Heating is necessary in aiding the leopard gecko's digestive process.  The hot spot/warm side of the enclosure needs to be 86-92 degrees Fahrenheit.  The ambient temperature of the warm side should be 80-83 degrees.  You should measure the hot spot's temperature with a temp gun or a thermometer.  The temperature of the hot spot should be measured on the floor of the enclosure where your leopard gecko will lay.  You will also need a temperature gradient allowing your gecko to thermoregulate.  This is accomplished by creating a cool side of the enclosure.  The cool side should be 73-76 degrees Fahrenheit.   

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     There are a number of ways to achieve the correct temperature gradient.  You can heat the enclosure with heat tape, an under the tank heater, heat emitter, or basking light. 

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Basking Light

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     The basking light is not a great choice because it emits a lot of visible light.  Leopard geckos do not like light and it can damage their eyes.  They are desert dwelling reptiles that usually become active at dusk and dawn when the light is slow.

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Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE)

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     CHEs are another choice when creating a hot spot.  These emitters can heat very well in a  20-30 gallon long tanks. The heat emitters can be placed over the warm side of the enclosure if the temperature is not getting warm enough.  To use a CHE gallon tank, you must use a lower watt CHE.  They can easily over heat your enclosure if the wattage is to high.

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Heat Tape or Under the Tank Heater (UTH)

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     Heat tape or an UTH is the best option for heating tubs or glass enclosure.   The heat tape or UTH can be placed easily under these enclosures.  Heat tape is what is used in rack systems.  UTHs can used with glass aquarium.  The UTH will come with small rubber feet that you place on all four corners of the tank.  This will allow the UTH some airflow to ensure the UTH does not overheat.  Your gecko needs belly heat which helps gecko's digest their food.  The heaters do not produce any light and very easy to install.  You need to check the temperature correctly to ensure your are within appropriate levels.  You can possibly need an additional heating elements to matain the correct heating level.

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Thermostat

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    Any time your are working/using any of the above listed heating solution, you must use a thermostat to regulate the temperature.  The thermostat will prevent you heating solution from over heating.  This is very important because you don't want your gecko to warm or have belly heat that could actually burn your gecko.