Do Crested Geckos Need UVB?

crested geckos for sale are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world. They are easy to care for, have a variety of colors and patterns, and can live up to 20 years in captivity. But do crested geckos need UVB light to thrive?

UVB light is a type of ultraviolet radiation that is emitted by the sun. It is essential for some reptiles, such as bearded dragons and tortoises, as it helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is needed for calcium absorption and bone health. UVB light also regulates the circadian rhythm, appetite, behavior, and overall well-being of reptiles.

However, not all reptiles need UVB light to survive. Some reptiles, such as crested geckos for sale, have adapted to low-light environments and do not get much direct exposure to sunlight in their natural habitat. Therefore, they may not require UVB light in captivity, as long as they get enough calcium and vitamin D3 from their diet.

But does that mean that UVB light is useless or harmful for cheap crested geckos for sale? Not necessarily. Some studies have shown that crested geckos for sale can benefit from low levels of UVB exposure, as it can improve their coloration, activity, and health. However, too much UVB light can also cause eye damage, skin burns, dehydration, and stress for crested geckos.

So, do crested geckos for sale near me need UVB? The answer is not clear-cut. It depends on several factors, such as the type and strength of the UVB bulb, the distance and angle of the bulb from the enclosure, the temperature and humidity in the enclosure, and the individual preference and behavior of the crested geckos for sale.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of providing UVB light for your crested geckos for sale, and give you some tips and recommendations on how to do it properly if you decide to do so.

Key Takeaways

• crested geckos for sale are nocturnal and crepuscular animals that do not get much direct exposure to sunlight in their natural habitat.
• Crested geckos do not need UVB light to survive in captivity, but they can benefit from low levels of UVB exposure if done properly.
• UVB light helps reptiles synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
• UVB light also helps regulate the circadian rhythm, appetite, behavior, and overall well-being of reptiles.
• Too much UVB light can be harmful for crested geckos, as it can cause eye damage, skin burns, dehydration, and stress.
• If you decide to provide UVB light for your crested gecko, you need to choose the right type and strength of UVB bulb, position it at the right distance and angle from the enclosure, monitor the temperature and humidity in the enclosure, and provide adequate shade and hiding spots for your crested geckos for sale near me.
• You also need to replace the UVB bulb regularly, as it loses its effectiveness over time.

Crested Gecko Natural Habitat and Light Exposure

Crested geckos are native to New Caledonia, a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean. New Caledonia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F), while the average humidity ranges from 70% to 90%.

New Caledonia has a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. The vegetation consists mainly of rainforests, dry forests, savannas, mangroves, and scrublands. The rainforests are home to many endemic species of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else in the world.

Crested geckos live in the rainforests of New Caledonia. They prefer areas with dense vegetation that provide them with plenty of cover and hiding spots. They are arboreal animals that spend most of their time on trees or bushes. They rarely descend to the ground unless they need to find water or food.

Crested geckos are nocturnal and crepuscular animals. This means that they are most active at dawn and dusk when the light is dim. They sleep during the day when the sun is bright. They do not get much direct exposure to sunlight in their natural habitat, as they hide in the shady undergrowth or canopy.

The average length of daylight in New Caledonia is 10-14 hours per day depending on the season. The longest day is in December with 14 hours of daylight while the shortest day is in June with 10 hours of daylight. The sunrise and sunset times vary from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer and from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm in winter.

Month	Daylight Hours	Sunrise Time	Sunset Time
January	13.5	5:30 am	7:00 pm
February	13	5:45 am	6:45 pm
March	12.5	6:00 am	6:30 pm
April	11.5	6:15 am	5:45 pm
May	11	6:30 am	5:30 pm
June	10.5	6:45 am	5:15 pm
July	10.5	6:45 am	5:15 pm
August	11	6:30 am	5:30 pm
September	11.5	6:15 am	5:45 pm
October	12.5	5:45 am	6:30 pm
November	13.5	5:15 am	6:45 pm
December	14.0	5:00 am	7:00 pm

 

 

The Benefits of UVB Light for Crested Geckos

UVB light is a type of ultraviolet radiation that is emitted by the sun. It has a wavelength of between 280 and 320 nanometers¹. It is invisible to the human eye, but it can be detected by some animals, such as reptiles.

UVB light is important for some reptiles, as it helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D3 is a hormone that regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and bones. Without enough vitamin D3, reptiles can develop metabolic bone disease, a condition that causes weak and deformed bones, fractures, paralysis, and death.

UVB light also helps regulate the circadian rhythm, appetite, behavior, and overall well-being of reptiles. The circadian rhythm is the natural cycle of day and night that affects the biological functions of living organisms. UVB light signals the reptiles when to be active and when to rest, when to eat and when to fast, and when to mate and when to breed.

Some studies have shown thatcrested geckos for sale can benefit from low levels of UVB exposure, as it can improve their coloration, activity, and health. For example, one study found that crested geckos exposed to UVB light had brighter colors than those without UVB light². Another study found that crested geckos for sale near me exposed to UVB light had higher activity levels than those without UVB light³. A third study found that crested geckos exposed to UVB light had better calcium metabolism than those without UVB light.

Here are some examples of how UVB light can benefit crested geckos for sale:

• Preventing metabolic bone disease by ensuring adequate vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption
• Enhancing breeding success by stimulating reproductive hormones and behavior
• Stimulating natural behavior by mimicking the natural light cycle and environment
• Improving coloration by activating pigments in the skin
• Increasing activity by boosting energy and appetite

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The Risks of UVB Light for Crested Geckos

UVB light is not always beneficial for crested geckos for sale. Too much UVB light can be harmful for crested geckos, as it can cause eye damage, skin burns, dehydration, and stress. Crested geckos have evolved to avoid direct sunlight and have sensitive eyes and skin. Therefore, they may not tolerate high levels of UVB exposure as well as other reptiles.

Different types and intensities of UVB bulbs can have different effects on cheap crested geckos for sale. Some UVB bulbs may be too strong or too weak for crested geckos for sale near me, depending on their output and distance from the enclosure. For example, mercury vapor bulbs are very powerful and emit a lot of heat and UVB light. They may be suitable for large enclosures with high ceilings, but they may be too intense for small enclosures with low ceilings. On the other hand, compact fluorescent bulbs are less powerful and emit less heat and UVB light. They may be suitable for small enclosures with low ceilings, but they may be too weak for large enclosures with high ceilings.

Here are some examples of how UVB light can harm crested geckos:

• Causing photokeratitis, a condition that causes inflammation and ulceration of the cornea due to excessive UVB exposure. Photokeratitis can lead to eye pain, redness, swelling, tearing, sensitivity to light, and vision loss.
• Causing sunburns, a condition that causes inflammation and blistering of the skin due to excessive UVB exposure. Sunburns can lead to skin pain, peeling, infection, and scarring.
• Causing overheating, a condition that occurs when the body temperature rises above the normal range due to excessive heat exposure. Overheating can lead to dehydration, lethargy, panting, drooling, seizures, coma, and death.
• Causing hiding, a behavior that indicates stress or discomfort due to excessive light exposure. Hiding can lead to reduced activity, appetite, social interaction, and health.

 

How to Provide UVB Light for Crested Geckos

If you decide to provide UVB light for your crested geckos for sale, you need to do it carefully and correctly. You need to choose the right type and strength of UVB bulb for your crested gecko, position it at the right distance and angle from the enclosure, monitor the temperature and humidity in the enclosure, and provide adequate shade and hiding spots for your crested gecko. You also need to replace the UVB bulb regularly, as it loses its effectiveness over time.

Here are some tips and recommendations on how to provide UVB light for your crested gecko:

• Choose the right type and strength of UVB bulb for your crested geckos for sale. There are different types of UVB bulbs available in the market, such as mercury vapor bulbs (MVB), linear fluorescent tubes (T5 or T8), compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), or LED bulbs. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of output, lifespan, cost, heat emission, and size. You need to choose the type that suits your enclosure size and budget. You also need to choose the strength that suits your crested gecko’s needs. The strength of UVB bulbs is measured by their output in microwatts per square centimeter (µW/cm2) or by their percentage of UVB radiation (2%, 5%, 10%, etc.). You need to choose a low-strength UVB bulb for your crested gecko (2% or 5%), as they do not need high levels of UVB exposure. A high-strength UVB bulb (10% or more) may be too intense for your crested gecko and cause harm.
• Position the UVB bulb at the right distance and angle from the enclosure. The distance and angle of the UVB bulb from the enclosure affect its intensity and coverage. You need to position the UVB bulb at a distance that provides enough but not too much UVB exposure for your cheap crested geckos for sale. The optimal distance depends on the type and strength of the UVB bulb you use. You can use a UV meter or a chart provided by the manufacturer to measure or estimate the optimal distance. Generally speaking, you should position the UVB bulb at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from your crested geckos for sale’s enclosure. You also need to position the UVB bulb at an angle that provides even and consistent UVB exposure for your crested gecko. You should position the UVB bulb horizontally above your crested gecko’s enclosure, and not vertically or diagonally. You should also avoid placing any objects that can block or reflect the UVB light, such as glass, plastic, mesh, or metal.
• Monitor the temperature and humidity in the enclosure. The temperature and humidity in the enclosure affect the comfort and health of your crested gecko. You need to monitor the temperature and humidity in the enclosure regularly and adjust them accordingly. You can use a thermometer and a hygrometer to measure the temperature and humidity in the enclosure. You can also use a thermostat and a humidifier to control the temperature and humidity in the enclosure. The optimal temperature range for crested geckos is 72-82°F (22-28°C), while the optimal humidity range is 60-80%. You should avoid exposing your crested gecko to temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 65°F (18°C), as they can cause overheating or hypothermia. You should also avoid exposing your crested geckos for sale to humidity levels above 90% or below 50%, as they can cause dehydration or respiratory infections.
• Provide adequate shade and hiding spots for your crested gecko. The shade and hiding spots in the enclosure provide your crested gecko with protection and privacy from the UVB light and other stressors. You need to provide adequate shade and hiding spots for your crested gecko in the enclosure, especially during the day when they sleep. You can use plants, branches, vines, cork bark, coconut shells, or other decorations to create shade and hiding spots for your crested geckos for sale near me. You should provide at least one hiding spot for each crested gecko in the enclosure, and make sure they are large enough and secure enough for them to fit and feel safe. You should also provide different levels of shade and hiding spots for your crested geckos for sale near me, such as high, medium, and low, to give them options and variety.
• Replace the UVB bulb regularly. The UVB bulb loses its effectiveness over time, as it emits less UVB light than when it was new. You need to replace the UVB bulb regularly to ensure that it provides enough UVB exposure for your crested geckos for sale. The lifespan of the UVB bulb depends on the type and quality of the bulb you use. You can check the label or the website of the manufacturer to find out how long the UVB bulb lasts. Generally speaking, you should replace the UVB bulb every 6-12 months. You should also check the UVB bulb for any signs of damage or malfunction, such as cracks, flickering, dimming, or burning out.

 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about crested geckos for sale near me and UVB light:

• Do crested geckos for sale need light at night? No, crested geckos do not need light at night, as they are nocturnal animals. Providing light at night can disrupt their natural cycle of day and night, leading to stress and health problems. It is best to let them access natural light for 4-6 hours only every day to keep them healthy.
• What type of light does a crested gecko need? crested geckos for sale near me need natural light during the day to maintain their circadian rhythm. Therefore, during the day, crested geckos should have access to natural light or at least the standard fluorescent lights for a short period of basking. Do not provide any lighting for the crested gecko during the night because the lizards are nocturnal and will not require any light.
• Should I leave my crested gecko’s light on at night? No, you should not leave your crested geckos for sale near me’s light on at night, as it can cause them stress and health problems. Crested geckos are nocturnal animals, and they need a dark and quiet environment to sleep. Leaving a light on at night will interfere with their natural cycle of day and night, and make them uncomfortable and inactive.