Is it OK to use just a heat light for a leo?

My petsmart doesn't have any more UTH for a 10gallon, only the bigger ones and obviously I can't use that for a 10 gallon. So would it be OK if I used a lamp with a low watted bulb [like 50 watts or something] I will get a thermostat and a thermometer also, but is this OK to use? I work for petsmart and they aren't using UTH only above lamps. I don't want to wait to get him because it's a beautiful one and going to sell quick. Would this be OK?

You can use a heat lamp (an infrared one since reptiles can't see the light emitted from it) if you have to but belly heat is best for leos. You can always use flexwatt--I have a strip of that connected to thermostat for my leo and it works great. It's cheaper than other uth's like zoomed and whatnot too. You could certainly use a heat lamp temporarily while you get your flexwatt and thermostat though.

so I should get a infared bulb? and use that at all times

A uth or flexwatt controlled by a thermostat is best, but you can use the infrared bulb temporarily. You may also need the bulb if it is cold in your area and you need it to maintain a cool side temperature of 78 degrees (88-90 warm side).

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Originally Posted by mlededee

A uth or flexwatt controlled by a thermostat is best, but you can use the infrared bulb temporarily. You may also need the bulb if it is cold in your area and you need it to maintain a cool side temperature of 78 degrees (88-90 warm side).

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ok ty, my house is warm so its not as bad

Oh yeah, i have used an infrared bulb for my leo for over 2 years ago.