Heat lamps and heat mats for leos

[DannyLeigh]

Hi again.
I am looking at a leo starter kit of 888 reptiles and the set up comes with a red heat bulb, and I have read that you should use heat mats.

So, shall I also buy a thermostat and heat mat for the warm end and use them with the red bulb aswell?

It's all very confusing

Thanks,
Dan.

[Sarah-Jayne]

Yep a heat mat is a must for leos as the absorb heat through their stomachs to digest their food etc and a stat is a must too to avoid overheating and burns.

You can use a low wattage red light bulb on a night time for viewing if you wish, I used to use a 15watt pygmy bulb in my vivs but now I dont use any lighting at all

[Kimmy173]

heatmats are better for leos, mainly because as mentioned it helps them digest, but also because they don't bask as they are nocternal animals and bright lights can upset their vision, especially for albinos. It's said that leos can't see the red spectrum so many owners use red lights for viewing purposes at night, but get an energy saving bulb if possible to reduce the amount of heat coming off the bulb. The light isn't necessary so it's your choice whether you keep the bulb or not.

[DannyLeigh]

I think I'll get a heat mat. Thanks for the help.