Hello all. I'm Martyn, this is my first post here. Have recently picked up a crested gecko after wanting one for many years.
I'm a bit concerned that the bulb I have fitted is a little too powerful so wanted some advice.. The crestie is a baby a little over 2 months old and has been in my care for 3 days. Until it is older it's is housed in a small exo terra 30x30x45cm with a compact top light fixture. I'm now starting to think that the komodo 26w 10% UVB bulb that the shop sold me is far too much light for such a small enclosure.
It has generally settled in well and is very active at night, and has at least disturbed the food I've left out. However when the light comes on (timer), rather than find a nice spot to rest for the day, it will take whatever shade is available in its immediate vicinity and not move until the light goes off again in the evening.
There is plenty of shade available and I understand the concept of letting the gecko self regulate, but is it possible that with it being so young and timid, it's too scared to find a better spot.
I suppose I've got a few options and I'd appreciate some advice on which to take.
1) Continue as is. Let the gecko take care of itself. Leave it to learn the day/night cycle.
2) Fit a less powerful bulb, something like the komodo 15w 5%.
3) Leave the light off and just rely on ambient room light until it's settled in better.
Sorry for the longish post! And thanks for any help.
Cheers :2thumb:
I'm a bit concerned that the bulb I have fitted is a little too powerful so wanted some advice.. The crestie is a baby a little over 2 months old and has been in my care for 3 days. Until it is older it's is housed in a small exo terra 30x30x45cm with a compact top light fixture. I'm now starting to think that the komodo 26w 10% UVB bulb that the shop sold me is far too much light for such a small enclosure.
It has generally settled in well and is very active at night, and has at least disturbed the food I've left out. However when the light comes on (timer), rather than find a nice spot to rest for the day, it will take whatever shade is available in its immediate vicinity and not move until the light goes off again in the evening.
There is plenty of shade available and I understand the concept of letting the gecko self regulate, but is it possible that with it being so young and timid, it's too scared to find a better spot.
I suppose I've got a few options and I'd appreciate some advice on which to take.
1) Continue as is. Let the gecko take care of itself. Leave it to learn the day/night cycle.
2) Fit a less powerful bulb, something like the komodo 15w 5%.
3) Leave the light off and just rely on ambient room light until it's settled in better.
Sorry for the longish post! And thanks for any help.
Cheers :2thumb: