Short answer: Yes, ReptiFiles recommends one. Lack of a heat source is the most common cause of lethargy, poor appetite and illness in crested geckos. Use a low-wattage white or clear incandescent or halogen bulb on a thermostat for a basking area of 82–85°F, with a 70–75°F cool area. Keep it under 85°F, and let the enclosure cool at night.
Written from the cited care and veterinary sources below. No AI-written care advice.
Temperatures to aim for
| Zone | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Basking area (top of the enclosure) | 82–85°F |
| Cool area (bottom) | 70–75°F |
| Night | 65–72°F |
Which heat source
A low-wattage white or clear incandescent or halogen bulb over the top of the enclosure, on a thermostat. Crested geckos climb up to warm themselves, so the heat goes on top.
Hatchlings in small tubs: ReptiFiles suggests a heat pad on one side instead, on a thermostat, kept under 85°F and turned off at night.
Too hot, too cold
- Consistently above 85°F: stress and heat stroke.
- Consistently 72°F or below: lethargy and illness.
- At night, let it cool. No heat and no colored night bulbs.
Measure with a probe thermometer at the basking spot and at the bottom of the enclosure, not with a stick-on dial.
Check your crested gecko's temperaturesOpen the calculator →Questions
Can crested geckos live at room temperature without a heat lamp?
What temperature is too hot for a crested gecko?
Do crested geckos need heat at night?
Sources
General information, not veterinary advice. To find a reptile vet, use the ARAV directory. Updated November 9, 2026.