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Heating question.

gaparicio Oct 04, 2005 03:58 PM

I have 1.3 assorted leos in a 40 breeder tank. I have the necessary hide spots, humid hides, thermostat and that thing that measures humidity (forgot the name). I have a regular light bulb during the day (90F under bulb and 80F cool side) and a red heat bulb during the night (88F under bulb and 80 cool side). My question is what are your opinions on an Undertank heater. I keep reading that UTHs are the best way to go since they heat our leos bellies. The only reason why I ask is that my leos eat only about 3-4 crix each every other day or so. If I put a UTH, will they eat more since their bellies are warm enough to digest faster? What are your thoughts.

Sorry so long.

Replies (4)

peachstategeckos Oct 04, 2005 04:25 PM

Actually a UTH is a very important thing. Nocturnal animals can't bask so a light bulb actually isn't neccesary. They get their heat from soaking it up through their belly hence a UTH. Put it on one side and your gecko might start eating more.

I used a red light bulb some of the time for extra heat or when I wanted to watch them eat at night.
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Gilbery007 Oct 05, 2005 09:15 AM

As Kate said i believe myself that a UTH is vital in keeping leopard geckos effeciently. All my tanks are heated with UTH's at around 92F (hot) and about 84(cool). I use a red bulb in my main bedroom light which allows me to view the leo's without adding any extra heat. Hope this helps.
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gaparicio Oct 05, 2005 10:13 AM

Thanks for the info! I bought an UTH and installed it last night. The red bulb will be on along with the UTH 24/7. This morning when I woke up, all of my leos were out of their hides. They never did this before because I had a regular light bulb on a timer to simulate the day/night cycle. Hopefully in a couple of days, they'll eat a little more like you said.

Thanks again!

Nicoleo Oct 05, 2005 03:42 PM

Just watch your temps. I have UTH's on all my tanks with overhead lights as well but I only use the overhead lights for the fall and winter because they get to hot during the summer with both because of where I live. If your leo's get to hot they'll either stop eating or they won't eat as much and I found that out the hard way shortly after I got my first leo.

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