Hi,

I need help. I am getting an Exo Terra Canopy for my terrariums. The plan is to have two set ups, one for a Mediterranean tortoise and one for a Leopard Gecko.

What UV lighting and heating do i need? There are so many types i.e 2.0 - 5.0 - 10.00 etc... and what wattage? I dont know how you can tell what you need for your animal. I am soooooo lost.

If anyone could take the time to help me, or explain how on earth you work out what is needed, I would be most grateful.

Many Thanks,

I'm curious, what size of exo-terras will you be using? I've only seen one that would be an appropriate size for a leopard gecko, and have never seen it for sale anywhere.

I'm not sure about the lighting needs for the tortoise, but I can tell you that you won't really need the canopy for the leo. Since they are nocturnal they need little UV, especially if you are supplementing their diet with suggested vitamins. The ambient light that comes into your gecko's room should be more than enough lighting for him. You'll want to invest in a UTH for the leopard gecko, and perhaps a low watt red reptile bulb.

Hope that helps clear things up a little!

If I were to buy some Exo Terra lighting for the Gecko, exactly which ones would you recommend UV wise, as there are many to choose from and I dont know which is best.

I was looking at: http://www.bitsforpets.com/index.php?cPath=12_13_297

Also, what size viv would you recommend?

Many thanks for your time.

Again, I would not recommend any UV lighting for the gecko. They can tolerate some lighting as even in the wild they will occasionally bask during the evening hours. The real problem that I see though is that it is very easy to over do it for these guys. We have had a few members here that have caused serious burns to their leos because they used UV lighting with them. Also, if you are supplementing your feeders you are providing all of the vitamins that the little light would be giving.

So, for a leopard gecko I suggest using an under tank heater with your tank and a 45-60 watt red reptile bulb if you need extra heating. Remember that you'll need to get the hot side temperature of the enclosure up to 32.2C and the cold side up to 26C.

As for the size of the enclosure, the minimum that most people here suggest is 30" long x 12" deep. A viv that is at least that size will provide enough room to put the essential hides and create a proper temperature gradient. There will also be enough room for the gecko to move about as their average adult size is around 8"-10" in my experiences here. Of course, bigger is better. If given proper temperatures and proper hiding spaces they can adjust well to a large home. I currently have mine in a 4'x2'x2' enclosure and she does just fine.