Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Like I said in my last post, I am very new to the ownership of a Leo. I was wondering what do you guys consider the best way to heat the tank? I've read on many sites that a 40watt light above the tank is sufficient heat. Is this right? And also wondering more about feeding, do you guys feed crickets more then mealworms or the opposite? I would also like some help as to what to have in my tank, I've been reading so much and have so many different things that I've become confused. Sorry for all the beginner questions, just hoping to give the Leo the best home I can. Thanks Guys.

An undertank heater to me is a must... Without one my geckos would not eat well. As for crickets and mealworms... since they are pretty close to eachother nutritionally i would give ur leo whatever he likes most. As for the cage decore... make sure you have a humid hide, a dry hide, and a water bowl.. you can add other stuff, but it's not essential. Do not add rocks that are not stable... I lost a gecko to a rock that shifted when he was hiding under it.

Hope i helped
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Hey!

First off, congradulations on getting your soon-to-be Leo! I don't mind answering questions either, lol. OKAY! Now.. As far as heating goes it's this simple... The smaller the tank, the easier to heat. UTH(Under-Tank-Heaters) are a great source of heat for Leopard geckos because it's constant and is directly at the belly. Problems rarely occur with UTH's as far as hot spots and they are only pennies to run! BUT, if you have a larger tank.. monitor the temperatures and check to keep the tank between 85-90 for an ambient temperature. If it gets too low.. add a heat lamp. Again depending how how low the temperature is you can choose wisely on the wattage of the bulb. Red Infrared heat light bulbs work awesome with Leos because they are nocturnal and will usually feel more comfortable with getting up and walking around. If it's too hot, again.. use your own judgement on bulbs.

Now, as far as feeding goes.. I use Mealies as a staple with a few crickets here and there for a variety and added nutrients. Mealies are great though because of the following..

-Easy to care for/gutload
-Cleaner
-Less stinky compared to Crickets
-Much quieter
-And have a little bit more fat then Crickets

Now, as far as what goes in the tank.. You need:

-A humid hide: Usually a rubbermaid sandwich box with a hole cut in the side or lid and a moist(NOT WET, just moist enough for the substrate to squish together in your palm)substrate of paper towels, peat moss or vermiculite. This goes on the warm end.

-A dry hide: This can go in between the warm and cool end, it can be.. cork bark, a grotto, a half log hollowed out and even a clay pot with a hole. You can add a "cool hide" for added security on the.. where? Lol, the cool end.

-A source of calcium: A small milk cap or jar lid can be placed on the flooring filled with calcium for your gecko to lap up as it needs.

-A water dish: You always want to have this, lol. You can buy them at a pet store or just make your own from a lid of some sort. Make sure this is shallow and always fresh!

-Decorations(optional): Anything from fake plants to clean rocks!

WELL! Phew.. lol. That should do it! Again, congrats and take care!(Hop this all helped)

-Britney

Like I said in my last post, I am very new to the ownership of a Leo. I was wondering what do you guys consider the best way to heat the tank? I've read on many sites that a 40watt light above the tank is sufficient heat. Is this right? And also wondering more about feeding, do you guys feed crickets more then mealworms or the opposite? I would also like some help as to what to have in my tank, I've been reading so much and have so many different things that I've become confused. Sorry for all the beginner questions, just hoping to give the Leo the best home I can. Thanks Guys.
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1.1 Leos(Ron and Raine), 2.1 Kitty Cats(Bubba, Angelo and Cookie) and 1.1 Rouen Ducks(Buddy and M.J.).