Questions About UVB

[Cheesenugget]

So, I rescued two leopard geckos recently and they are settling in nicely. The only problem I have had is getting them to eat the calcium dusted mealworms. When I offed regular mealworms they absolutely crush them. So my first question is, if I added UVB lighting would I need to dust the mealworms? Just up front I would get a low power UVB bulb nothing like what bearded dragons need. Has anyone here ever added UVB to their leopard geckos enclosure? If so I would greatly appreciate if you could give me a run down on your experience with it. Also I watched an interesting video where someone said when they gave their bp UVB it became more active during the day. I know not to believe everything I hear on the internet so that's why I am asking y'all. Have any of you given your bp, or any animals that don't require UVB, UVB?

Unless the UVB fixture is installed inside or you get a high output bulb, the rays won't even reach your gecko. For example, bearded dragons undoubtedly need UVB. The recommended bulb is T5 High Output ReptiSun 10.0 (there are other suggestions but this is one of the more commonly used) because it is strong enough to go through the mesh lid which filters about 70% of the rays coming through. Even so, the lizard needed to bask no less than about 10 inches from the bulb to get any benefit. Too close, it gets burned. Too far, it gets too little to matter. And for leos, they don't bask. Unless you want to dish out over $100 in fixture and bulb (bulb is to be replaced every 6-8 months... Costs about $20-30 per bulb), install it inside the enclosure which may require additional work, and still provide little benefit because it does not bask and it is nocturnal, I wouldn't bother. Most importantly, UVB works better in conjunction with heat and UVA. If you leave the UVB on with no basking bulb, you are not getting the most out of the UVB.

I used to keep a bowl of calcium supplement in the tank. I never seen my leo touch it, so I removed it. So far, no signs of MBD or any illness. Just dust the food with calcium D3 and multivitamin. I feed mine once a week (adult male). Some feeds them more, I go by his condition, especially his tail, to make sure I don't overfeed because he has a good appetite. These lizards are built to fast for months in their wild habitat (not that you should not feed for that long). Younger geckos will need more dusting and feedings.

Try offering something else, like phoenix worms. I get mine to eat by holding the mealworm down which causes it move around a lot.