What are the best UVB lights for leos? | Leopard Geckos | Page 1

warped pond Dec 27, 2025, 12:30 AM

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I'm doing a complete terrarium overhaul for the holidays and I was wondering what some of the best UVB lights are for larger terrariums. The new tank is 40 gallons.

weary sand Dec 27, 2025, 12:35 AM

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Nta so uvb will depend on the mesh of the tank you are getting!! As for the best, Definitely linear bulbs since coils aren't proper

Every tank mesh blocks out a certain amount if the uvb hence why it can be different for the various tanks

!Uvichart

vivid lindenBOT Dec 27, 2025, 12:35 AM

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UVB

UVB light is essential to the vitamin D3 pathway in reptiles, and they would naturally get this from the sun in the wild. Reptiles cannot create their own D3, and insectivores, such as leopard geckos, and herbivores do not get enough D3 from their diet for survival, which is why supplementation is important in these animals especially. Vitamin D3 allows the body to use the calcium it intakes which means that reptiles need D3 to properly get calcium. Without calcium, they will develop metabolic bone disease (MBD) as well as other issues, which can be deadly.

Unlike some reptiles, leopard geckos can get enough D3 through proper supplementation.
However, it is still strongly recommended to provide leopard geckos with UVB to allow them to regulate their own D3 levels and for the additional benefits of UVB, such as bacterial and fungal management. The positives of UVB usage are well documented in the hobby, both with studies and anecdotal evidence, solidifying for many keepers that UVB is important to reptile welfare.

Leopard geckos in particular are Ferguson Zone 1 baskers, meaning they prefer to have fairly low levels of UVB, which makes sense for a crepuscular animal. We measure UVB exposure through UVI. Leopard geckos should have 0.5-1.5 UVI measured in their basking zone. Light sensitive morphs, such as albinos, should be provided more shade opportunities to be more comfortable in their environment. UV is best provided with a linear/tube UV bulb as this has a better output and dispersion than compact/coil bulbs. As of right now, there are two recommended brands, ZooMed and Arcadia, and for Leopard Geckos your options will be Zoomed Reptisun 5.0 T5, Arcadia Shadedweller 7%, and Arcadia Shadedweller Max 2.5%.

Links:
http://bit.ly/2JQXKw4
http://bit.ly/3bdDv7a
http://bit.ly/3rZq14z

weary sand Dec 27, 2025, 12:37 AM

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!Uvichart

vivid lindenBOT Dec 27, 2025, 12:37 AM

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What affects UVI? Enclosure mesh type and distance to basking spot. To find what bulb you need— find an appropriate UV chart, such as the one in this server or ones in the Reptile Lighting Facebook group files. These have been tested with a Solarmeter to show the UVI at different distances and with different percentage mesh blockages. Most popular enclosure mesh choices can range from 25-60% blockage.

Links:
https://i.imgur.com/mNIauXu.png

Imgur