Do Leopard Geckos Really Need UVB?
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- In today's video I explore both sides of the argument of whether Leopard Geckos need UVB or whether it can just be supplemented. I don't think anyone is particularly wrong or right, but I think one way may be a bit better than the other. Enjoy!
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#UVLighting #UVB #LeopardGeckoLighting
Thanks for the detailed sides of the debate, so to be clear, do you personally use UVB as a replacement for powdered D3 or use it in addition? A few months ago I began supplying UVB to most of my nocturnal and crepuscular reptiles (still have a few enclosures left to update) instead of just the diurnals and they really do show a difference simply with activity and even some basking from animals I wouldn't expect to see it in, like a corn snake.
The best option here is to provide natural supplements alongside your UVB system and eliminate all forms of synthetic supplements.
Many keepers now offer no man made D3 with any supplements and this allows for generous but utterly safe dosage of multivitamin and calcium powders at any given feeding.
Thereby ensuring sufficient supply with none of the previous danger of oversupplying fat soluble synthetic supplements. - A win win.
no problem :) yeah it's pretty cool, i honestly wouldn't have expected to see my leos laying out in it :)
Where can I find natural D3 supplements?
In short, you cant, if you wish to supplement D3, as opposed to providing it naturally via UVB lighting, the only way to do this is via products which contain synthetic D3.
Shane So is it possible to just provide the UVB light and not give supplemented D3 as well? Or should I provide both?
I absolutely agree! My leos completely changed when I started using UVB. They are so much healthier and more active. Even more vibrant in color!
yaaas! Tons of energy haha :)
Did you stop feeding d3
Ok since u gave them the uvb light do u get them the vitamins and the calcium can your give them the calcium with d3
What brand of uvb did you get?
Honestly, arguing with yourself is the best thing you, or anybody for that matter, can do.
If you had never questioned what you used to believe, you would also never have become aware of more modern care practices or improved the Geckos lives as you have !
I think its a great idea to take down the outdated videos, not because they were wrong, but because they likely mislead newer keepers who view them nowadays.
yeah luckily the video was from about 4 years ago, so atleast i've progressed and changed my mind :') can't imagine being in that same mindset now lol
I want to just stop by and say that I genuinely appreciate the care and love that you provide your geckos. I have recently rescued a baby Leo from a pet store that had him in absolutely horrid conditions, and he’d dropped his tail from the stress. Your channel helps answer any extra questions I have, and he is doing remarkably well. Thank you so much.
I'd remove the old video if I were you because I found this hard to believe having always heard you say that it isn't good for geckos and some people aren't as open minded as me
yeah i took it down haha, people would get super confused.
its important to mention that there are different uvb lights with different uvb output. someone using a really strong one can lead to severe burnings to the skin of the gecko! also the distance from light to gecko is crucial. if you decide to use uvb its important to do the research. (i dont use uvb lights for my leopard geckos)
oh yeah i think i was meant to mention that, but the video i linked at the end explains all of that, so i really hope people click on that.
This is sooo important. I tell people this all the time, get the correct uvb otherwise it will be way too hot for them. People think just a regular light bulb will do but no..that is not the case most of the time.
@@TheMelissaLynnHigdon what is the correct uvb light or should I said watt's
So glad so have a great gecko UA-camr that is English!! Really helps me out with sourcing materials as I'm getting my first ever gecko on Tuesday!
Awesome video! I agree with everything. And the images were beautiful❤👌
thank you
That gecko flop at 2:00 , though.
I love when they sleep like that :')
Leopard Gecko 🦎
Clicked the second this was uploaded
aw thank you!
Snd's Zoo yep me too
Leopard Gecko right now my leopard gecko is a juvenile but soon he will be an adult what size thank should i get for him if you could reply it would be very helpful
bonnie the bunny Awesome you are getting one today! I got mine the 22nd and I am using a heat lamp with is 80 degrees and a heat map which is 92, the lamp is mostly for simulation but my mat is the main source for heat
I've been using UVB for 2 months now and my gecko is doing a lot better when it comes to shedding, feeding and colour but I can't say I've ever seen her flop out directly in it.
I honestly think every living thing can benefit from UVB, it's better if they have the option to use it and choose not to use it as opposed to wanting it and not having it
I don’t have UVB lighting for my gecko and he is fine would you recommend me getting one?
Mira Miers yes. Use zoo med or Arcadia’s 5% tube UVB. Use supplements without d3. Make sure the gecko doesn’t have red eyes.
Fiona Shepley wait so if you have a uvb lamp do not use vitamins with d3?
@@sophiaschmidt286 as long as your gecko is absorbing the uvb light then you do not need d3. D3 is artificially made to replace natural d3 from the sun/uvb. D3 is used so that geckos can use/breakdown calcium. If your gecko is getting artificial d3 with the d3 admitted from uvb lights that would be too much d3 intake and can be harmful (d3 overdose although its rare it can happen).
Liked at "merely existing instead of thriving"
thanks :)
Thanks for clarifying how your albino gecko reacts to UVB. I'm considering getting one of the Diablo Blanco morphs and I was worried the light would stress it out too much.
At first I thought that for my gecko I shouldn’t get uvb but when I saw this video it turned me onto it so thank you
I do try to keep my Geckos as close as i can natural.i gut load all my feeders and do use a UVB been doing this for a long time and never had any trouble.
ah thats perfect :)
Do you repti vitamin with d3
Please bring back faq Fridays!!! Also please make a video on how to convince your parents to get a leopard gecko, love your vids xxx
Can't find a video on you channel about it sorry if you have xxxxx
GracieDeadInside dead She has a video about that already.
BumbleBettas the only thing I can find about it on her channel is why leopard gecko make good pets
You could use that video as a way to convincing a parent on why they should be willing to allow you or someone to own a gecko.
MsFranzification I've watched it and already took notes
Honestly, I didn't have to convince my parents at all. I just showed them pictures of Leos and told them facts about them (good and bad) and they told me "Yeah, you can get one."
By the way, why do you put x's at the ends of your comments?
What light do you use for your gecko??
Did you ever find out what light?
This is why I love your channel! I’ve watched this video so many times and just appreciate how open you are to new information! I will never unsubscribe from this channel 💖
Thankful so much for uploading these videos they put a smile on my face and fill my brain with more knowledge than I could ever imagine. You are an awesome, inspiring person don't change a thing about yourself . ❤️❤️❤️
aww thank you so much
Leopard Gecko, I started watching your videos around a year ago and changed my leopard gecko tank from calci-sand and 1 hide to large wood chips, 2 hides, live plants, and a climbing board. Now she is more active and likes to sit in the sunlight on her new toy. I am glad I took your advice as it was a matter of time before she might have gotten impaction.
Aren Kazanciyan
Get rid of wood chips, 3 hides;
•MOIST warm hide
•DRY warm hide
•DRY cool hide
Glad you are improving, does she have a UTH?
Mara Hoyt, she has a UTH, a small area of her tank is sprayed regularly, and the wood chips are too large to swallow.
Aren Kazanciyan
I wouldn't spray, instead have a moist hide to keep humidity up, chips can hold it well and cause respiratory issues. Regardless, you still don't want them to be on bark and eat any (You'd be surprised at what can fit in their mouths) if a small piece broke off.
Good luck with her! ♡
I've never used uvb with any of my geckos but i will say they get about 3 to 5 hours of natural sunlight in their tanks daily. My gargoyle gecko enjoys her sunlight the most, I do supliments as well though. I love watching your videos and getting your opinion on all the gecko things, keep up the work.
Steve Gee well, fortunately, they they aren't kept in glass tanks and they do get direct sunlight. And like I said, they don't get a ton of it and move away from it when they want to. It's not like the whole enclosure sits in the sun all day. But thanks for the input anyway
I stand by your thoughts! The worse part about it is that a lot of pet stores that would be convenient (location wise) have only calcium with D3 or Vitamins with D3. I have to order my supplements online now and days.
Thanks for this, I've been trying to figure it out and I know you're a great source for reliable info x
ah no problem, glad to help :)
Try using lamp heating. It works better with soil bedding of natural terrarium, warms up stones and provides tempreture variations, not just warm/cold.
I've heard ceramic heaters are good for that, i use them in winter for my crested gecko, however the mats are working fine for me atm for the leos :)
I use black "night heating" lamp.
At first I was forced to put lamp in, too cold in winter and the mat can't heat up air. After that my geckos became much more active and use all hides, bask every evening and then roam around asking for a walk, sleeping only during the day.
Even when it wasn't cold, with only mat they didn't show that behavior, using only warm side of the enclosure.
So happy to hear she's enjoying the new setup and bonus, you can see a difference. ❤️
I’ve been wondering, would it be okay if I used led lights + D3 powder, or instead should use a uvb light?
LED and d3 will work fine, but linear UVB is usually more beneficial. Keep in mind that albinos are more sensitive to light, if you’re getting/have an albino.
Fiona Shepley I have a uv light and I use repashy calcium plus with d3 in it is this ok? The light is on in the day and my gecko never really comes out when the light is on so I don’t think it’s too much but I’m not sure? I love repashy though and have been using it for a while now.
Luv Pixie you shouldn’t provide artificial D3 with a UV light! This can cause D3 overdose, because artificial D3 is supposed to REPLACE a UV light! I would recommend EarthPro A and CalciumProMG with a proper UV system!
So I can get my leopard gecko a ubv, but to not provide confusion for the gecko and have him never know when it's night and day, just make the uvb have a day and night schedule?
yes - i think? lol watch my video i linked at the end.
My lepoerd gecko has been trying to crawl up the sides of her cage and digging up the eco earth into almost a hill, she's just started doing this. and im not sure whats going on.
Hi, I have been watching your videos for some time now. I love how you explain things and I can tell you love your geckos. I wanted to say something about what you said about debating your younger self because that part has confused me. I have already made a couple mistakes because an earlier video says one thing, then another video says something else and I already did the forst thing. This is your channel and I would never attempt to tell you how to run it of course but since it is all about teaching and information maybe it would be a good idea to take off the videos that are no longer correct because most people will search what they want to know, watch the video and do what it says before digging deeper. Either way though I want to say thank you for the time and research you put into your channel.
Might as well just provide it, if they don't need it there's no harm in giving it.
Thank you soooooo much I really needed confirmation, as I was giving uvb and was hoping it was either good for or just not really affecting my gecko as it is also my light source for him (I use a heating pad) so this reaaaaaaally helped!
When I started using UV with my African Fat Tailed Gecko, I did see a difference! She has had a great appetite, been pretty active (she still hides a lot because she’s young), and her colors have gotten way brighter!
so if i start using uvb, all i have to supplement is calcium? if so, how often with calcium, or can i just leave a calcium dish?
IM FREACKING OUT MY GECKO JUST LAID A EGG WHAT DO I DO
Is it fertile?
Fiona Shepley YES ITS STILL IN THERE
What happened to the gecko now?
How's the egg now 🤣
As long as your gecko hasnt mated then it is an infertile egg. Female reptiles lay infertile eggs, you can just toss it out, though i don't know if leopard geckos eat their eggs for nutrition
Thank you so much for answering this!! I was really debating between what other people say about UVB and what my leo Lady likes. This helped a lot.
ah no problem :)
I decided to start using the zilla mini uvb desert tube on my 10gal setup and dusting with D3 once a week to be safe. I noticed right away he definitely is attracted to the uvb. He adjusts himself to his distance as he needs. Call me crazy but he seems healthier.
I wouldn't use any d3
Norbert has definitely adjusted to the uvb light. I will no longer be using D3.
HI LEOPARD GECKO.... I have just got a leopard gecko 2 days ago and all I can say is... Thank you... you have not only helped me but as well as little Ozzie (leopard Gecko). I do have one question though... Do you need uva?
When do you turn on the UV light? My gecko is hiding most of daytime I can’t believe he will benefit much from UV light
Turn it on in the morning and off at sunset. Leopard geckos often cryptic bask, only exposing part of their body such as their tail or leg. They will also bask out in the open sometimes. Your gecko will definitely benefit from it. Just provide plenty of plant coverage so they don’t feel exposed.
Sorry, but I'm still confused. Heat pad, and lamp? lamp wattage? D3 supplements? Please help!
I have a question what size tank is ideal for a leopard gecko throughout its entire life without moving it out and into new tanks every time they get too big thank you very much if you answer
Danny Dolphin A 10 gallon would be preferred, but I recommend keeping 0-6 month old geckos in large tubs, that way it's not hard for them to find food and stuff. Don't forget to have your hides, heating pad, UVB light, etc!
May i use natural sun light? Like taking her for a sunbath or placing her enclosure in a corner that gets sun light for a few hours in a day?
Glass blocks UVB. Just get a UVB bulb such as the Arcadia shadedweller.
I got a uvb today and Link (my gecko) was just staring out from his hide for a minute, I guess he's seeing new colors? 🤣
Dose anyone know why my gecko won't go in her hides? she sleeps out in the open and when I put her in the hides she will go back in the open.
Does the light stay on all day everyday or just during the day?
OMG! Im so happy you got 83 thousand subscribers! You totally deserve it, congratulations!
thank you!! :D
Leopard Gecko You're welcome! :D On the way to 100k
Hi if u we're thinking about getting another gecko u should get a gargoyle gecko they require exactly the same care as a crested gecko and are less jumpy and super cute
lol unfortunately i dont have the room, they do look adorable, but yeah :')
what type of substrates are you using? I just have a carpet. Do you have an opinion on the pros/cons? I find the carpet easy to keep clean but it's not very visually appealing. I love how your habitats look!
If in doubt one should err on the safest side. . I say yes to the lights.
Yes. All the latest evidence says yes. It's cheap too, there is no excuse. Even if you don't think it's necessary, what's the harm in giving it just in case.
I was using a light for my leos because my room is a bit dark, so it would stimulate the night and day cycle. I was a bit scared because you were against lights for leos. I'm glad UVB or lights in general is okay for them.
ah yeah that original video was from about 4 years ago, but over the last year and a bit i've definitely changed my mind on things :)
It shows how much your opinion means to people or at least to me. :)
It's never easy to know what an animal really want, so we tend to just provide them with what they need. The only way to know what's good and bad is through trial and errors. This sounds a bit harsh but I'm glad you're doing it so I won't have to.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge as well as the love and passion that you have for your animals. Love your videos, keep it up.
The way that I see it is that they are ok without it, but having it there is advisable as it is so much better for them
yep pretty much :)
Wow I love notifications
I dont dust my crickets, but i have a little cup where all the vitamins they need are in. This isn't bad right?
Please take it out ASAP, your Leo could severely overdose and end up with reverse MBD! Just dust insects appropriately :)
Fiona Shepley i heared they can decide at their own to take a bit of it
Hey guys so uh my crested gecko has been acting quite strange, idk if this is how it's always been and i've just noticed but anyways every night my gecko stays at the side of the tank watching me and keeps trying to jump at me through the glass, every night i lie in bed listening to the thumps made by her nose colliding with the glass, is this normal i cant find anything about it
I should mention that i used to handle her on a daily basis but gave up after a couple months because she never really tamed down
Oh also can I put a live crested gecko cage in the sun so the plants get light but not right in front of it so the tank wont heat up. Like on the opposite wall from the window and slightly to one side so its not hitting the tank directly? All the plants I chose dont need too much light.
I would rather have a uv light for my leopard gecko but the powder also has calcium in it. So do I not give the gecko any Supplements or just calcium powder?
By using a well chosen UVB system for your enclosure, the Gecko will be able to self regulate its exposure such that you will not have need of synthetic D3 and should purchase a supplement products without any.
You can opt to use a multivitamin or calcium powder including synthetic D3 one a month if you so choose but offering more than this risks overdose, I advise against doing such unless you know what you are doing.
Basically the average keeper needs the following: UVB system, organic vitamin/mineral supplement (such as EarthPro-A) and a Calcium rebalancer (such as EarthPro Calcium-MG).
Having the UVB system in no way diminishes your pets need for Calcium and other vitamins / minerals.
Shane Meaning that I should use regular calcium opposed to calcium with added D3 if I were to get a light (I use ZooMed vitamins and calcium with D3 already, though I do own ZooMed calcium without D3). Also, how many hours a day should the UVB light be used? I currently don't use a light for my gecko because his tank gets a little natural light (enough that he knows if it's night or day) and I've seen people discouraging it.
Correct, pure calcium is what you want to use from that point onward, no synthetic D3 with any supplement you regularly use. That will include multivitamins used more than once a month, so you may need to choose another lacking the D3 to complement your calcium. Even now you should not be offering D3 with both your Calcium product and again with a multivitamin, this can result in dangerous oversupply, so you will need to take action there regardless.
As for hours, you can start out providing 2 hours and work your way up daily from there. I offer all species a full 12 hours photo-period via UVB.
Many people still discourage using lights, indeed. Those people are misinformed or ignorant. The science is at this point beyond questioning and the best thing to do with people of that mindset is leave them to become educated with time.
Shane Alright, that sounds good, thank you. If you don't mind me asking, I've done some research on UVB lamps and I've found one that will be compatible with the deep dome lamp fixture I already have, and it emits UVB, UVA, and visible light (it's 13 watts). My question is are these other lights harmful or are they okay for my gecko. Once again, thanks for the help, I am definitely thinking of getting one soon if my gecko will be in better health and be happier with it.
My pleasure, the answer to your question largely depends on the style of bulb vs enclosure, I generally advocate the use of T5 tube lighting exclusively.
Coil style bulbs by nature of their construction project usable wavelengths of UVB at extremely short distances and require an animal to be dangerously close in order to benefit fully. Not recommended for provision of UVB I'm afraid.
Defo getting a ubv strip i was think heat pad I've seen in other video but this gave a lot of backup why you should use one, then the heat mat ones are just like bla bla bla cheapers you dont key word need one. thanks a lot for info
Heat mats are not a good heat source. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce IRA and IRB like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively than heat mats. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.
So do we use vitamins and calcium or no also is uvb and and uva the same thing or are they different bulbs
My Leo goes out when the uvb light is on all the time. My vet even said she has seen leos that are 15+ that have weak bones bc of a lack of light. It usually takes a while for the problem to occur. Like she said in the video just bc an animal survive doesnt mean its the best set up.
yep it slowly builds up over their lifetime.
Question, do you use the uvb light all day during the day? Or only for a couple of hours during the day?
I did see your older video; It did have good information, but, I would recommend updating the UVB information . I think I'll get some lamps for my geckos.
what type of bedding should I put on my baby leopard gecko instead of paper towels and newspaper? please I need an answer
Felicidad Trujillo if your Leo is over two months they can have eco earth. Keep in mind that the impaction risk is higher with babies. You could use tile until they’re older, then eco earth
Would the sunlight from my window be enough for them? Or do I have to buy a bulb? I'm glad you updated this information. I've been watching alot of your videos in preparation of getting a gecko in a few weeks and I was convinced that they didn't need that light. Whether you keep your previous video up is your choice, but I think put some kind of disclaimer in the comments or something and link to your newest video.
Thank you for everything you do!
Glass filters out pretty much all usable UVB and therefore the window will only be providing a photo-period, the Gecko will still benefit hugely from being provided a well chosen UVB system.
yep pretty much what shane said ^^
so should I use just ubv or ubv and heating mat?
Do you still need to use synthetic D3 (the powder), if you have a UVB?
Nope
Great video as always! This was a very good video for people getting a leopard gecko! The reason I was late to the video today was because I was with my grandparents ^-^ Also have a nice day/night! :D
aw thank you :D
How should I go about UVB for an albino leo🧐 would it make a difference when I had a light on the cage before my leo always hid in his humid hide as soon as I took it down he’s curious climbing acting a complete fool. I put a uvb up at sunrise and sunset and he seems to stay away from that as well
Many albinos do great with UVB as long as you do it properly, although it does depend on the individual. My albino avoided the UVB when I tried it with her but I want to try it again the future.
Make sure you’re offering plenty of plant coverage and shade. He’ll likely start using it eventually, just give him time to get used to it. He may cryptic bask (only exposing his leg or tail). I’d leave it on all day as well.
@@nightinggale6470 to update he hasn’t really be hiding from it anymore I do have a vine and a palm tree in the center of his tank and he likes to lay his stomach on the dirt and hide in the shade of the leaves where he’s only catching spots of the uvb but I still have yet to see him lay in a direct spot. He usually only comes to the bright side of his tank when it’s time to feed
Can you do a video on breeding BSFL? The 5 min video you made was great but when do I move them to a separate container? I need a starter guide, as my gargoyle gecko needs BSFL or crickets, and I hate crickets. He won't eat mealworms, even tiny ones.
I put the Arcadia Shadedweller in my Leo's terrarium but he never seems to come out of his hide to lay in it. My concern is he isn't getting any UVB if he isn't coming out of his hide. Should I gave D3 just incase. I don't want to overdose him.
Give him more time to get used to it, he’ll most likely start using it. Provide plenty of coverage. Check on him at various times during the day and you may catch him basking. Leopard geckos often do what’s called cryptic basking, only exposing a leg or their tail. You can give him d3 occasionally if you’re worried, just not too often.
@@nightinggale6470 thank you! He has only been living with me for two weeks so I think he is still being a little shy. But I do notice him coming out a little more. He is a very lazy gecko. Lol.
Just make sure that if you get your leopard gecko a UVB light, it's not too powerful! i got some misinformation and got one that was way too powerful and my poor baby got a sunburn. :( He's currently recovering and is doing ok, but he was hurt.
If my heat mat doesn't provide enough heat for the warm side of my terrarium should I use a heat lamp?
I have a reptile red bull 100wat In a 80gallon tank and my geckos love it they bask in it twice a day
James Olveda
Wattage sounds like way too much!
I'm thinking of getting a leopard gecko. What do you use for your leopard gecko, food, heat source etc.
Just do research on it.
Fiona Shepley I have
You'll want a heat mat. It's best to vary their diet. The best feeders are Dubia roaches and crickets. If you really want Rebecca to answer (she'll say the same thing), watch her videos. She won't answer you in the comments of an old video.
Fiona Shepley OK thank you
Many thanks for your amazingly detailed explanation. It helped a lot! However, I still have a one quesiton if I may. Should UVB be turned on only in "Dusk/Dawn" period, or whole day? For example from 8AM to 8PM. Thanks a lot and please continute with such fabulous work you do. :) Cheers
It can be on all day.
Hey so I have a question about my leopard gecko. Ever since he was born, he has been a greyish purpleish color and I never knew why and neither did the pet store. He has gained tiny yellow spots that you can barely notice and he also has one black spot right above his left eye. I don't think he's albino because he's gained a bit of color but I'm not sure. If you could answer me back with anything that'd be great! Thanks for making awesome videos also!
If using a UVB light, would you still have to supplement a little D3, or does a proper light allow you to cut a D3 supplement out completely?
Great question, the well chosen UVB system will allow the Gecko to produce the correct amount as it has need. You would no longer need to provide D3 via supplementation at that point.
Awesome, thanks for replying :)
Anytime, Roni.
Hi. I am doing an individual project for my college course on the effects of uv lighting for leopard geckos. As you have kept them with and without uv would you be able to comment on some of the differences in behaviour you've noticed in them since introducing the uv and any benefits/concerns you've also noticed with the difference? Thanks so much for your time if you can give me some info!
Leopard Gecko , do you use heating lights for your geckos?
I live in fear for my geckos. First, i have a sand substrate, the store said it was a calcium sand and it wont impact them but it was petsmart so... next i dont have a heat mat, would a heat rock work fine? I have two female geckos and they are both about 8 inches long
I work at a petstore. After watching videos like this I decided to store use a linear uvb for the leopard geckos. I had to put it back because they wouldn't even open their eyes and it was hurting their eyes
Are the geckos albino? What was the percentage/strength and brand of the UVB? The distance between the bulb and basking spot? Do the geckos have enough cover (plants, hides, etc.)? UVB is very beneficial for leopard geckos (and reptiles in general), but only when done correctly.
@@nightinggale6470 t8 5.0 uvb in a 20 gallon long. 2 hiding caves, I think it is albino. We can't even use a heat lamp that produces light for this particular gecko. My point is uvb is not beneficial to all geckos
@@ansnfbsknanssshshbsnsndnd5438 2 hides aren’t sufficient for cover on their own. It’s important to provide plenty of clutter and plant coverage. They should have opportunities for cryptic basking (only exposing part of their body, such as their tail or leg, while staying hidden). They also may simply need more time to adjust to the change. UVB is beneficial for all reptiles when done correctly.
@@nightinggale6470 unfortunately I have no control over what they do. I try my best to provide the best care I can without getting in trouble. It's a pet store. They just care about money. All of our tanks our about 5 gallons besides one that's about 10. The only reason this particular gecko is in a 20 long is because they accidentally ordered too many and didn't have a place to put it, so they store used a tank that was for sale.
I've got a question for you. Trying to learn all I can before I get a Leopard Gecko myself. Even when using an uvb light you'd still also be using an uth as well right?
Yep :)
So skip the powders and just UVB?
You need calcium and multivitamins regardless, but the supplements should be without d3 when using UVB.
I dont know if anyone cares but I got a Crested Gecko off of Craigslist with a Tank 18x18x24 tall, not-so-good viewing light, for $120 and even friendly, problem I'm having is having her food, I got some crickets and Repashy but I'm kinda worried for her. If anyone has any advise, I already saw her video on it. Thanks for all or any help!
It's completely normal for new geckos to not eat.
My gecko hates UVB as soon as UVB is on he hides straight away all day and only coming out when uvb is off
Is he albino? Is he at least cryptic basking (exposing a leg or tail)? Try giving him some more coverage with fake plants
I have two leopard geckos that like soaking in the small just-in-case heat lamp I have. They like digesting their food in its light.
Ryry Coble are they housed together? I recommend a heat mat only :)
Yes they are but ONLY because they've been best friends since they have hatched. They stop eating when apart.
Ryry Coble are they both female? Are you sure nothing else is causing the lack of appetite?
Yes they are both female. They always have good appetites!
I have a glass cage close to a window so they do see light. What should I do then?
alex the awesome glass blocks UVB. Make sure they don’t get direct sunlight. As long as the lid is screen you can get a UVB bulb. I recommend zoo med’s 5% tube UVB
My gecko is turning a darker color?? Please help, he was looking normal last night but he escaped during the night and now he's a darker color?
shelbyisconfused Is he a grey color? If so, he's shedding, don't pick him up or feed him. He also might be very cold.
ThatOneNerdy BTSGirl no he isn't gray.. it's probably that he was very cold, my room outside his tank is rather cool so hopefully now that I put him back in to his heated tank he'll start going back to normal ..
I recently started using a 50 watt halogen UVB UVA bulb on the warm side of the geckos 20 gallon long enclosure along with a large heat pad on the back. And I also have noticed a greatly improved overall Behavior in the lizard. It is true that how do we know if supplementing vitamin D3 dosages are accurate? My hypotangerine older juvenile leopard gecko also thermoregulates quite often.
I recommend upgrading to a 40 gallon or bigger if possible. Do you have an all in one heat and UVB bulb, or separate heat and UVB bulbs?
@@nightinggale6470 a 40 gallon breeder tank is minimum for a medium size lizard like a bearded dragon or a blue tongue skink not a lizard the size of an adult leopard gecko. It thermal regulates perfectly now in a 20 gallon long. I had to return the UV bulbs to Amazon because the gecko acted stressed and stopped eating and defecating. So I am back to the ceramic heat emitter and large heat pad on the back of the tank. I have a bowl of Repashy calcium and D3 powder for it to lick. It sees the light of day in the window and it puts itself to sleep. Social media has way too many so-called gurus and know it all's
@@ProgressiveDiscussions 40 gallons is an outdated minimum for beardies and blue tongues, and far too small for both species. Both of them need a 4x2x2’ (120 gallon) enclosure minimum.
How much time did you give your gecko to adjust to the UVB? Reptiles often need plenty of time to adjust to big changes, potentially weeks or months. It’s also possible you bought the wrong kind of bulb. Giving them plenty of plant coverage and cryptic basking opportunities is also important.
Neither heat mats nor CHEs make good primary heat sources due to the type of heat they produce (or rather, what they don’t produce). A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively. Whereas heat mats and CHEs only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.
I also recommend removing the dish of Repashy calcium plus from the enclosure and dusting their feeders with it instead. Many people give their geckos a dish of pure calcium, but they can easily overdose on a dish of vitamins.
@@nightinggale6470 I had 50 watt halogen UVA UVB. I got them from Amazon but I returned them already to Whole Foods. Primitive creatures adapt better than we think, putting a young blue tongue skink in anything larger than a 40 gallon breeder is like you or I moving into Joel Osteen's mansion. Pets are spoiled just like American children. People recommend way too much because retailers and pet supply companies want this to increase their profits.
@@ProgressiveDiscussions halogen bulbs and UVB bulbs are two different things. Leopard geckos should ideally have both; they benefit from them immensely, and there’s loads of evidence to support this. Yes, juvenile blue tongues can go in a 40 gallon, but juvenile reptiles of any species will thrive in a large enclosure as long as there’s plenty of plant coverage and not too much open space. There’s no such thing as too big, only too bare. My recommendations have nothing to do with retailers and pet supply companies wanting to make a profit…
So if I do switch to UVB, would I not need to give my leo the multivites anymore? Or would I still need to dust the feeders occasionally?
yep what steve said lol, or you can do what i do and use arcadia earthpro-a, i use it with every feeding, so simple :)
Best UVB light for 12in height tank? Leo is about three and never had UVB for him :/... I don’t want to get something to strong and hurt him.
US recommendations please 😊
Zoo med’s 5-10% tube UVB
Hey!
Thanks to your recommendation, I picked up one of these today, and I'm looking forward to seeing the impact on my gecko. I have always thought not using UVB was a bit odd. My question for you is, I want to eventually get a 36-inch-long tank. Would it be wise to connect 3 of these together, or would that be overkill on UVB?
You only need one bulb.
I've never really understood what to do for the lighting for a leopard gecko. I'm getting one very soon and have done a ton of research, but i still don't understand what to buy and do for lighting. I've watched a lot of your lighting related videos and I'm just struggling on what to get for them. What would you recommend me doing? (sorry im a beginner to owning a gecko)
Same(yes Ik the comment is old lol) , nothing is really giving a straight answer
Hi @leopardgecko i've had Isla since April now but I've forgotten to tell you this xx I named my leopard gecko Isla in commemoration of your crested gecko Isla after she sadly passed away. Isla is a one year old blazing blizzard leopard gecko and the name really suits her. Isla is a beautiful name and I love it. R.I.P to Isla the crestie xx
aww thank you, i do love that name
since you use uvb lighting with your leopard geckos, do you still use d3 supplements? i’ve done so much research on supplements about this yet some things are still confusing to me. i want to use a uvb with my future leopard gecko and so far from what i’ve learned is that i should still supplement with d3 once a month even if i use a uvb light. if you could clarify some things for me that would be absolutely amazing!
If you’ve got the right UVB bulb properly setup and your gecko utilizes it, there’s no need for artificial d3. Too much artificial d3 when using UVB can overdose your gecko.
Nighting Gale okay thank you so much!
Ok, I'm glad you made this video. One question so how many watts would the uvb light be that we get for our geckos?
Gecko PartyLove it doesn’t really matter since they don’t emit heat. Mine is 18 Watts. I recommend zoo med’s 5% tube UVB
@@fionashepley478 awesome thank you! I was trying to find the one she uses but could find it. The zoo med 5% is definitely available tho where I'm at. Thanks for clarifying that for me!! :)
Hey leopard gecko, I just ordered my Murphy patternless (he was kinda expensive (100$) but worth it) and I was wondering if you think I have everything needed for my tank. I have a 20 gallon Tank a heat mat,, a thermostat for heat mat, a thermometer/hydrometer probes, Eco earth substrate, 2 hides (a moist one coming in tomorrow) a cave hide, a half coconut hide, calcium, a uvb/uva bulb (5% uvb), cricket container with fruit in veggies are inside, water bowl, and a plant/ tree figure. If anyone else can answer I would appreciate it :)
Is indirect sunlight or a portion of direct sunlight enough? For ex if i open my window a bit so the sun does not go thru the glass, will my gecko absorb real UVB enough?
No. Glass blocks UVB. Get Arcadia’s shadedweller.
I have a 3 year old gecko and she seems a healthy weight but weighs 81 grams so is she more likely to be male or female because I'm not 100% sure