Leo Heat/Light Question

[Quiller]

Hi,
I've just bought a 36"x18" wooden Viv and, having read a number of care sheets etc. I've opted for 1x75w Infared Bulb as the heat source as this will also provide nocturnal viewing light. The bulb is linked to a Habistat Night/Day Dimmer Thermostat which in turn is connected to a Habistat Night Eye.

Substrate at the moment is kitchen roll, ready to receive my 3 new babies.

Am I doing right with the set-up or does anyone have recommendations? I've got until the weekend to make any necessary changes before the new occupants arrive.

Thanks.

[imitebmike]

I would get a heat mat as well, cause leos absorb the heat through their tumtums to help them digest their food

[funky1]

Yeah, I agree with the above post. A heat-mat is an absolute essential as far as leos are concerned. Please try to get one asap.

[Quiller]

Thanks for the advice, people. I'll check out suitable options.

[Ssthisto]

Heat mats are not essential IF you have appropriate cage furnishings.

I manage this by keeping a ceramic or stone tile directly under the heat lamp, which is warmed (like rocks would be in the wild) by the overhead light.

Voila, belly heat AND natural overhead heat.

[POAGeckos]

Yupp, heat mats arnt needed is you can get it warm enough in the warm side hides. My rock hide for on of my females gets to 90-95F inside, and stays that way for 3 hours after the light is off. If you use a rockhide, that absorbs alot of heat, and has very little areas for the heat to escape, then it will be perfect.

I hope when you say kitchen roll is the sub at the moment, that you only mean you will be switching to just tile/slate/lino or some kind of non-loose sub(also I dont suggest repti carpet for leos, toes can get caught easily on it.) Just stick to tile/slate/lino or kitchen roll, and you should be fine.

Everything sounds fine, as long as you use a rocktype hide on the hot side so it heats up, a heat mat isnt nessasary.