There is a lot of debate over whether leopard geckos need a heat lamp. Geckos are ectothermic, meaning they rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. As such, providing an appropriate environment is essential to keeping your leopard gecko healthy and happy. This includes a variety of factors such as proper humidity levels, substrate, and temperature.
Read here: Best substrate for Leopard geckos + PRODUCT EXAMPLES
Most leopard gecko owners choose to provide supplemental heat in the form of a heat lamp. This should always be the case, unless you live in a climate close to that of the leopard gecko’s natural environment.
As a reptile enthusiast, you want the best for your leo. But when it comes to heating, what’s the best heat lamp for leopard geckos? It can be hard to know what’s best for your pet, so let’s take a closer look at all options.
What are some good heat sources for leopard geckos?
When deciding on a heat source for a leopard gecko, it’s best to select one that provides the best combination of wattage, temperature, and size. Different wattage create different levels of heat, so it’s important to select the right wattage for your gecko’s needs. For best results, the temperature should range between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 32 °C) during the day and 73 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 23 °C) at night.
There are 3 options for heating your leopard gecko’s tank:
- Heat bulb or basking spot bulb;
- Heat mat;
- Ceramic heat emitter;
We will discuss the pros and cons of each of these option and give you tried and tested product combinations.
Using a heat lamp/basking lamp
A basking lamp is a type of heat lamp that is specifically designed to provide leopard geckos and other reptiles with a warm and consistent source of heat for basking. Even though leopard geckos don’t bask in the traditional way, basking lamps are a good way of providing both light and heat in the terrarium, simulating the natural day environment.
Basking lamps are typically used in conjunction with a thermostat or temperature controller to ensure that the temperature stays within a safe range for the reptile.
Using a heat mat
A heat mat is a thin, flat mat that is placed under the enclosure or terrarium and provides a warm and consistent source of heat for the leopard gecko.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are thinking about using a heat mat for your leopard gecko:
Heat mats come in a variety of sizes, so it is easy to find one to fit your terrarium. The heat mat should be large enough to cover a half of the enclosure’s floor space.
The heat mat should be connected to a thermostat or temperature controller. This allows you to set and maintain a consistent temperature within the enclosure.
It is important to note that heat mats are usually not used as the sole source of heat for reptiles. They are often used as a night heat source in conjunction with other heat sources, such as heat lamps or ceramic heat emitters, to provide a more balanced and consistent heat source for the leopard gecko.
Using a ceramic heat emitter
A ceramic heat emitter is a small, ceramic heating element that is encased in a metal housing and attached to a lamp fixture. The ceramic heat emitter produces heat through the process of electrical resistance, and it does not emit any visible light.
Ceramic heat emitters are often used as a primary heat source for reptiles, as they provide a consistent and reliable source. They are also energy efficient and have a long lifespan, making them a cost-effective choice for reptile owners.
What is the best heating combination for leopard geckos?
Now that you are familiar with the heating options, let’s talk about the different combinations you can use to keep your gecko warm and cozy:
Heat bulb during the day + heat mat or ceramic heat emitter during the night
A combination of a basking light during the day and a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter during the night is a good heating set up for a leopard gecko. You may consider adding a UBV light to help with vitamin D absorption.
The basking light provides the necessary heat during the day to help regulate the body temperature of the gecko, providing warmth similarly as natural sunlight does. During the night, when natural sunlight isn’t present, it is important to have an additional heat source. The heat mat can be placed under either part or all of the enclosure to ensure that temperatures don’t drop too low during the night hours. Heat mats provide gentle warmth without any accompanying light, which helps imitate more closely what happens in nature.
UVB during the day + (24h) heat mat or ceramic heat emitter
UVB, also known as Ultraviolet B radiation, provides a beneficial source of Vitamin D3 to leopard geckos. Vitamin D3 is fundamental to the health of leopard geckos, helping them to grow strong bones and metabolize calcium in their diet. Without proper levels of Vitamin D3, leopard geckos can suffer from Metabolic Bone Disease, which can result in significant health problems and even death.
While leopard gecko do not need a UBV light to survive, such light is beneficial to their health and can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Using a heat mat or a ceramic heath emitter is another essential component to creating an optimal environment for leopard geckos. This heating device will keep the terrarium at a comfortable temperature throughout the day and night. Make sure you use a thermostat in order to adjust the temperature during the night.
How should you set up the heat lamp for your Leopard Gecko
Once you’ve selected a heat source for your leopard gecko, it’s best to place it at one end of their enclosure in order to create a temperature gradient. This gradient allows your leopard gecko to move around and adjust their body temperature accordingly.
Are there any risks associated with using a heat lamp
There are some potential risks associated with using a heat lamp for your leopard gecko. It’s best to avoid placing the lamp too close to the enclosure, as this can lead to overheating and dehydration. Additionally, it’s important to regularly inspect the wiring of the heating device and ensure that it is securely in place.
Does my leopard gecko need a night light?
Lighting your leopard gecko’s tank at night is not really for the benefit of the reptile, but more for the pleasure of the owner. Having a night light in the tank can make it easier to keep track of your gecko’s activity after dark.
When using any kind of night light, it’s critical to remember that they should only be kept up to two hours after you switch off the daylight—otherwise, it may interfere with your gecko’s natural sleeping cycle.
Night lighting comes in various forms and colors, but blue, red and black lights are the most common for leopard geckos.
- Blue bulbs are the least disruptive to a gecko’s night vision, as they produce minimal light levels that won’t interfere with their natural circadian rhythm.
- Red bulbs create more of an ambient lighting effect and will give the enclosure a more aesthetically pleasing look at night.
- Black lights are the most intrusive type of night light, so they should only be used sparingly and never left on all night—as this could disrupt their sleep pattern.