leo info

lynsey_togofire · 07-25-03, 09:42 PM

just a quick question before my boyfriend gets his leo. i personally have owned many lizards and as of right now have an iguana. i was telling him that the leos need a UV light and an under the tank heat pad. is that true or is the heat pad sufficient? i've heard both. thanks in advance for any replies!

lynsey

choriona · 07-25-03, 09:50 PM

Leos are nocternal creatures and thus don't need a UV light. I would have some day-light indicater though if the cage will be in a dark room (basement). Something to give them a day-night cycle.
I am not positive how they derive their D3 without the UV, but I am pretty sure they don't need it.

LISA127 · 07-25-03, 10:25 PM

They do need an undertank heat pad, but they do not need a UV light. However, I leave a shallow bowl of calcium w/D3 powder in the cage at all times. They will lap this up when they need it.

I also keep a low wattage heat bulb on the same end as the heat pad, to heat the air temp. I do this during the day only. The heat pad is on 24/7.

Samba · 07-26-03, 11:15 AM

You can use a UV, but Leos don't require them. Unlike iguanas, leos don't need it to produce vitamin D(3). A Under Tank Heater is a must, (placed on one side of the tank) and a basking lamp can also be provided for additional warmth if you live in a cold climate or have the AC on full-blast like some of us! That's about it, continue doing your research and enjoy your new pet!

Tim and Julie B · 07-26-03, 02:42 PM

Leos don't need UV but they do need a light source to regulate day and night. You can use an UTH or heat lamp. The heat lamp is good if your enclosure has an adequate ambient temperature at night. Because they do not require UV you need to supplement their vitamin intake using calcium D3. The D3 is necessary for the proper absorption of calicium in nocturnal reptiles. Also remember that sand is not a good substrate for any leos. Why take the chance if you don't have to? And it is also necessary to provide a dry hide box and a humid hide for them.

Bartman · 07-26-03, 02:47 PM

I use a red heat bulb and i leave it on 24/7 because i was told the leopard can not see the red light. During the day my room is bright so this is her indicator and at night its dark so she comes out but she still gets heat from the red lamp. I dont use an undertank heater.

lynsey_togofire · 07-26-03, 06:29 PM

do any of you know a good link to get leo care sheets? that would help out a lot. i'm trying to tell him all this info but i think he needs it written out so that he can read it and learn it at his own pace. lol...a little overwhelming when i'm sitting here listing off one thing after another, ya know? :P i need a link that will give ALL info on them, so that i can print it out and highlight what he NEEDS to read. thankx!!!

lynsey