Can I place ZooMed Repti-Therm Under Tank Heater underneath my aquarium for my leopard gecko?

Question

Can I place ZooMed Repti-Therm Under Tank Heater underneath my aquarium for my leopard gecko?
I want to by a heating device for this lizard, I currently have a basking light set up.. which I read stress out the leopard geckos. I have heard good things about the ZooMed Repti-Therm Under Tank Heaters but am wondering if they are suitable for underneath an aquarium?? I did not randomly adopt this lizard... its a long story but I am trying to be responsible and care the little guy the right way. Any other advice would be great too Thanks!! :)

Answer 1

An undertank heater would be okay to use with them as long as 1) it doesn't cover the entire underside of the tank - they still need a "cool side" to retreat to if it's too warm. The pad should only cover 1/3 or so of the bottom of the tank.

2) it's supplemented with overhead heat - I don't think the undertank pad will create a 90o basking area, but will make the environment warmer.

Since leos don't do much climbing, an undertank heater to provide "belly warmth" is desirable. What you will probably need to do is check the temperature with a thermometer. If it's below 90o on the "warm side", I'd continue to use an above-tank incandescent light to supplement the heat (it won't need to be as high wattage of a bulb as before). They are nocturnal animals, but still should have something of a day-night cycle. You can position the light over a "warm side" hide so no light shines in directly.

More info on leos:
http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html
http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHeopard.htm

Also, under tank heaters should be used with some type of substrate - I wouln'd recommend sand if your leo is a baby as there is a chance for impaction. Maybe consider bark that is too big for him to get in his mouth.

Answer 2

Your under the tank heater should only be about 1/2 the size of the tank