With a tank that large I would probably try to start off with adults. If you really want babies keep them in a smaller enclosure until they are at least a few months old. 55 gallons would probably stress out baby geckos and also make it harder for them to find food and water.



I really like tile NOW, but hated it at first when I switched from sand. It is easy to clean (just wipe it off), it's getting it out to disinfect it that's a real pain. The tile I have is fairly heavy and there is not much space between cracks making it difficult to get out. It was very easy to get the tile cut to size at home depot (measure before you go, I made that mistake). I as well use sand between the cracks, but with babies I wouldn't risk it. I find tile seems to conduct heat VERY well. At the same time you have to be careful because if your heating source doesn't work, or is not strong enough, the tile can become VERY cold to the touch. Do they like it as a substrate? I'm not sure, it is the closest thing to their natural enviroment. Just make sure you get some with a bit of grip, the shinny, glossy surfaces would probably be pretty uncomfortable.



The idea of a "bathroom" is not always as easy as it sounds. I have been tring to get mine to poop in the same spot for months. They don't always go where you want them to. I have one who used to poop in the water dish everyday, boy was that a pain.



For heat I use an UTH and a heat lamp for night viewing. Temps usually stay between 90 to 95 on the hot side (about 80 on the cool side). The temp stays pretty much the same at night, maybe a few degrees lower because of the UV light which is mainly for viewing and the live plant, I know it's a bit unnecessary. My tank is 18" high as well. So far this has been working for me.



Here is a picture of my 33 gallon, sorry the picture is not very good.



Lisa

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0.1 Hypo Leopard Gecko

0.1 Albino Leopard Gecko

0.1 Blizzard Leopard Gecko

1.0 Albino Pacman Frog

1.0 Lovebird (Tony)

1.0 Elkhound Cross (Otto)

0.1 Malamute Cross (Paris)

6.0 Bettas

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