I got into leopards because I'd been told (and read in a book) that they are personable, pretty, need much less space than beardies (10 gallon tank for one gecko), and also don't need the UV lights beardies need. Today I was told at a pet store I shouldn't buy their leopard gecko without buying a bigger than 10 gallon tank and UV lights. What I'm concerned about are the geckos I already have. They each have a calcium dust bowl in their tanks as I was instructed. Do they need UV, too?
I'm in the process of buying a new home, and I'll have a room just for my reptiles in the new house. I was going to make one area of the room all UV lit for my beardies, but perhaps I should extend that light further for the geckos as well? I was planning on blocking the geckos view so they and the beardies can't see each other for stress reasons (and of course, blocking the view of the snakes, as well). Am I correct in assuming being able to see beardies and snakes in the room would stress the gecks?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice! 
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Do Leopard geckos need UV light?
Replies (3)
UV is not required, but it may help increase color and/or calcium intake, however neither has been proven. Personally, I've never had a UV light on my leos and they all seem fine to me. Also, a 10 gallon per leo rule works really well.
Sounds like the guy at the pet store didn't know what he was talking about or trying to scam you into increasing the amount of the sale.
I block the cages when multiple species were close to each other, but if it's clear accross the room, they should be fine.
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Brian Skibinski
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com
WYSIWYG
You only need a UV light if the calcium supplement that you use does not have vitamin D3 in it, So be sure that your calcium has D3 in it or else you will have to use a UV light. The D3 makes it so they can absorb the calcium, Otherwise the calcium is pointless.
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I have a new leo named Mr.Crowley. He lives in a 20 gallon long tank all by himself. Here is a picture of him if you go to the url below...
http://www.sighost.us/members/theozzmaster/mr.crowley.jpg
UVA lighting helps with digestion, but it's not required for leos as long as you have ample heat. UVB helps with calcium absorption, but it's not required as long as you dust with calcium that have appropriate levels of D3 and phosphorous.
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chickabowwow
