Are you the proud owner of a crested gecko? These geckos are beloved by reptile enthusiasts for their adorable appearance and easy care requirements. But one question always comes up for the owners: do they need a heat lamp?
This heating care guide will help you decide whether or not supplemental heat is necessary for your crested gecko and teach you how to provide it safely.
Table of Contents
Importance of Appropriate Heating for Crested Geckos
Like all reptiles, crested geckos are ectothermic animals. This means that they rely on environmental heat sources to maintain their body temperature.
In the wild, these animals live in tropical forests where temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round. Crested geckos require an ambient temperature that isn’t lower than 67 degrees and no higher than 75.
As a result, crested geckos have evolved to be very sensitive to changes in temperature. Even a small drop in temperature can cause stress for your reptile and make them more susceptible to illness. For this reason, it’s important to provide your gecko with a habitat that has appropriate heating.
Do Crested Geckos Need a Heat Lamp?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. In short, crested geckos do not strictly require a heat lamp in moderate climates, but supplemental heat can be beneficial for your reptile. Let’s take a closer look at why you might want to provide additional warmth for your crested gecko.
- As we mentioned before, these animals are native to tropical environments where temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round. In captivity, however, crested geckos are often kept in habitats with much cooler temperatures. This can cause stress for your reptile and make them more susceptible to illness.
- If you live in an area with a climate that gets cold in the winter, then your crested gecko will need supplemental heat.
- If you own a large tank or terrarium, you may need to provide supplemental heat for your gecko. This is because larger habitats tend to have more “dead space” where the temperature is not as consistent. By providing a heat lamp, you can help ensure that your crested gecko has a warm place to bask and hide.
How to Safely Provide Heat for Your Crested Gecko
If you decide to provide supplemental heat for your gecko, keep in mind that crested geckos are sensitive to changes in temperature, so it’s necessary to increase the temperature of their habitat slowly over time.
Additionally, crested geckos require a gradient of temperatures in their habitat, so ensure a warm and cool area for your reptile to regulate their body temperature. The warm area should be between 70 and 75 degrees, while the cool area should be between 67 and 70 degrees.
- Make sure you regulate these temperatures, anything above or below the given temperature could be fatal to your crested gecko.
Finally, always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your crested gecko’s habitat and ensure it remains within the appropriate range. By following these guidelines, you can safely provide supplemental heat for your crested gecko and help them stay healthy and happy.
Pros and Cons of Heat Lamps
Now that you know more about the importance of appropriate heating for crested geckos, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of using heat lamps.
Pros
- Heat lamps can help provide a consistent temperature for your gecko’s habitat.
- Heat lamps can help your gecko regulate their body temperature.
- Heat lamps can help reduce stress.
- For colder climates, heat lamps can be a necessary way to provide supplemental heat.
Cons
- If not used properly, heat lamps can be dangerous for your reptile.
- Heat lamps can make it difficult to maintain the correct humidity levels in the tank.
- Heat lamps can make it difficult to monitor the temperature of your gecko’s habitat.
What Are the Heating Options Available?
There are a few different options available when it comes to providing heat for your crested gecko. Here are a few of the most popular methods.
Heat lamps
As we’ve already discussed, heat lamps are one way to provide supplemental heat for your crested gecko. However, it’s important to use them safely and correctly in order to avoid any accidents.
Under Tank Heaters
Under tank heaters are another option for providing supplemental heat for your gecko. These devices attach to the bottom of your reptile’s enclosure and help to maintain a consistent temperature.
Ceramic Heat Emitters
Ceramic heat emitters are a type of infrared light that can be used to provide heat for your crested gecko. These devices do not emit light, so they can be left on 24 hours a day without disturbing your reptile’s sleep cycle.
Choosing the Best Heat Source for Your Gecko
Now that you know more about the importance of heat for crested geckos and the different types of heat sources available, you may be wondering which one is best for your reptile. The best heat source for your crested gecko will ultimately depend on their individual needs and your personal preferences.
If you live in an area with a colder climate, then a heat lamp may be necessary in order to provide enough supplemental heat for your crested gecko.
On the other hand, if you live in a warmer climate, then an under tank heater or a ceramic heat emitter may be all that you need to provide a little extra warmth for your reptile.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of heat source is best for your crested gecko is to consult with a reptile veterinarian or specialist. They will be able to help you choose the best option based on your reptile’s individual needs.
Jabberwock Reptiles Has Everything You Need for Your Pet
Now that you know more about the importance of heating for crested geckos, it’s time to start shopping for the right supplies. At Jabberwock Reptiles, we have everything you need to keep your reptile healthy and happy.
We carry various heat sources, including heat lamps, under tank heaters, and ceramic heat emitters. We also have thermometers to help you monitor the temperature of your crested gecko’s habitat. In addition to heating supplies, we offer a wide variety of other reptile supplies, including food, water dishes, substrates, hides, and more.
Recent Comments