Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok, i have

-20 gal long tank
-under tank heater
-water dish
-2 hides
-leopard gecko manual book

need to buy:
-crickets
-cricket food and vitamin coating

anything else recommended before the gecko? i'm going to use paper towels for substrate, but will that be enough over the heater, or should i put a peice of slate rock over it so it doesn't hurt my gecko? thanks!

YES! I would recommend a digital thermometer with a probe to ensure the 85-90 temp in the warm hide.

I would also buy gutload for your crickets and make sure that they are fed 24 hrs before giving them to your leo.

Congratulations, you are doing the right thing by asking questions first.

Don't get too excited and put your leo without making sure your temps are adequate. I use a UTH and a lamp on top to get about 90. It took me 3 bulbs and two fixtures to get the proper temps. After all the nonsense, I have a 60 watt infrared and a UTH.

Buy something to house your crickets. I have housing for a weeks worth of crickets, to save trips to the pet store.

are you overwhelmed yet? dont be. just making sure you cover your bases and ensure a proper home for your new friend. I'm sure other folks will suggest other things as well. I found that comparing care sheets was the best way to figure out what I would need. GOOD LUCK!!!!

You also might want to add a humid hide to assist with shedding and to help keep your leo hydrated. Take a small tuperware containor and fill it with wet spagnum moss or paper towels and cut a leo sized hole in the side. Keep it on the warm side of your cage.

Also, as was said above a digital thermometer or a temp gun.
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican kingsnake
1.0.2 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Rose Hair Tarantula
1.0 BTS
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn
0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats