UVB lighting?

[ook_10]

Ok, so I've been reading around and it seems like some people say cresties need UVB lighting while other people say normal lighting is fine. My gecko is just a baby (about 2 months) and I want to give her the best of everything... =] Do they need UVB lighting even though I feed her the Repashy diet? If so, what lighting is recommended?

[zuk450]

In my opinion they dont need uv lighting. some people use a uv light if they haveive plants in their terrarium, and as long as it isnt a buld designed for high uv output (a reptisun 5.0 or 6.0 would be too much for a cresie i think) it shouldnt hurt a crestie.

 I used a reptisun 3.5 for about a year on one of my cresties and didnt notice any change in health or activity level. now i just use the room lighting or open up the blinds on the window if its a sunny day.

[architeuthis]

I should think nocturnal animals don't have much use for sunlight. Just IMOHO.

[Spyral]

If you want "the best of everything" you could provide a UVB bulb for a few hours a day, but be sure they are getting ambient light for the rest of the day as they need to keep their day/night cycle regular. UVB light is recommended for sick crested geckos, especially those with MBD as it does help with calcium absorption. However, it hasn't been shown to be the main source of vitamin D for captive cresties, as they are nocturnal. That doesn't mean they wouldn't utilize UVB (sunlight) in nature - mostly they rest in the branches or leaf litter and not in dark crevices or caves.

UVB bulbs are not necessary, but can be beneficial. Also, they can show off colors better.

[zuk450]

^ they definetly do show off the colors better, that is a good point (and reason enough to use one for alot of people im sure  ).

[crazytanak]

I bought a set of bulbs from walmart over in the fish tank section. its called a grow bulb. provided similar effects to uvb lights but is only $3 as opposed to the $35 UVB bulbs at the pet store

[samanthajane13]

Yeah-but they aren't the same...or even similar.

Especially if you're using the light for a gecko with MBD.

They can't utilize/absorb calcium with that sort of light.

It's like saying you give an infant skim cow's milk rather than formula/breast milk or Kool-ade or Gatorade instead of fruit juice...because it's still milk or "fruit-flavored"...but cheaper.

Somethings there are just NO good substitutions.