OT--Mynephew has a leopard gecko and has a question

[munchkins9802]

I know this is a bearded dragon forum but online I only see some info. He wants to know how often his gecko's lights should be on vs off. He has had them for 1 yr adn the light is on 24/7. Any help you can give him would be appreciated--even if it is sending me to a better website. (he doesnt have any type of internet access)

 

[remi1]

Leopard geckos are nocturnal, so they definitely shouldn't have a light on 24/7. My leo has a 12hr on/12hr off cycle, give or take an hour or two depending on the season (more in summer, less in winter).

Here's a couple of decent websites:
http://www.lihs.org/files/caresheets/E_macularius.htm
http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html

 

[vickson420]

Topic moved to Geckos

 

[Bellalee]

The light topic for geckos has been up in the air among breeders.
You could do a 12/12 cycle to cause a night temperature drop. On the other hand there are geckos that do not get lights at all and are doing just fine.

He should have an under the tank heater also, leopard geckos digest their food with belly heat, so the light is not going to provide the right amount of heat.

This is also a caresheet from someone I know, we pretty much keep our geckos the same way.
http://geckcessories.wordpress.com/leopard-gecko-care-sheet/

 

[munchkins9802]

Thanks all. With them being nocturnal are the lights on during the day or during the night? They really can't afford much but I will find out what they actually have for them (they actually have 2 in the same cage--I know but don't go there as whatever I tell them may or may not happen anyway)
I will let my nephew know as he wants to do what is best for his animals. I am not sure if they have an under the tank heater or not again $ is a big issue for his mom right now (a lot of issues with her ex is raking her thru the coals monetarily)
But thanks for the help and will send him the links--he can look at them when he goes 2 the library again for his schoolwork as well

 

[remi1]

Keep the light on during the day and off at night.

 

[munchkins9802]

Thank you. I will let him know