Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been perusing various websites trying to find out info.
Questions that remain:

Why do so many recommend undertank heaters rather than lights? I ask because I'd like to use a two light system and offset the timing so that my pet sleeps when I do. Should I plan on both? Or will that get too hot?

A local petshop has a leo that looks like albinos I've seen at various websites but they call it Leucistic (sp?). What is the difference?

Should I buy the above mentioned gecko ($60)? There is another petshop that also has 2 geckos they say are albino but these are full sized geckos (age?) where the other is young (3-4 inches max). Another option would be to wait for a show to come to the area and see if many people are selling them there.

Actuallly, I think a snow/jungle mix would be awesome but I have not seen one anywhere and the cost would probably be high.

Last question, should I try to get a female or male, or does it even matter?

Thanks in advance.

Tank and accessories. I would like to try to make as close to natural environment as possible.

What size should I get for a tank? I've read that too big of a tank might cause stress?? That seems weird to me since you'd think more room is more of a natural environment.

Should I plan on rocks for it to climb around on? I've read that in their natural habitat they are around rocky regions. If so, what size rocks?

Any good websites for more info???

Sorry for all the ?s but if I decide to get a gecko I want all the bases covered ahead of time.

>>Tank and accessories. I would like to try to make as close to natural environment as possible.

>>What size should I get for a tank? I've read that too big of a tank might cause stress?? That seems weird to me since you'd think more room is more of a natural environment.

>>You can get a ten gallon for 1 gecko but i would suggest getting a 20 gal long so that if you decide to get another gecko you have enough room.

>>Should I plan on rocks for it to climb around on? I've read that in their natural habitat they are around rocky regions. If so, what size rocks?

>>Yes, you can put rocks and driftwood to make it look natural. If you want to stack them make sure you glue them together some how and let it dry for about 1 to 2 days before putting your gecko in with it.

>>Any good websites for more info???

>> Type in Leopard Gecko care in search and almost every site will have a care sheet that can give you info. Of course if you have any more questions you can ask us.

Hope this helps, Katie
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Owner of 1.2 Leopard Geckos, 3.0 Fire Belly Toads, 0.0.3 Treefrogs, 1.1 Bahaman Anoles 1.0 Japanese Fire Belly Newt
and 0.0.1 Turtle "GOT-A-LUV-UM"

A good sight just to get a basic knowledge of everything. Is go to www.goldengategecko.com the the care area, she has some good info there.

OK for undertank heaters. People tens to use these more because the leos need hat on their belly to help digest the food. They also dont need sunlight so that is less of an expense rather then buying lights and so forth. I live in cali so I use a UTH. but I also have a heat light from my 20 gal long tank just so there is more heat. If you are in colder enviroment it would be best to buy both just ot make sure the heat is up and so forth. You can use both that is no problem in smaller tanks it might get real warm though. I use 10 gal tanks for some leos but they are by themselves, so I would recomend the UTH or the light but no both but uu could just keep the temp low with a rehostat. I wouldnt recomend get a leo from a pet store I have bought 3 from there and so far two have dies and they were from different pet stores. Most from pet stores have diseases. Where are you from, you may be able to find a local breeder. Also you can get some nice ones on the net for cheap to and that are healthy. Look around on the net u will be surprised. Shows are always good, just make sure to ask age, how the kept them and ask if u can see them out of the container to check for any bad toes, and shakiness. Male and females or both good, u just have to remember you can only house 1 male together with females no more than 1 male housed together they will fight.
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2 male leos: Winky HY & Lenny TangCT & 2 Female Leos: Sunshine Super tang & Serenity Tremper HY Jungle Albino

I like undertank heaters because I get more control of the temperature by use of a rheostat. With a light fixture, basically all I can do is switch wattages of the bulbs to adjust the temp. Plus I have a cat that's kind of clumsy. He leaves my geckos alone, but I still worry about him knocking something down by accident.

I think you should arm yourself with more info and then try to hit a show. Leopard geckos are very popular, and you'll definitely have a wider selection at even the smallest shows--not to mention better prices. Plus, you'll be buying from breeders who most likely have more firsthand experience than petstore employees in case you have more questions.

I don't think it really matters if you get a male or female. Males are generally longer lived and more receptive to handling, but you can't put two of them together.
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Lovin' would be easy if your colors were like my dreams...

1. leos need belly heat so a UTH is a must, if you live in a cold area get both a UTH and a heat lamp.
2. Plug the heating elements into a thermostat (I think they are worth the extra $10 because you do not have to adjust them, they adjust themselves vs rheostats)
3. my vet said that ~80% of geckos he sees from pet stores are rather sick (depends on the pet store though).
4. You can use slate, repticarper, tile, papertowels as substrate (not any type of sand or bark) but I use slate and it looks very natural and cleans very easy.
5. a 20gallon Long tank is a good size for 1 or 2 leos.
6. you can put in stones but make sure they can in no way fall or crush your gecko.
7. www.drgecko.com is a great site on care and illnesses to research even though I have found a flaw in one aspect.