A Complete Guide to Crested Gecko Lighting
By: Jason
Last Updated: March 31, 2023
Proper lighting is crucial in many pet lizard habitats, but not all species need the same things. As a caring keeper, you are committed to providing the necessary care for your pet and avoiding potential harm, but it isn’t always intuitive what to do. What about crested gecko lighting?
Crested geckos are nocturnal animals and do not require much direct sunlight, but they can benefit from artificial lighting. Evidence indicates that exposure to low levels of UV light helps them maintain health and encourages natural behaviors.
In this guide, we’ll cover their ideal types of lighting, how to set up a lighting system, and the benefits of lighting in their habitat.
Lighting Overview
Light versus Heat
Before we get much further, it’s helpful to understand the difference between lighting and heating equipment for reptile habitats.
Lighting primarily regulates their day/night cycle, promotes natural behaviors, and provides low-level UVB radiation, if needed. On the other hand, ceramic heat emitters create a warm spot in your gecko’s habitat, which is essential for a heat gradient and keeping the enclosure warm if the room temperature drops too low.
While some lighting equipment can also provide heat, they are not the same tools and should be considered differently for different needs.
Want More?>>>Heating & Crested Geckos
Light spectrum
Wait, what is light? Light is electromagnetic radiation made up of particles called photons. The human eye can see some portions of this radiation, which we call the visible spectrum. It includes all the colors of the rainbow, from red to violet. Different wavelengths of light correspond to different colors and vary in intensity.
Different species have adapted to use other parts of the visible spectrum in nature for various purposes, such as attracting mates or hunting prey.
Pet reptile lighting needs
To keep an animal healthy, reptiles require access to various components of the electromagnetic spectrum, including UVB, UVA, Visible Light, and Infrared. Each wavelength plays a distinct role.
- UVB lighting support proper temperature for vitamin D3 production. Only specific UVB wavelengths (290-315 nm) help synthesize Vitamin D3.
- UVA light is vital for reptile vision and color perception. Some UVA wavelengths (320-335 nm) regulate Vitamin D3 production.
- Visible light is essential for reptiles. It helps them see and is part of their natural environment, stimulating natural behaviors like hunting and sleep patterns.
- The infrared spectrum provides heat for Vitamin D3 production and maintains body temperature. This is the source of heat that heat lamps emit.
Different types of bulbs create different waves of light. Ceramic heat emitters, for example, general infrared waves. Fluorescent bulbs mainly produce light in the visible spectrum and maybe a small amount of UVA and UVB radiation. Full-spectrum lights give off radiation like natural light and are the preferred bulbs of gecko keepers.
Crested Gecko UVB requirements
Even though nocturnal lizards do not share the UVB requirements as those active during the day, low levels of UVB radiation can benefit their health and promote natural behaviors.
It’s recommended to provide a low level of UVB light for your crested gecko, typically around 2-5% UVB. This can be achieved through a specialized UVB bulb or fluorescent light-emitting UVB radiation.
Exposing your crested gecko to a combination of visible and low-level UV-B radiation for 10-12 hours daily is advised for optimal health.
Benefits of Lighting in a Crested Gecko Enclosure
Promotes natural patterns
A regular light cycle in your crested gecko terrarium can help promote natural patterns and behaviors, positively impacting their overall health and well-being. A consistent light cycle can also help regulate their sleep-wake cycle, essential for maintaining the rhythms of their natural habitat.
Vitamin production
Low levels of UVB radiation can stimulate the production of Vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health. A deficiency of calcium is likely to lead to health issues like metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Plant growth
If you have live plants in your enclosure, providing the right type and amount of light can help promote healthy growth and photosynthesis. Some terrarium plants require specific light wavelengths to thrive, so it’s essential to research the plants’ specific needs in your enclosure.
Viewing
Adequate lighting in the enclosure can make observing and enjoying your pet easier. Whether admiring their coloration or watching their behavior, proper lighting can enhance your viewing experience and make monitoring your gecko’s health and well-being easier.
Lighting Setup Guide
Remember a few key things when setting up the lighting for crested geckos.
First, make sure to choose a lighting system appropriate for the size of your enclosure. A taller habitat will place the bulb further away, reducing the healthy radiation your pet will experience.
Second, consider the device that holds the bulb. Each type needs a specific fixture to work correctly, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If the bulb is covered by glass or plastic, remove the cover. These materials block the rays we want.
If you have an additional heat source, mount both light fixtures in the same spot. Natural sunlight has both types of radiation, so a basking reptile is used to getting both simultaneously.
Next, attach the fixture. Mount the bulb inside the enclosure if your tank uses a mesh lid. The laces of the mesh block the rays, and since a UVB lamp doesn’t give off extra heat, we don’t have to worry about arboreal species hurting themselves by climbing on the bulb.
Set a light cycle on a timer that follows the recommended hours of light per day as per the model of bulb you purchase.
Please ensure you have plenty of things to protect your captive reptile so it can self-regulate and hide from the light when it reaches its limit. This might include broad leaves (whether on live or artificial plants), cork hides, or anything on the top of the substrate. Moving in and out of the light from a UVB bulb works the same way for a heat gradient.
Adjust the dietary requirements to account for the UV output. Providing the appropriate strength UVB bulb enables the body to produce sufficient vitamin D, so the diet does not need to include vitamin supplements. Insects can be dusted with D3- and phosphorous-free calcium vitamin powder.
Please pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommended bulb lifespan and replace it on schedule. The bulbs produce less and less UVB output over time and may stop making the radiation you want before it burns out and stops producing visible light.
Best Lights for Crested Geckos
Zoo Med developed the first UVB lamp for reptiles in 1993, and they continue to be a leader in the field.
They offer several pieces of lighting equipment that work well for this species of gecko.
- Zoo Med’s ReptiSun UVB/LED with the 12″ or 18″ Naturalistic Terrarium Hood
- Zoo Med’s T8 ReptiSun 5.0 UVB Fluorescent Bulb and the T8 Terrarium Hood
Conclusion
As caring crested gecko owners, we want to take great care of our pets.
Proper care for your pet geckos includes ensuring access to appropriate lighting, including UVB lighting.
For crested geckos, a light cycle that mimics their natural patterns and includes low levels of UVB radiation can significantly benefit their health and well-being, including promoting natural behaviors and supporting Vitamin D3 production.
By following the guidelines outlined in this guide for setting up a lighting system in your crested gecko tank, you can help ensure your pet stays healthy and happy for years.
