Does your little crested gecko seem sluggish or constantly hide away? Often, the secret to a happy, healthy gecko lies in its environment, especially the temperature. Crested geckos hail from tropical forests, and they need warmth to thrive, just like we need the right temperature to feel comfortable.
Choosing the perfect heat source can feel like a jungle itself! Many gecko owners worry about giving their pets too much heat, or not enough. You might be confused about which type of lamp works best, how hot it should get, or even where to place it safely inside the terrarium. Getting the temperature wrong can seriously affect your gecko’s well-being, causing stress or illness.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about heat lamps for your crested gecko. By the end of this post, you will feel confident selecting the safest and most effective heating solution to keep your nocturnal friend active and content.
Top Heat Lamp For Crested Gecko Recommendations
- Introducing our 5.5 Inch Deep Dome Lamp Fixture, with a maximum wattage capacity of 250 watts. This versatile lampshade is compatible with E26 base bulbs, including reptile lamps, UVA/UVB basking heat bulbs, and ceramic heat lamps, making it perfect for your pet's lighting and heating needs.
- The interior of the lampshade is crafted from durable high UV reflectivity aluminum alloy and treated with advanced electroplating and polishing techniques, effectively enhancing UVA/UVB output.
- Each lampshade features a generous 67-inch cable with its own independent switch, ensuring both convenience and safety during use.
- Efficient Heat Dissipation: With top ventilation holes, our lampshade ensures optimal heat dissipation for continuous and stable bulb operation.
- 12-Month Warranty: For any inquiries or concerns, reach out to us anytime. We BOEESPAT guarantee a response within 24 hours and provide a comprehensive 12 months warranty on our product.
- 【New Upgrade-Intelligent Design】：Reptile heat lamp with intelligent cycle timing design, once set to automatically switch on and off, every 24 hours at the same time to turn on the light, automatic cycle, no need to manually turn off every day, convenient and time-saving. The glass tube extends the life of the bulb, simulates the solar spectrum, raises the temperature, replenishes calcium and provides more direct sunlight and higher UV radiation.
- 【High Quality Material】: Made of high-quality metal, lengthened and thickened gooseneck, strong, rust-proof,anti-deformation, long service life, double-headed gooseneck can be flexibly rotated 360 degrees, double-head support two power switching, wider irradiation range, The new upgraded clip is firm and not easy to loosen.
- 【Unique Intelligent Design】: The reptile Heat Lamp is intelligent cycle timing design is adopted, the automatic switch is set at one time, the lights are turned on at the same time every 24 hours, and the automatic cycle is carried out, and there is no need to manually turn off every day, which is convenient and time-saving.
- 【Wide Applicability】:The reptile Heat Lamp available in pet crates of all sizes, suitable for most amphibians and mammals, reptiles and succulents. For example: for lizards, spiders, frogs, turtles, snakes, geckos, hermit crabs, birds, chickens, fish, plants.
- 【Safety and Service】: The crawling light is 3c certified, the material is bold, safe and convenient,if you have any questions or product problems, please feel free to contact us, we provide 365-day after-sales service for all products, hoping to make you have a satisfactory shopping experience.
- Easily attach to the rim of all terrariums
- The perfect lamp for reptiles
- All sizes feature safety clamp
- 🦎No Light Emitted - The heat lamp bulb only generates heat during use, and does not emit light. It provides sufficient heat for your pets so that they can feel the warmth you made for it in a cold environment. Especially when it is used at night, it will not affect the pet's sleep.
- 🦎Heating UP Fast - After turning on the reptile ceramic heat bulb for 10 seconds, you can clearly feel the rapid rise in temperature, and it only takes 4 minutes for the reptile heat lamp to reach the rated temperature.
- 🦎Sturdy - LUCKY HERP reptile heat emitter is made of thick special ceramic material, and the heat light bulb shell is stronger and more durable than ordinary heating lamps. Our reptile light bulbs last up to 10,000 hours. Use in standard E26 lamp base, 120 volts and easy to install.
- 🦎Safety Instructions - You must use good quality ceramic lamp holders. When using the reptile basking bulb, keep a distance of more than 30cm from reptiles. Do not turn on the chicken heat lamp immediately after turning it off, and do not turn the bulb on and off frequently.
- 🦎No Light Emitted - The heat lamp bulb only generates heat during use, and does not emit light. It provides sufficient heat for your pets so that they can feel the warmth you made for it in a cold environment. Especially when it is used at night, it will not affect the pet's sleep.
- 🦎Heating UP Fast - After turning on the reptile ceramic heat bulb for 10 seconds, you can clearly feel the rapid rise in temperature, and it only takes 4 minutes for the reptile heat lamp to reach the rated temperature.
- 🦎Sturdy - LUCKY HERP reptile heat emitter is made of thick special ceramic material, and the heat light bulb shell is stronger and more durable than ordinary heating lamps. Our reptile light bulbs last up to 10,000 hours. Use in standard E26 lamp base, 120 volts and easy to install.
- 🦎Safety Instructions - You must use good quality ceramic lamp holders. When using the reptile basking bulb, keep a distance of more than 30cm from reptiles. Do not turn on the chicken heat lamp immediately after turning it off, and do not turn the bulb on and off frequently.
- 【Great Value】REPTIZOO reptile light fixture with dimming thermostat is great for helping you create a suitable temperature range for your pets. The reptile fixture is ETL certified, apply E26 ceramics lamp cap, can bear Max 100W. (Heat bulbs NOT included )
- 【Reptile Light Fixture】This efficient reflection lampshade is made of high quality highly finished aluminum material, which can greatly enhances the output of UVA and UVB. The top reserves radiating and ventilating holes to guarantee good heat dissipation effect
- 【Dimming Reptile Thermostat】This temperature controller has highly accurate & precise sensor which can sensitively detect the real-time temperature and make adjustments, so you can always keep the reptile heat lamp in right temperature. Constant temperature control range is from 20℃ to 50℃ (68°F to 122°F)
- 【Safety & Reliable】The dimming thermostat is designed specifically for controlling heat lamps, smart PID heating mode is more stable and efficient which can improve bulb lifetime. Compared to general thermostats, our dimming thermostat can avoids temperature instability and strong lighting changes, it's more beneficial to reptiles health
- 【Easy to Use】 Simply put the prob in terrarium, set the appropriate temperature and then connect the power supply. LED digital screen can directly display ambient temperature and setting value. You can switch Celsius and Fahrenheit at will
- 【Premium Material & Safety Design】Heating lamps feature heat-resistant aluminum alloy coating and reinforced ceramic base. CAUTION - Critical Safety Tips：1) Always mount the lamp at least 10 inches from surfaces ；2) Use heat-resistant gloves when adjusting angles；3) Shut off the lamp for 6-hour intervals; 4) Keep away from dampness, inflammables and plastic to prevent circuit malfunctions.
- 【Veterinarian Recommended】 Terrarium heat lamps designed to mimic the natural heat of the sun for reptiles, amphibians, and other small animals that require a warm environment to thrive.
- 【360° Rotatable Clip】 Allows you to adjust the angle of the lamp depending on the size of your reptile. This is important so that you can get the most accurate heat distribution possible. Exclusive heat dissipation air duct design: 27% cooler than traditional lamps
- 【Bulb Life Pro Tips】 Ceramic E27 socket, compatible with 10-75W fluorescent, incandescent, ceramic heater, UV bulb, halogen, LED, etc. ▶️Suggestion: Use new bulb every 2 months in a high temperature environment. Avoid placing it with plastic.
- 【Package】 Includes 1 * Heat Lamp , 1 * 50W E27 socket Bulb （3000+ hours life certification）. Cord length approx 4.59 FT. Clip opening up to 1.97 inch.
- 【Larger Basking Area & Adjustable Temperature】Our double-headed reptile heat lamp expands the lighting area to provide more simulated sunlight, which is very helpful in promoting reptiles' appetite and calcium absorption. With 3 brightness (heat) settings, you can adjust the warmth to suit your pet's needs by pressing the +/- button.
- 【Upgraded Cycle Timing】You can choose to keep the heat lamp on continuously or set a timed mode. The timed mode only needs to be set once, and the heating lamp will automatically turn on and off at the same time every day, saving you time and hassle. Additionally, by incorporating a crystal oscillator into the timer, we have effectively solved the issues of timer failure and inaccurate timing that may occur in some other heat lamps over time.
- 【Longer Goose Neck Design】The 15.2-inch-long goosenecks can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing you to control the distance and angle of the light flexibly for your reptile's comfort. The strong clamp with sponge pad can install the lamps in any position, perfect for aquatic turtle tank, terrarium, enclosure, aquarium, and other small habitats.
- 【Premium Material】Both the clip and lamp housing parts are made of high-quality metal instead of plastic, making them sturdier and more durable. The lamp holder is made of ceramic, which is also more heat resistant, safe, and durable than the plastic holder used in the previous generation of heating lamps.
- 【Wide Applicability】Our heat lamp is suitable for most reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and plants, including turtles, tortoises, geckos, lizards, frogs, toads, iguanas, snakes, chameleons, bearded dragons, hermit crabs, chickens, birds, puppies, and more. If you encounter any product issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will reply to you within 24 hours to resolve problems.
Choosing the Right Heat Lamp for Your Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are amazing pets! They need the right temperature to stay healthy and happy. A heat lamp is often necessary, especially in cooler homes. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a heat lamp, look closely at these features. They make a big difference in how well the lamp works for your gecko.
- **Wattage Control:** You need a lamp that offers different heat levels. Crested geckos like temperatures between 72°F and 78°F. A bulb that is too strong will cook your gecko! Look for lower wattages, often 25W to 40W, depending on your room temperature.
- **Ceramic or Basking Type:** Some lamps give off light, and some only give off heat. Crested geckos are nocturnal (active at night). If you use a heat lamp at night, choose a **Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE)**. CHEs produce heat but no visible light, which doesn’t bother their sleep cycle.
- **Fixture Compatibility:** Make sure the bulb fits your existing dome fixture. Ceramic emitters often require a specific porcelain socket, as plastic sockets can melt from the heat they generate.
- **Heat Direction:** You want a lamp that directs heat down onto the basking area, not just all around the tank.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect safety and how long the lamp lasts.
Good quality heat lamps use durable materials. For bulbs that produce light, look for **halogen** or **incandescent** materials designed for reptile use. These heat up quickly. For Ceramic Heat Emitters, the exterior shell must be strong **ceramic**. This ceramic holds the heat well and prevents cracking when it cools down quickly.
Avoid cheap plastic housings on the lamp fixture itself. Heat and plastic do not mix well. High-quality fixtures use metal or thick, heat-resistant ceramic sockets. A poorly made bulb might burn out fast, costing you more money in the long run.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one lamp better than another? It usually comes down to control and safety.
Quality Boosters: The best systems include a **dimmer switch or thermostat**. A thermostat automatically turns the lamp on or off to keep the temperature steady. This prevents overheating, which is a major quality feature. Also, lamps that spread heat evenly, rather than creating one super-hot spot, are better.
Quality Reducers: Cheap bulbs that flicker when heating up reduce quality. Flickering light stresses reptiles. Also, any fixture that feels flimsy or gets excessively hot on the outside (where you might touch it) reduces safety and quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people actually use these lamps? The experience changes based on when you need the heat.
Most crested gecko owners use heat lamps only when the ambient room temperature drops below 70°F. If your house stays warm, you might not need one at all! Use a digital thermometer to check the temperature gradient inside the tank.
If you use a CHE for nighttime heat, users report very positive experiences because it provides necessary warmth without disrupting the gecko’s dark cycle. Daytime heating might use a low-wattage basking bulb placed on top of a screen lid, aiming heat toward a specific branch or leaf structure where the gecko might occasionally rest.
Remember: Never place a heat source inside the tank where the gecko can touch it. Always use a dome fixture suspended safely above the screen lid.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Lamps for Crested Geckos
Q: Do crested geckos absolutely need a heat lamp?
A: Not always. If your house stays between 72°F and 78°F, they do not need extra heat. You only need a lamp if the temperature falls below 70°F consistently.
Q: Should I use a heat lamp during the day or at night?
A: If you need heat, use a regular basking bulb during the day. If you need nighttime heat, use a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) because it gives off heat without light.
Q: What wattage bulb should I buy?
A: Start small. Try 25 watts. If the temperature is still too low, move up to 40 watts. Bigger rooms need more power, but geckos need gentle warmth.
Q: Can I use a regular light bulb?
A: No. Regular household bulbs do not provide the right type of heat. Use reptile-specific bulbs or CHEs for safety and effectiveness.
Q: How close should the lamp be to the tank lid?
A: This depends on the wattage and your room temperature. Always use a thermometer inside the tank. Start with the dome fixture six inches above the screen, and adjust it until you reach the target temperature.
Q: Are Ceramic Heat Emitters safe for geckos?
A: Yes, they are very safe for nighttime use because they do not produce light. They only produce infrared heat.
Q: What is a thermostat, and do I need one?
A: A thermostat is a device that plugs into your lamp and reads the tank temperature. It turns the lamp off when it gets too hot. Yes, thermostats are highly recommended for safety.
Q: My gecko seems to hide all the time after I installed the lamp. Why?
A: The lamp might be too hot or too bright. Crested geckos dislike bright light. If you use a light bulb, make sure it only shines on a small basking spot, and they have plenty of dark hiding places.
Q: How long do these heat bulbs usually last?
A: Quality reptile bulbs often last several months with daily use. Ceramic emitters can last much longer, sometimes over a year, because they do not have a fragile filament like light bulbs.
Q: Where should I place the thermometer to check the heat?
A: Place one thermometer near the top of the tank where the gecko might bask, and another one near the bottom to check the cooler side. This helps you see the temperature difference, or gradient.