Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've read through many care sheets that say light fixtures and heat mats are both okay to use. However, I've found that ANY light I've tried has made the temperature rise to extremes. I have a thermometer on the substrate and a thermometer on the inside glass near the bottom of the tank. It's my understanding that the substrate temp is what is the most important and even a 40W bulb quickly brings it up to dangerous temps. I have a zoo med heat mat and thermostat quickly on it's way overnight to get this regulated (I use one on a rosy boa tank and it keeps the temperature of the substrate perfect regardless of the room temps). I decided that since I already had a light fixture that I would put a UV light in it but it also made the temp in the substrate rise quickly (over 100 degrees). Sorry for the long post, but am I doing something wrong here? I'm feeling frustrated that anyone would use a light fixture after seeing these temps. Something can't be right. He's an adult gecko, 10 gallon tank - moving to a 20 gallon tomorrow. I'd appreciate any comments! Thanks!

- Denise

1 - Leopard Gecko
1 - Rosy Boa
1 - Red Eared Slider
1 - 90 gal African Cichlid tank
4 - Hermet crabs
1 - Dwarf hamster
1 - Amazon Parrot
1 - Cocker Spaniel
5 - cats

what substrate are you using?
Tile holds heat like no tomorrow with just a human heat pad on low/medium level.

Zoomed Repti-bark. It was recommended over any type of sand by the petstore (the salesguy also had many of his own geckos at home so I didn't consider it a sales pitch).

You actually don't need to use any light fixture at all since you've got an adequate heat source. The only other reason to keep a light is to establish a day-night cycle for your leo, but this also isn't necessary if your tank is kept in a room that gets natural sunlight.
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5.8 leopard geckos

chickabowwow

I completely agree and won't use a light after my experience. It just concerns me that the substrate could get so hot so simply and how many people out there may be using this source unsafely. I've gone back and forth on the UV lighting vs. the stress of light all together and at this point refuse to use it too.