Best UVB for leopard geckos
You'll still hear that leopard geckos “don't need UVB.” ReptiFiles calls that outdated: crepuscular geckos will bask under low-level UVB when it's offered, and they benefit from it. The aim is low output. That means a lamp made for shade-dwelling species, mounted at a measured distance.
Quick comparison
| Option | Spec | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcadia ShadeDwellerPro 7% kit | T5 SO; 8 W 12″ ProT5 fitting (Arcadia). Arcadia's chart, no mesh: UVI 0.80 at 10″, 0.65 at 12″, 0.45 at 15″ | Built for crepuscular species with basking about 12″ from the lamp; complete kit; ReptiFiles gives 10–18″ over mesh for normal pigment | Short lamp, so the UVB zone is small; needs a measured distance | Best overall |
| Arcadia ShadeDweller Max 2.5% | T5 SO, lower output | ReptiFiles: 8–14″ over mesh for normal pigment, 12–14″ for low-pigment | Narrower margin in tall enclosures | Shallow cages |
| Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO 5.0 | T5 HO | Bio Dude lists 13–24″ above mesh with Zoo Med's hood; ReptiFiles calls Zoo Med T5 suitable when used with the manufacturer's charts | Stronger than ShadeDweller, so it needs more distance; check Zoo Med's UVI chart | Taller enclosures |
| Arcadia T5 HO Forest 6% ProT5 | T5 HO | Bio Dude: 16–24″ above mesh; can cover a 36″+ enclosure | Too strong for most leopard gecko setups unless they're tall | Tall builds only |
| Coil UVB / no UVB | — | Cheap | ReptiFiles' 2020 care sheet allowed a ReptiSun 10.0 coil for albinos, but its current guide recommends linear T5 lamps; going without UVB means relying on D3 supplements | Not preferred |
Arcadia ShadeDwellerPro 7% UVB kit
Arcadia designed this kit for crepuscular species such as leopard geckos, with basking around 12″ (30 cm) from the lamp. Its own measurements without mesh are UVI 0.80 at 10″ and 0.65 at 12″. A stainless mesh top can cut that by 30% or more.
Arcadia ShadeDweller Max 2.5%
The lower-output option. Use it when the basking spot has to sit closer to the lamp, or for hypo-pigmented geckos at 12–14″ over mesh, per ReptiFiles.
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO 5.0 + hood
A widely sold forest-strength T5 HO. Mount it farther away than a ShadeDweller and follow Zoo Med's UVI chart for your enclosure's mesh.
Solarmeter 6.5 UV Index meter
ReptiFiles says a Solarmeter 6.5 is required to measure UVI accurately. Every distance on this page is an estimate until you've metered it.
Rules
- Target basking UVI: 0.5–1.5 for normal pigmentation, 0.5–0.7 for albino, patternless, and other low-pigment morphs (ReptiFiles, citing Dr. Frances Baines).
- Add 1–2″ to the distance to allow for the gecko's height.
- Replace T5 bulbs every 12 months. UVB output drops even while the bulb still gives visible light.
- Run lights 12 hours a day (ReptiFiles care sheet).