Do Leopard Geckos Need a Heat Lamp? Vet-Approved Tips & Benefits

VET APPROVED

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Leopard geckos are cute little guys and make popular pets because of their calm demeanor and independent personalities. But owning one of these requires a bit of work on your part, particularly when it comes to setting up your leopard gecko’s enclosure. Gecko enclosures need a certain size, humidity, and temperature, so you’ll need to be careful to get everything correct.

When it comes to the temperature in a gecko tank, one side needs to be warmer, and one side cooler. Many people put a heating mat in the tank for the warmer side, but this isn’t always the best idea. Though heating mats provide good supplemental warmth in the winter, a heat lamp is best for your leopard gecko.

Why is that? Keep reading to find out!

Why Leopard Geckos Need a Heat Lamp

Leopard geckos come from arid desert areas in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and some parts of India, and their habitat in your home needs to reflect their natural habitat. Because they’re cold-blooded, geckos use the environment around them to help regulate body temperature2 (which is why you need a warm zone and a cool zone in your gecko’s tank).

Being cold-blooded,  or ectothermic , also means your gecko won’t be able to tolerate the cold very well or create heat with their body (hence why they use the surrounding environment to regulate their body temperature). So, leopard geckos need to be getting extra heat from somewhere.

A heat mat will undoubtedly provide some heat, but a heat lamp will provide more and better heat. Plus, and equally important, is the fact that a heat lamp will mimic the cycle of day and night in your leopard gecko’s tank, which is needed for your pet to stay healthy. Do keep in mind though that leopard geckos are nocturnal. As such, you shouldn’t be alarmed if they retreat to their dens when you turn their lamp on during the day.

Benefits of Heat Lamps

Heat lamps also provide a couple of other benefits to your leopard gecko other than just keeping it warm. One great benefit of heat lamps is that they help keep your gecko’s tank dry, which helps prevent the growth of mold 3.

Because leopard geckos require higher amounts of humidity when they’re shedding, their enclosures are more prone to mold when poorly managed. Understandably, mold is bad for your leopard gecko’s health. Mold can cause respiratory issues in your pet, just as it does with humans.

Another benefit of heat lamps is that they are safer than heat mats. A leopard gecko that inadvertently steps on a heat mat that is too warm for their comfort may end up burning their feet, belly, and possibly their tail as well. On the other hand, given how a heat lamp distributes heat from above, this is less likely to happen, as your pet would be able to move to the cooler side of their terrarium if they feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Finally, unlike a heat mat, a heat lamp can be used to time a proper day/night cycle for your pet. Your leopard gecko would likely rouse whenever you switch the heat lamp off for the night.

How to Choose & Set Up a Heat Lamp

If you choose to go with a heat lamp for your leopard gecko’s tank, there are a few things you should know so you can choose the right one and set it up correctly.

• For 20-gallon tanks, 50- to 75-watt bulbs are recommended.
• Get a “daytime bulb”, as it will offer both light and heat. But do your research on which bulb will last longest, as some bulbs are prone to burning out rather quickly.
• Don’t place the heat lamp in the middle; instead, put it on one side of the mesh part.
• Ensure your leopard gecko absolutely is not able to reach the heat lamp! These lamps can be incredibly hot and could burn your pet if touched.
• Install an automatic timer so your heat lamp goes on and off at the correct times of day to mimic the sun.

Final Thoughts

Though many leopard gecko owners put a heating mat into their pet’s tank, getting your gecko a heat lamp is ideal. Heat lamps not only keep your pet warm enough but also help prevent the growth of mold and are safer than heat mats. They also mimic the cycle of the sun, which your leopard gecko needs for optimal health. Finding a suitable heat lamp shouldn’t be difficult; leopard geckos don’t have a specific UVB requirement (though they may still benefit from a bulb that produces UVB).

Featured Image Credit: Agus_Gatam, Shutterstock

ncG1vNJzZmiolam4prHNZ5qopV%2BZvG64xKinmqqUYrSmr8qoqmamlZqxbq2MoZyarF2hrq68jg%3D%3D