Leopard geckos (Eublepharis Macularius) are a popular pet choice for many reptile enthusiasts. They are easy to care for and come in various colors and patterns. But one question that often comes up is whether or not leopard geckos need UVB light. This blog post will explore the answer to that question and help you decide if UVB lighting is necessary for your leopard gecko.
What is UVB, and why do leopard geckos need it?
UVB light is a type of radiation that comes from the sun. It is vital for reptiles because it helps them synthesize vitamin D, which is necessary for their health. Leopard geckos can develop health problems such as metabolic bone disease and softshell syndrome without UVB light.
There are two main types of UVB light: UVA and UVB. UVA is the type of radiation that is most commonly found in sunlight. It is not necessary for leopard geckos, but it can be beneficial for them because it helps them relax and increases their appetite. UVB, on the other hand, is essential for leopard geckos.
UVB lighting is different from normal light because it emits the type of radiation that leopard geckos need to synthesize vitamin D. There are two types of UVB lights: fluorescent bulbs and mercury vapor bulbs. Both emit UVB radiation, but only fluorescent bulbs also give off UVA radiation. Fluorescent bulbs are more expensive than mercury vapor bulbs, but they are better for leopard geckos because they emit less heat.
So do leopard geckos need UVB?
The answer is yes, UVB radiation is essential for their health. If you want to be sure that your leopard gecko is getting the right amount of UVB light
How to provide UVB for your leopard gecko
The easiest way to provide UVB light for your leopard gecko is with a fluorescent bulb. You can buy these at any pet store or online, and they are usually not too expensive. Place the light on top of their enclosure so that it shines directly down onto them when they bask under it.
For more information about choosing the right UVB bulb for your leopard gecko, please read this blog post.
The second option is to use a mercury vapor bulb. These are more expensive than fluorescent bulbs and emit more heat, but they also provide UVA light in addition to UVB radiation. They can be used with or without a screen top on your enclosure because their heat output is so low.
The third option is to use a reptile basking light, which emits both UVB and UVA radiation. They come in many different sizes and wattages, so you will have to choose the right one for your leopard gecko’s enclosure size (these bulbs are also available online). These bulbs are more expensive than fluorescent or mercury vapor bulbs, but they last longer and give off less heat.
The fourth option is to use a UVB light strip that you can attach to the inside of your leopard gecko’s enclosure (like this one). These strips come in many different sizes and lengths, so you will have to choose the right one for your enclosure.
The fifth option is to use a UVB light strip that you can attach to the outside of your leopard gecko’s enclosure (like this one). These strips come in many different sizes and lengths, so you will have to choose the right one for your enclosure.
The benefits of UVB exposure for leopard geckos
UVB is not required for leopard geckos to survive, but UVA/UVB light has been found to promote their immune system, health, and well-being in all reptiles.
UVB exposure has been linked with the following benefits:
- Improved calcium metabolism, preventing metabolic bone disease
- Prevents softshell syndrome
- Stimulates appetite
- Promotes breeding in leopard geckos
- Helps increase activity levels and overall health
For all of these reasons, it is very important to provide your leopard gecko with adequate UVB exposure.
Where to buy a UVB light for your leopard gecko
There are many different places to buy a UVB light for your leopard gecko. You can buy them at pet stores, online, or even at some Walmarts.
Here are a few links to some of the best UVB lights on the market:
- Fluorescent UVB bulbs
- Mercury vapor bulbs
- Reptile basking lights
- UVB light strips
You can also buy UVB and UVA fluorescent light bulbs at most hardware stores. Just make sure they are not compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) because these do not provide enough UV radiation for your leopard gecko to thrive.
How long should you leave the UVB light on each day?
The amount of time you should leave the UVB light on each day depends on the type of bulb you are using. With fluorescent bulbs, you should leave it on for 12-14 hours per day. With mercury vapor bulbs, you should leave it on for 14-16 hours per day. UVB light strips should be left on for 16-18 hours per day. And with reptile basking lights, you should leave it on for as long as possible. Refer to the documentation of the product.
With all of these types of bulbs, you will have to make sure that the bulb is at least 12 inches away from your leopard gecko’s basking spot (where they sit under the UVB light). If they are closer than this distance, then the UVB radiation may cause eye and skin damage.
You should also make sure that the UVB light is turned off at night so your leopard gecko can get a good night’s sleep.
How much UVB does a leopard gecko need?
5% to 6% UVB lights are perfect for leopard geckos. The amount of UVB that a leopard gecko needs depends on their age and size.
How many microwatts of UVB does a leopard gecko need?
Leopard geckos need a minimum of 11-13 microwatts of UVB to synthesize vitamin D3, metabolize calcium, and maintain healthy bone density.
Can a gecko get too much UVB?
Yes, a gecko can get too much UVB. If they are exposed to too much radiation, they may develop skin lesions or sunburns. Therefore, you should make sure that you monitor your leopard gecko’s exposure to the UVB light and adjust it accordingly.
Are LED lights OK for leopard geckos?
No, LED lights are not OK for leopard geckos. This is because they do not emit enough UVB radiation to benefit your leopard gecko.
What to do if your leopard gecko doesn’t seem to be getting enough UVB
If you think that your leopard gecko is not getting enough UVB, there are a few things you can do:
- Increase the amount of time the UVB light is on each day
- Move the UVB light closer to the basking spot
- Buy a higher intensity bulb
- Add more fluorescent or mercury vapor bulbs to your enclosure
- Put a UVB light strip in your leopard gecko’s enclosure If you try these things and your leopard gecko still isn’t getting enough UVB, you may want to consider taking them to a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
Conclusion
UVB is important to Leopard Geckos, but there are other ways to provide it. If you’re not able to give your gecko natural sunlight or a UVB light, make sure to use a high-quality UVB bulb.
Leopard Geckos need some exposure to UVB to stay healthy, but there are many ways to provide that exposure. If you can’t give your gecko natural sunlight or access to a UVB light, be sure to use a quality UVB bulb in your tank. Then, with the proper care and attention, you can keep your Leopard Gecko happy and healthy for years to come!
