iv wanted a leo for awhile now and iv head so many different things about how to heat the cage,i have a 33 gallon tank and i would really like to use an under the tank heat mat anf i want to use astroturf but im not sure if it will get to hot. I also want to have some source of light in there during the day so can i just use a normal 60 watt light bulb? and is astroturf ok to use?
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questions about my cage
pinkgecko16
Jan 11, 2006 07:51 PM
Replies (4)
jeffaft
Jan 11, 2006 08:12 PM
using an under tank heater is a good idea. you can also use a light to simulate day and night, but it is not required since a leo is nocturnal. be sure to turn the light off at night so he gets normal day and night cycles. the UTH can be left on 24/7 and will only take up part of the tank so you can have a warm and cold side. as for astroturf, i havent heard much about it as a substrate, but it should be just fine. just be sure to stay away from sand. it can be dangerous if the leo eats it. have fun with your new leo!
pinkgecko16
Jan 11, 2006 09:18 PM
my tank sits on a wook surface so is that also ok..? i head somehwere that the heater comes with these stand things that u can put so the tank is raised. if the UTH dosent produce enough heat can i use a heat lamp? is it also ok if instead of a heat lamp i get a night glo and leave that on 247 as well as the UTH
jeffaft
Jan 12, 2006 12:07 PM
yes the uth does come with little feet. you can get a night light and do that if you want. you only would need that light on at night though.
Shelley1063
Jan 12, 2006 04:56 PM
Your UTH should cover 1/3 of the bottom of your tank, no more than 1/2. The UTH should produce the level of heat you need. The top of the substrate on the warm side should be kept between 88-93 degrees. You need a digital thermometer with a probe to monitor the temps on the warm side. More than likely you will need a thermomstat or rheostat to control the temperature as UTH can get well over 100 degrees. So you probably wouldn't need to use lighting as an additional heat source, if your UTH is the right size.
As for the astroturf, I would say it's not a good idea if you are talking about the stuff I'm thinking of. It is very rough and Leos have sensitive belly skin. Instead you can use Repti-carpet, slate tile, non-adhesive shelf liner, paper towels or newspaper, all are very safe.
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