Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well I'm about to go out and buy a few new Leos.... I've got my eye on a few from Golden Gate Geckos, but I have yet to inspect them in person. So I'm going to drive there tomorrow and pick them out and up. I'm trying to set up tanks....

FIRST: What substrate should I have down? I've heard a LOT of people talk about paper towels, and this is a FINE idea and all, but I'd LOVE to go with somehting a little more natural. If this really sin't possible, lemme know. and I'll stick with the towel.

Second: 8 inches before sand? Am I correct with this?

Third: Eating... and storage of food...

Fourth: I have reptile calcium and reptile multi-vitamins. Should I use these when feeding?

Fifth: At what age can I expect sexual maturity enough to start breeding?

Sixth: Should I house my male and female together in a 10? or just start them off seperated in two seperate 10s?

Seventh: THANKS! if I have more questions I'll post.

Just so you know, yes I am new to this. and I have read a lot about Geckos, but everywhere I read there seems to be many different opinions on what is right. SO I figure if I ask my questions on here, I'll get them answered by the people that love the lizards as much as I do. Thanks you all so much and have a GREAT day!!!! Later!

Kev

also, one more thing......

I've pretty much decided on sand and tiles.... I also wanted to know if I should use a heat lamp, or floor heaters? I have a thermostat, and will hook it up... but sadly, I only have one.... if I were to put the SAME two types of floor heaters, on 2 10 gallon tanks, then stick the probe in ONE of them, and hook BOTH of the heaters to the thermostat, would I be ok? or should I just break down, stop being a cheapskate, and buy one more?
Thanks
Kev

#1 You can use slate or tiles.

#2 Yes but thre's always a risk of impaction so i wouldn't put them on sand at all.

#3 Well get babie crix and feed them that also leave a little bowl of small mealworms in their cage at all times. You can store the mealies in the fridge or just in room temp if you want to breed mealies cause they will start to change in to beetles.

#4 Yes if you get babies then they will need more than adults unless the adults are breeding.

#5 Well they will become sexualy mature at differ ages but you will decide when you want to start breeding. ex. Females become sexualy mature when they are about 10 months to a year old. You might wait till she's 70g and males become sexualy mature when they are about 9 months and you might want to wait till he's 70 also. I would wait till she's well over 50g.

#6 Well when they're babies yes, you can do that. When they get older get a bigger tank.

#7 Your Welcome!!

Hope I helped, Katie
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Owner of 3 Leopard Geckos, 3 Fire Belly Toads, 3 Treefrogs,
2 Bahaman Anoles 1 Japanese Fire Belly Newt and 1 Turtle "GOT-A-LUV-UM"

Thanks! you helped a lot! I returned my 10 and bought a 20... so hopefully that'll do us proud. also, if these lizards mature in the same tank together, will that inhibit mating, or will it encourage it because of familiarity? Thanks!
Kev

Well they usually mate anyway so i dont think you'll have a prob... Katie
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Owner of 3 Leopard Geckos, 3 Fire Belly Toads, 3 Treefrogs,
2 Bahaman Anoles 1 Japanese Fire Belly Newt and 1 Turtle "GOT-A-LUV-UM"

those weights are usually equivalent to about what size? (im not suer how old my leo is or what weight, but i can figure out how long he is )
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python
0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake
1.0.0 leopard gecko
0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa
0.1.0 bearded dragon
1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (on the way!)

Well it depends on the leo. Some grow faster than others i can give you an average if you tell me his length... Katie
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Owner of 3 Leopard Geckos, 3 Fire Belly Toads, 3 Treefrogs,
2 Bahaman Anoles 1 Japanese Fire Belly Newt and 1 Turtle "GOT-A-LUV-UM"

it wouldnt be a good idea to wait for a gecko to hit 70g to breed, as a lot of geckos dont ever get to 70. 50-60g is the most common weight, and 40 is the VERY minimum weight that you should breed. 50 and over is much safer.
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your head will collapse, but there's nothing in it, and you'll ask yourself, "where is my mind"

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