Care guide
Do African Fat-Tailed Geckos Need UVB?
Quick answer
UVB is optional but increasingly recommended for fat-tails. A low-output lamp, about 5–7%, on 10–12 hours a day with plenty of shade lets the gecko make some vitamin D3 and reduces reliance on D3 dusting.
On this page
- Strength
- Low output, about 5–7%
- Photoperiod
- 10–12 hours
Why it can help
Fat-tails are nocturnal or crepuscular, but they still benefit from low-level UV and it gives a more natural day-night rhythm.
How to use it
Mount the lamp so the gecko can retreat into shade, keep the light on a timer, and replace tubes on the manufacturer's schedule.
Adjust supplements
If you run UVB, use D3-containing calcium less often and lean more on plain calcium.