Leo tank question

[tress29]

Our leo is in a 20 long aquarium, and it used to have a glass versa-lid.  Since I stepped on it, and need to replace it, should I get another glass lid, or is screen better?  Do they need good ventilation with the screen?  Does the glass hold the heat better?  (Our versa-lid did have holes drilled in the plastic strip for some air exchange.)  I guess I'm worried about keeping her warm when my apt temp is only set to 68*.  Her light has a night bulb that runs all the time, and the day bulb to raise daytime temps.

Also, does anyone know if she needs the light the day bulb provides?  Since she seems to avoid the bright light, I thought to just run two night bulbs...

Thanks for you assistance!

Theresa in Indy

[justanotherfroginthepond]

The only problem with a solid lid is that they are a desert gecko, and with a water dish in the cage, the solid lid could raise the humidity too much.  I like a screen lid (just watch for cold drafts from opening doors during the winter.  Even a leopard gecko can get an upper resp. infection!).  He shies from the daylight because he's nocturnal, and therefore isn't big on bright.  Are you talking UVB or purely incandescant UVA for the day bulb?  There's a bit of a debate on this one, but most people feel that UVB isn't necessary as they don't spend much time basking during the day.  It won't HURT them, however, and as long as they have a hide it shouldn't bother them too much.  Keep in mind that nighttime temps 'round the desert get pretty low, so as long as you can keep his ambiant air temp. about  70-75 (lots of people let it go cooler, this is just the nightime temp. range I tell everyone since there WILL be fluctuations from person to person) at night and he's eating and pooping fine, he's good to go.  They're pretty hardy and I think you'll find that people keep them in a wide range of temperatures and heat sources with no problems.   

[tress29]

Both bullbs are 25 watt, an EXO Terra Sun-Glo (does provide UVA,) and an EXO Terra Night Glo.  I run the night bulb all the time to warm up the ambient temp from the apartment.  Then we add the day bulb to provide daytime warmth.  I'm using paper towel for substrate, so can't use a UTH.  I liked that the versa-lid was hinged so we could add crickets without removing the lid, but found a Zilla hinged screen lid online.  Can my light fixture sit right on the screen?  I was told it shouldn't sit directly on the glass...

Thanks!

Theresa

[justanotherfroginthepond]

Your fixture can sit right on the screen.  I was actually going to suggest the hinged Zilla until I read you had already found one!    If your ballast is made of plastic (i.e. a typical fish tank ballast) you will want to make sure that the bulbs are only over screen.  With higher wattage bulbs the light reflecting off of the metal stripping down the center of the lid could create a "melting" issue for the ballast itself.  25 watt bulbs probably are not strong enough to do any dameage, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

I would check your temperatures after switching lids, though.  You'll probably need to move up to 40-50 watt night and 60-75 watt day.  It may seem like a pain, but the higher ventilation/no humidity retention will be better in the long run.  That said, as long as he's eating and pooping well and regularly, he's fine!