Leachianus Gecko Lighting

Leachianus Gecko Lighting Guide

Leachianus geckos are nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in tree hollows and emerging after dark to feed, explore and vocalise. Their lighting requirements are modest, but a proper day/night cycle and appropriate UVB provision supports their health and natural behaviour.

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Do Leachianus Geckos Need UVB?

Leachianus geckos have historically been kept without UVB, relying on D3 supplementation. However, low-level UVB provides genuine benefits:

Supports natural vitamin D3 synthesis for healthy calcium metabolism and bone density — particularly important for such a large, heavy-bodied gecko
May improve activity, colouration and overall wellbeing
Supports healthy circadian rhythms and seasonal breeding behaviour
Beneficial for breeding females, whose calcium demands are high

If providing UVB, use a low-output bulb — a 2.0 or 5% UVB T5 tube is appropriate. Leachianus geckos fall within Ferguson Zone 1–2. Avoid high-output desert bulbs entirely. Ensure the enclosure has shaded areas so the gecko can avoid UVB during the day if it chooses.

Day/Night Light Cycle

A consistent photoperiod is important for regulating your Leachianus gecko’s natural rhythms and can support seasonal breeding behaviour.

Summer: 14 hours light / 10 hours dark
Winter: 10 hours light / 14 hours dark
Use a plug-in timer to automate the cycle and keep it consistent year-round

Leachianus geckos are sensitive to light disturbance during their dark period. Avoid exposing them to bright room lighting late at night, and never use red or blue “night lights” — geckos can see these wavelengths and they disrupt the natural dark period.

Lighting for Large Bioactive Setups

Leachianus geckos thrive in large bioactive vivariums with live plants. A full-spectrum LED or combined UVB/UVA T5 tube serves both the gecko and the plants. For very tall or large enclosures, a longer T5 tube or multiple fixtures may be needed to light the full footprint effectively. Always ensure there are dark, shaded areas within the enclosure for the gecko to retreat to.

Lighting to Avoid

Basking bulbs and high-wattage heat lamps — Leachianus geckos do not require a basking spot and are sensitive to overheating
High-output UVB bulbs (10%+) — designed for desert species; far too intense for a forest gecko
Red or blue night lights — disrupt the dark period; use no supplemental light overnight