Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all. I am new to this forum - have been lurking and reading threads, but have only posted a couple times. Anyway, I am hoping to get an adult Leopard Gecko soon.

Question 1 - I would like to put my gecko in a naturalistic terrarium. I don't want to use sand or paper towels. I have seen some posts about tile and slate, but what about "sandstone" type flat rocks? Can I stack these (making sure they won't fall over and crush my gecko) and use a little sand as filler?

Question 2 - If I use tile or stack rocks, how well does a UTH (on a thermostat) heat through those?

Question 3 - I know I need a humid hide on the warm side and a dry hide on the cool side, but do I need a dry hide on the warm side as well?

Question 4 - Can I use a waterfall, or do leopards do better with standing water? The waterfall I have is homemade, low to the ground and not deep enough for an adult gecko to drown.

Sorry for the long posts and all the questions, but I just want to make sure I do enough research before I get my gecko. Also, can some of you post pictures of your "naturalistic" enclosures. Thanks in advance for all the info!!!
-----
TasiaMay
~ 0.0.4 Crested Geckos - Moose, Kreecher, Squirt & Gizmo ~
~ 0.1.0 Leopard Gecko (hopefully soon) ~
~ 0.1.0 Yellow Lab - Tasia ~

Question 1 - I would like to put my gecko in a naturalistic terrarium. I don't want to use sand or paper towels. I have seen some posts about tile and slate, but what about "sandstone" type flat rocks? Can I stack these (making sure they won't fall over and crush my gecko) and use a little sand as filler?

ANSWER 1 - I dont know much about sandstone, but I have seen these rep'tiles' in the pet stores. Maybe something like that would work out??? Or try felt. You can find that in the fabric dept. in walmart. Wont catch your leos toes, but you'll have to clean it every week to keep the germs and yuckies away.

Question 2 - If I use tile or stack rocks, how well does a UTH (on a thermostat) heat through those?

ANSWER 2 - I am sure the rock would soak up the heat, slate, etc...etc...etc...well. Just like any rock in nature soaks up the suns warm rays.

Question 3 - I know I need a humid hide on the warm side and a dry hide on the cool side, but do I need a dry hide on the warm side as well?

ANSWER 3 - You should have a humid hide on the warm end of the tank. Use moist paper towels. Also have a dry hide on the cool end, and on the warm end. Leos need to regulate their body temp, and will need a dry hide on both end of the tank. Get yourself a 20 gallon long...more room.

Question 4 - Can I use a waterfall, or do leopards do better with standing water? The waterfall I have is homemade, low to the ground and not deep enough for an adult gecko to drown.

ANSWER 4 - I do not recommend that you use a waterfall. That will give off much to humidity for a leopard gecko. Too much that it could cause respitory problems. The only humid area you need in the enclosure, is its humid hide. That will provide the gecko with ENOUGH humidity that it needs. If you add more, you're just asking for problems. However if you do want to get the waterfall for decoration thats fine, just leave the water out. All they need is a small dish of water. Nothing more.

Sorry for the long posts and all the questions, but I just want to make sure I do enough research before I get my gecko. Also, can some of you post pictures of your "naturalistic" enclosures. Thanks in advance for all the info!!!

Not a problem at all. It is good to do research on a reptile before you buy it so you know what your in for. If you'd like to see some pictures of enclosure, go to my website and find the gallery, and you'll see that I have pics of my enclosures there.

Shayna

~Specializing in Carrot Tails, Super Hypo Tangerines, and Carrot Tail Crosses~
Leo Lovers Lizard Lounge

I have to say your site is one of the BEST out there for information. I live by your care sheets and the pics of your enclosures are amazing!

What type of sand are you using? The bulbs inside the unit is really really cool!!!!! Did you build that unit?

I'm thinking ahead to when my guys are older and bigger. I could purchase more 20gal long tanks but i'm running out of room for them, so i was thinking of building a unit, one cage on top of the other and with the way the lights are arranged in your enclosures and front doors instead of it being on the top i'm thinking i could get 4 cages high. If you did build it do you have plans i could use?

Thanks
Red
-----
Crested Gecko Zeek:1.0
LEOS: Boo: 1.0 normal , Bronx & Nala: 1.1 blizzard,
Lily: 0.1 patternless, Abby: 0.1 albino, Zoe: 0.1 reduced pattern, Dot: 0.1 hypo
Chip: 1.0 papillion (small dog)
2.0 bettas