Key Takeaway:
- Key Takeaways Red light can have impacts on the circadian cycle of crested geckos.
- Blue light is used during the day to mimic natural daylight and provide appropriate illumination.
- Crested geckos require a balanced lighting setup with both heat and UVB radiation, and the specific lighting setup will depend on their age, health, and overall behavior.
Crested geckos are one of the most popular pet reptiles and provide an excellent pet-keeping experience for their owners.
As with any pet, proper lighting is crucial for their overall health and well-being. When it comes to crested gecko lighting, two options stand out: blue and red lights.
Each type of light has its own benefits and drawbacks, and it can be difficult to determine which one is better for your crested gecko.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of blue and red lights for crested geckos, and help you determine which one is the best choice for your pet.
Is Red Light Good For Geckos?
There are no scientific studies that have conclusively demonstrated that red light is bad for crested geckos. However, there are several reasons why it may not be ideal to use red light as the primary source of light for these creatures:
- Circadian Rhythm Disruption: Crested geckos are nocturnal animals, which means that they are most active at night. Exposing them to red light can disrupt their circadian rhythm and cause stress.
- Melatonin Suppression: Red light can also suppress the production of melatonin in crested geckos, which can interfere with their natural sleep-wake cycle and hurt their overall health.
- Temperature Regulation: Crested geckos are ectothermic animals, which means that they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Red lights emit little heat, which means they may not be able to provide the warmth that crested geckos need to stay healthy.
- Vision Impairment: Crested geckos have excellent night vision, which is why they can navigate their environment in the dark. However, red light can impair their ability to see, making it harder for them to find food, water, and other essential resources.
- UV Light: While red light itself is not harmful to crested geckos, it does not provide the UV light that these animals need to stay healthy. Crested geckos require exposure to UVB light to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for bone health and overall well-being. Without adequate UVB exposure, crested geckos can develop a range of health problems, including metabolic bone disease.
Is Blue Light Good For Geckos?
Blue light can also be beneficial for crested geckos in certain situations. Blue light is often used during the day to mimic the natural daylight and provide appropriate illumination for the gecko’s enclosure.
This can help improve the crested gecko’s overall health and well-being by promoting natural behaviors and facilitating a healthy circadian rhythm.
Blue light can also be used in conjunction with UVB radiation sources to provide additional benefits for crested geckos.
UVB radiation is important for metabolizing calcium and maintaining strong bones, and blue light can help to enhance the overall effectiveness of UVB sources by increasing the visibility and penetration of UVB rays.
However, it is important to note that bright or intense blue light can also cause stress and discomfort in crested geckos.
Over-exposure to bright blue light can disrupt the gecko’s natural circadian rhythm and lead to sleep disturbances, behavioral changes, and decreased overall health.
What Color Light Is Best For Crested Geckos?
The best color of light for crested geckos is a matter of personal preference and depends on the specific needs of your pet.
Both red and blue light have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for your crested gecko will depend on several factors, including their age, health, and overall behavior.
For example, red light is a good choice for crested geckos as a form of “nighttime heat” because it does not disrupt the gecko’s sleep cycle and is less likely to cause stress compared to brighter lights.
Blue light, on the other hand, is often used during the day to mimic natural daylight and provide appropriate illumination for the gecko’s enclosure.
Ultimately, the best color of light for your crested gecko will depend on your specific needs and the needs of your pet.
A balanced lighting setup that includes both red and blue light, as well as UVB radiation sources, is recommended to provide the best overall health and well-being for your crested gecko.
By carefully considering the specific needs of your pet and selecting the right lighting setup, you can ensure that your crested gecko thrives in its enclosure and enjoys a long, healthy life.
Is Red Light OK For Crested Geckos?
Red light is not ideal for crested geckos for several reasons. Firstly, it can disrupt their natural circadian rhythm and cause stress. Secondly, red light can suppress the production of melatonin in these animals, which can interfere with their sleep-wake cycle and negatively impact their overall health.
Additionally, crested geckos need external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature, and red lights emit little heat, which may not be sufficient for their needs.
Moreover, red light can impair their night vision, making it harder for them to navigate their environment and find essential resources.
Finally, red light does not provide the UVB light that crested geckos require to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for bone health and overall well-being.
What Type Of Light Does A Crested Gecko Need?
Crested geckos require a balanced lighting setup that provides both heat and ultraviolet (UVB) radiation.
The specific type of light that a crested gecko needs will depend on its age, health, and overall behavior.
Heat
To maintain an appropriate temperature in their enclosure, crested geckos require a heat source.
This can be provided through a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter that provides a basking spot with a temperature of around 80-85°F.
Nighttime heat can be provided using a red heat bulb or ceramic heat emitter.
UVB Radiation
Crested geckos also require UVB radiation to metabolize calcium and maintain strong bones.
A UVB light bulb or strip should be positioned close to the gecko’s basking spot and should provide enough UVB radiation to penetrate the enclosure and reach the gecko.
UVB lights should be replaced every 6-12 months to ensure that they are providing the appropriate level of radiation.
Summary
Crested geckos require a balanced lighting setup that includes both heat and ultraviolet (UVB) radiation to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Red light can be used at night as a form of “nighttime heat” without disrupting the gecko’s sleep cycle, while blue light is often used during the day to mimic natural daylight and provide appropriate illumination.
The specific type of light that a crested gecko needs will depend on its age, health, and overall behavior, and a balanced setup that includes both red and blue light, as well as UVB radiation sources, is recommended.
