Do Crested Geckos Need A Heat Lamp? or Special Lighting?

Crested geckos need Heat, and in captivity, being responsible owners, we should pay close attention to their care and requirements. In this article, I will tell you why crested geckos do not need light at night. We’ll also take a look at the answer to this fascinating question: do crested geckos need a heat lamp?

Gradient temperature and humidity need to be maintained. You can have a low-wattage heat lamp to help. Get them three hides (Hot, humid & cold) to help regulate their body temperature according to their need.

Do Crested Geckos Need A Heat Lamp?

Crested geckos need Heat, and in captivity, a heat source is mandatory for their health and wellbeing. One of the best sources of Heat in their enclosure is a heat lamp. 



Sometimes, crested geckos can get too cold, incapable of maintaining their body temperature. These cute little geckos are not like humans, and it’s not about their scaly skin. They are cold-blooded reptiles, and they can’t tolerate the same amount of degrees as we can. 

A crested gecko needs extra Heat to regulate its body temperature. Other than heat lamps, a heat mat also works. The light of the heat lamp will produce a day and night cycle for your crested gecko that they tend to experience in the wild. 

To learn why crested geckos need heat lamps, let’s know where they are from & from where they absorb Heat in the wild.

Why Do Crested Geckos Need Heat Lamp?

Crested geckos need Heat for breeding, regulating their daily activities, producing energy, movement, digesting food, excreting waste, and fueling cellular activity. Without Heat, they won’t be able to maintain their active bodily functions. 

In the wild, crested geckos usually absorb most of the Heat from two sources.

1. Sun. Most of the Heat they observe produces warmth in their bodies.
   
   
2. Temperature. In nature, the temperature gradient created by Heat from the ground, nature temperature, and the sun help maintain their essential bodily functions.
   
   
   
   

Do Crested Geckos Need A Heat Lamp At Night?

Crested geckos don’t need any heat lamp at night as they like chilly areas to hide and warm regions to thrive. At night, your crested geckos will be most active. You don’t need a heat lamp. 

Naturally, they are most active at night. One of the best things about them is they can thrive at room temperature as well. You don’t need any heat lamps at night. However, in the winter season, additional heat sources may be needed at night, but only if your room temperature also drops or reflects outdoor’s.

How Long Can A Crested Gecko Go Without A Heat Lamp?

A crested gecko can live without Heat. If your room temperature stays between 72-78° F all year round, they will not have any issue without a heat lamp. 

However, a light source is needed for a couple of hours a day for your crested gecko healthy body functions & sleeping pattern. You can do that by keeping their enclosure somewhere in direct sunlight. 

High temperature is a threat to crested geckos. Here are some possible health outcomes of extreme temperature.

1. Impaction
   
   
2. Respiratory Infection
   
   
3. Loss Of Appetite
   
   
   
   

Do Crested Geckos Need Special Lighting?

Crested Geckos don’t need any special lighting, which is why they are so popular. You need to monitor their enclosure’s temperature because it must be maintained between 72-78° F. 

A good temperature range is needed inside the enclosure for their best health and wellbeing. Here you can learn what temperature a crested gecko need does?

Do Crested Geckos Need Lighting?

Crested geckos don’t need any additional lighting or special lighting as long as the current temperature inside their enclosure favors day and night cycles for them. If the temperature is not constant all year round, they need a heat source. Plus, UVB & UVA is necessary for them to maintain their body function. Find out do crested geckos need UVB light?

Keeping crested in inadequate heating can result in:

1. Poor Feeding
   
   
2. Activities Change
   
   
3. Behavioral Change
   
   
4. Lethargy
   
   
5. Difficulty in Opening Eyes
   
   

If you notice this kind of sign in your cresties, immediately check the tank’s humidity level using a hygrometer and temperature using a thermometer.



  

Do Crested Geckos Need Light At Night?

Crested geckos don’t need light at night as they can see and thrive without any light source. The humidity temperature is the most important that needs to be maintained and monitored at night. 

In the wild, they tend to be most active at night and do their regular activity without lights. A bit of light will be helpful for them but avoid using a too-bright light as it can interfere with your crested gecko’s activities and its day & night cycle.

Why Do Crested Geckos Not Need Light At Night?

Crested geckos do not need light at night because, in the wild, the absence of light gives them signals to come out. Other than that, any additional light sources or lights at night will interfere with their night and day cycle. 

It’s essential to make your cresties nightlife a little bit better. Being crepuscular reptiles, crested geckos are primarily active at night, and any type of lighting in the enclosure is not quite right. Avoid getting any additional lighting or light bulbs as it can stress crested geckos.

What Is The Best Heat Source For Crested Geckos?

The best heat source for crested ago in captivity is a heat lamp. But it is not needed if the temperature and humidity level is maintained. 

If you live in a place with varying weather conditions, then a heat source may be required. If you manage your room temperature at 72-78 ° F, you can keep them in your room as well. You can avoid heat lamps.

Should I Turn My Crested Geckos Light Off At Night?

Turning the light off will be best for the Crested Geckos as it will make them aware that it’s time for them to come out. They are primarily active at night, and you will find them climbing and jumping mainly at dawn and dusk.

What Geckos Don’t Need Heat?

Gargoyle Geckos, Mourning Geckos, Crested Geckos, Cave Geckos, And Naultinus Genus Geckos don’t need additional heat or heat lamps as long as the temperature is constant according to their need.

Can Crested Geckos Live Without A Light?

Yes, crested geckos can live without a light, but you need to keep their enclosure in a place where they can know the sunrise as it alerts them of their resting and sleeping period. Please keep them in a place where they can get access to Sunlight for a few hours a day.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping Up: Crested geckos don’t need any additional light as long as the temperature and humidity levels are maintained for the day and night. They don’t even need a heat lamp or special lighting if your room temperature stays constant between 72-78 F. 

At night, you need to turn off the light. I gave you all the information on: do crested geckos need a heat lamp based on my in-depth research. If you have any questions, you can comment below. I hope you also check out another article as well till then, take care & goodbye.