Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My vet is telling me that UV lighting is necessary, although I have heard otherwise. Can anyone give any info? Here's a quote.

"The nocturnal creatures, like leopard geckos, come out at dawn and dusk, too. That is a huge feasting time for them since a large concentration of insects fly during those times. They get exposed to a smaller percentage of UV light during dawn and dusk than during the day like iguanas, but they still get some UV. We need to mimic that when they are kept as pets. The UV lights recommended put out a small amount (8-12%) of UVB radiation - just perfect for a leopard gecko. That amount of UV light will take all of the calcium and VitD3 and put it into a usable form for your gecko. Otherwise no UV - just dump the calcium and VitD3 in the garbage. Take home point - get a UV light and you won't waste your money.
Hope all is well,
Len Donato, VMD"
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AIM sn: z10silver

I have never used a UV light for my leos. Ever.

I will agree that leos in the wild get some UV. But even at dawn and dusk, the UV % is significantly lower than during the day. I know people have raised geckos without UV for their lifespan, and if properly supplimented have had no problem. I still don't use any uv for them (I do for my BDs, cham, and iguana). Calcium with d3 should provide the calcium they need. Their body can still use some of the calcium, even if not as much as with a uv.
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Brian Skibinski
Milwaukee Reptiles
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com