research of having these different creatures as pets. Mainly because most people would much rather have a furry cuddly animal. It seems like everyone has a different way of doing things when it comes to leopard geckos. Do what works best for you and your reptiles.

Btw, I use an exoterra 15 watt bulb. It only gives off a small amount of UVB rays.
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0.1 Hypo Leopard Gecko
0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko
0.1 Blizzard Leopard Gecko
1.0 Albino pacman Frog (Phatty)
1.0 Lovebird (Tony Montana)
1.0 Elkhound cross (Otto)
0.1 Malamute cross (Paris)
6.0 Bettas