How to Keep a Geckos Tank Warm at Night

Geckos, like many breeds of reptiles, require an environment warmer than the average home thermostat setting. Geckos need an enclosure with both a warm area and a slightly cooler area to help regulate their body temperature and facilitate digestion. During the day and night, geckos need warmth added to their tanks. The nocturnal creatures can tolerate cooler temperatures in the evening, but leopard geckos, specifically, should never be in an overnight environment cooler than 75 to 80 degrees F.

Things You'll Need

• Two thermometers
• Under-tank heater
• Timer
• Ceramic or heat bulbs

Instructions

1. Attach two thermometers inside the gecko's habitat. Place one near the tank's heated end and one near its cooler end. Use the thermometers to monitor the temperature in the tank. Maintain a range of 75 to 88 degrees F for leopard geckos.

2. Place an under-tank heater on one end of the tank. Use the self-adhesive strips on the heating pad-style warming mat, or simply place the heater under the glass base of the aquarium. Cover one-third to one-half of the base of the tank with the heater. Position the heater so that it rests against the glass of the tank, warming the substrate above it inside the tank. Adjust the settings on the under-tank heater until the heated end of the tank reaches a maximum of 88 degrees F.

3. Add a timer to the outlet where the under-tank heater is plugged in to regulate night temperature. Set the timer to turn on and off during the night to maintain the temperature desired for the gecko. Experiment with the timer settings until a steady night temperature is achieved.

4. Use bulbs for additional heat. Place ceramic heat bulbs or black or red heat bulbs on the warm end of the tank to increase overnight temperatures. Because these bulbs do not emit light, only heat, they do not disturb the nocturnal cycle of the gecko.

5. Place the gecko tank away from drafts. Set it on a stand by an interior wall, away from drafty windows or doors. Position the tank away from heater and air conditioning vents to keep the temperature regulated. Place the tank near appliances that emit heat overnight, such as the motor on a refrigerator, a computer tower or gas stove with an active pilot light.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using a heated rock in a gecko tank at night. The gecko may get burned on the rock by laying its moist skin on the warm rock.

References

• Pet Care Portal: Leopard Gecko Care
• Petco: Gecko Care Sheet
• Leopard Gecko Guide: Cages & Habit-Lighting and Heating