Reptile owners know that one of the most important parts of owning a reptile is considering what type of tank lighting they might need. Leopard geckos don’t technically need a heat lamp, or a lamp for light.
However, a good UVA or UVB light can greatly help their health as it boosts the immune system, increases feeding, and can even strengthen the bones.
Our list here takes into account prices, purchasing customer reviews, ease of use, and other factors to aid you in choosing the best light for your leopard gecko.
10. Zoo Med ReptiSun 5.0 Mini Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Ideal for: All reptiles
This mini light is perfectly sized for smaller terrariums, which is ideal for the often smaller habitat of a leopard gecko. The full spectrum light emits 5% UVB and 30% UVA. The UVB is transmitted through a quartz glass, which makes for greater UVB penetration.
This lamp utilizes standard threads, so it can be placed directly into an existing light socket or in the hood of a terrarium.
- 5% UVB, 30% UVA with special quartz glass transmitting
- Ideal for small terrariums
- Inexpensive
- No separate lamp needed
- May be too small for larger terrariums
9. Exo Terra Solar-Glo High Intensity Self-Ballasted Uv/Heat Mercury Vapor Lamp
Ideal for: Reptiles such as geckos
This lamp by Exo Terra provides all the benefits of natural light— it outputs UVB, UVA, and warmth, with optimal UVB penetration. The lamp is designed with a self-ballasted mercury vapor bulb, and is easy to install and adjust.
The bulb comes in a 125 watt and 160 watt option, so it’s simple to choose the right bulb for the habitat, making this a good option for best light for leopard gecko.
Warning: Some mercury vapor lamps’ output of ultraviolet wavelengths is often too high so limit your gecko’s exposure to them as they can turn out dangerous for your reptile. Follow the product’s instructions closely.
- Emits a good balance of UVB and UVA light
- UVB penetration up to 12 inches away
- Easy installation
- May be too intense for smaller terrariums
8. Fluker’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp with Switch for Reptiles, 5.5-Inch
Ideal for: All reptiles
This versatile lamp features a strong clamp which is designed to clip onto the rim of all terrarium types. The lamp can be used with nearly any light bulb, up to 250 watts, so it’s simple to create the perfect balance of UVB and UVA light for the gecko.
The dome portion of the lamp itself is made with heavy gauge aluminum.
- Sturdy aluminum construction
- Can be used with any fluorescent UVB/UVA lamp
- Attaches to terrarium rim
- Does not come with a bulb
7. Zilla Reptile Slimline Reptile Lighting Fixture with UVB Lamp, 18-Inches
Ideal for: Reptiles such as leopard geckos
Another choice for best lights for leopard gecko is this 18 inch lamp, which includes a 25 watt UVB T8 bulb. The lamp is compact and can be bolted to a wall, but also features a mount in order to attach the lamp to the top of a terrarium. The strip lighting design provides even light throughout the habitat.
- Slim, strip light design makes installation easy
- Includes a 25 watt UVB bulb
- More expensive than similar products
6. Zoo Med Aquatic Turtle UVB Heat Lighting Kit
Ideal for: Turtles and other small reptiles
Although this lamp was designed with turtles in mind, it’s a great choice for the best lamp for leopard gecko as well. The dome is made of aluminum and features two sockets, so a UVB bulb and anoy other bulb—for light or warmth—can be used at the same time.
The dome also extends beyond the lamp to prevent the bulb from sticking out.
- Aluminum dome is large for safety
- Two sockets offer options for bulb choice
- Can be used with bulbs up to 100 watts
- More than necessary for most leopard geckos
5. Exo Terra Swamp Glo Basking Spot Lamp
Ideal for: Humid terrariums
Leopard geckos don’t usually live in humid environments, but that doesn’t mean this lamp isn’t still a good option for best light for leopard gecko. This lamp is designed to hold up to humid air or accidental spills.
It comes in several watt options for different terrarium sizes and needs, and features a broad-spectrum daylight bulb. In addition, the bulb itself is turdy and made of neodymium glass.
- Water resistant
- Versatile design
- Features broad-spectrum lamp
- Customers claim it breaks easily
4. Evergreen Pet Supplies 100 Watt UVA UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb
Ideal for: Wide variety of reptiles and amphibians
This bulb is a perfect choice for best light for leopard gecko because it’s self-ballasted, so it emits a balance of healthy UVB and UVA light, without emitting any harmful UVC light. It’s compatible with a variety of enclosures and can be installed in most ceramic sockets.
In addition, this bulb has been specifically designed to be durable and last a long time.
- Emits balanced UVB/UVA light without UVC
- Versatile and easy to install
- More expensive than similar options
3. Fluker’s 27004 Mini Sun Dome Reptile Lamp
Ideal for: Desert-dwelling reptiles such as geckos
Designed with reptiles like leopard geckos in mind, this lamp is made of polished aluminum, with an 8.5″ diameter. The lamp can utilize a bulb up to 160 watts, making it easy to choose the perfect light for the terrarium. The dome itself it designed to increase UVB and UVA output.
- Sturdy, versatile design
- Designed to increase healthy UVB/UVA output
- Doesn’t come with a bulb
2. Exo Terra Reprti-Glo 10.0 Compact Fluorescent Desert Terrarium Lamp
Ideal for: Desert-dwelling reptiles
Designed for pets like leopard geckos, this lamp is designed to have a high UVB output. In addition, the UVB penetration is effective from up to 20 inches away. The lamp can be used in terrariums with strong screen covers, which often filter out large amounts of the UVB rays.
- Increases UVB output and absorption.
- Designed for desert-dwelling reptiles such as geckos
- Lamp socket must be purchased separately
1. Fluker’s 27002 Repta-Clamp Lamp with Switch for Reptiles
Ideal for: All reptiles
This lamp is designed to be versatile and simple to use, for any terrarium or habitat, making it the perfect choice for a best light for leopard gecko. It comes in a variety of sizes, is inexpensive, and can be easily attached to the rim of any terrarium. The lamp can be used with nearly any UVB/UVA bulb, making it a snap to select the right choice.
- Versatile in size, cost, and bulb choice
- Attaches easily to terrarium rim
- Doesn’t come with a bulb
Conclusion
The best light for leopard gecko may seem like a daunting choice to make, but once several factors are taken into consideration, it’s easy to see that there are a wide variety of good options.
It can also help to read others’ thoughts on reptile lights—what are some of the best lamps you’ve used in the past, and what tips can you recommend for new leopard gecko owners?
The TPR Team invites you to read informative pieces and specialized opinions from experts in all things dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and all things pet, in general.
