Leopard Geckos are found in the scorching desert scrubs that are found in southwest Asia.
One common misconception is that leopard Gecko ought to have sand in their natural habitat. It’s not the case. A lot of false information is available about this species as a result the popularity.
In the wild, a Leopard Gecko habitat includes more rocky terrain as well as less desert.
The most crucial factors to consider in establishing the enclosures are temperature, substrates, and hides.
This guide will show you everything you must be aware of when setting up the perfect habitat for your Leopard Gecko habitat to ensure that your Leo will have a long and healthy life!
The Leopard Gecko enclosure overview
The primary factor to take into consideration for the leopard gecko’s environment is the tank’s size.
Adult Leopard Geckos require at the very least a 20-gallon-long tank. The bigger the habitat, the more suitable.
Anything less than 20-gallon container is usually too small for the food bowl and water bowl, or ornaments and even hides.
Many owners choose to place their babies in tanks that hold 10 gallon and then buy a bigger aquarium after their first year. This isn’t recommended as it’s more costly and takes a lot of time.
Different Leopard Gecko Tanks
There are four varieties of Leopard Gecko tank that you can put for your Gecko in:
- Glass
- Wood
- Mesh
- Plastic
The ideal material to make an aquarium can be glass.
Glass Leopard Gecko enclosures are more well-known and easy to find in various sizes.
Wood can be used If you like the look. However, it could pose a fire risk and is a challenge for novices to keep the humidity levels.
Glass
Glass tanks are simple to maintain and clean. They also keep the levels of humidity well.
Additionally, they come with transparent sides , which make it ideal to view your pet.
One of the advantages of glass tanks is the capability to put faux plants, thermometers, and other ornaments on glass walls.
Glass enclosures are typically light and therefore easily moved for cleaning or organizing the tank.
You can choose to purchase 20-gallon aquarium tanks ( with a matching mesh top) or an reptile aquarium featuring doors opening to the sides.
The only downside to glass habitats is their expensive cost. A good glass tank will cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
Wooden
Wooden enclosures can be a great choice for those who wish to have a an attractive and beautiful environment.
Unfortunately, wooden enclosures are hard to locate and don’t provide practical Leopard Gecko habitats.
They’re also not as efficient when compared to glass tanks.
Wooden tanks are susceptible to be damaged by the wear and tear of heat and water.
Furthermore, these habitats can be difficult to maintain and are susceptible to absorbing water. The habitats needs to be maintained regularly to avoid mold.
The cost for a wooden leopard gecko tank ranges between $50 and $300.
Mesh
Mesh vivariums are usually utilized for reptiles that love climbing. Chameleons with veiles are kept in mesh enclosures since they’re arboreal.
Leopard Geckos are not arboreal so do not climb. They must be kept in tanks that are long but not high.
A lot of cages made of mesh are high because they’re made to accommodate reptiles (reptile terrariums) who like to climb. Due to this, it may be difficult to locate the size of a 20-gallon mesh tank that is suitable for a leopard Gecko.
If you are able to locate a 20-gallon long mesh tank, then think about the effects of stress and humidity.
Mesh can sometimes hinder proper humidity retention, and the large space could be stressful for your Gecko.
Plastic
The plastic enclosures will be the least expensive option on this list.
The typical price is 20 to $30.
Plastic tanks are usually unattractive and don’t appear as attractive as glass or wooden enclosures.
If you decide to purchase an enclosure made of plastic, then you need to be sure it’s safe and non-toxic. It should also be PVC-free.
What size tank should I Purchase For My Leopard Gecko?
Juveniles require a 10-gallon tank. However, it’s better to buy an adult enclosure right from the beginning. Adult leopard Geckos require at minimum 20-gallon tanks. The 20-gallon size tank allows the Gecko to explore and roam around.
If you choose to purchase an a smaller tank for your starter, remember that youngsters grow quickly. Every three months they add an additional inch.
Once they are more than six inches, they require a 20-gallon habitat.
It is not advised to keep two leopard geckos in the same room.
The presence of multiple Gecko within the same environment can result in accidents or even death as a result of territorial aggression. Aggression is very common in males as well as females.
If you want to keep several Geckos together , you can use a 30 gallon tank that has multiple hides, so each can have their own place.
Best Leopard Gecko Enclosure
The ideal habitat to keep your leopard Gecko is an 20-gallon clear glass aquarium.
Glass is a great surface to display thermometers and other decorations, is very easy for cleaning and moving around and makes watching your Gecko enjoyable.
They are more costly than other tank types , however glass’s performance is more efficient.
Leopard Gecko Heating and Lighting
In the course of the day, your leopard Gecko needs a temperature gradient between 90degF and 75degF. The warm part of their tank should be 90degF but should not be more than 95degF.
In order to warm their environment, you’ll require a reliable heating source. An ceramic emitter is the most effective choice. Make sure that you connect it to the thermostat ( read thermostat not thermometer!) to control the temperature.
You’ll need to install an 13-25-watt ultraviolet bulb to the hot end of their tank. Be sure that the bulb’s watt isn’t over 6percent and only in use for 10 hours each day.
While the use of a UVB light isn’t required, but having one is beneficial to you Leopard Gecko. Based on my own experience, I’ve noticed that many Geckos are healthier and brighter with UVB light. UVB light.
Be sure that your UVB light isn’t too bright since it could harm the eyes of your child..
When you put the light bulb to the opposite end of the tank, it will result in an naturally varying heat flow.
If you do decide to not utilize a UVB light, make sure you utilize a D3 light supplement.
In the evening, allow the temperature of the tank to drop to around 70 degF.
Leopard Gecko Humidity
Contrary to other tropical geckos, Leopard Geckos must be able to maintain a humidity of 30-40 percent. You’ll need an hygrometer to measure the humidity. Put it on the side or bottom of the glass container.
The goal of keeping humidity levels below 30% isn’t easy however, a humidity level of less than 40% is easy to keep.
If the humidity is too low, then put an ice-cold bowl near the light source for basking.
The level of water should not exceed the height of your pet’s ears since this could lead to drowning.
You can also place wet sphagnum moss inside a hide , too. If leopard geckos shed their skin , a moist hide can aid. You’ll need a cave-like hide with an entry and exit hole. It is important to ensure that this hide is on the hot end of their natural habitat.
If you notice that the humidity is excessively high, then remove the water bowl from your heat source. If humidity continues to be excessive, ensure that the substrate (e.g. reptile carpet) isn’t retaining water.
See more: Leopard Gecko Morphs
Substrate for Leopard Gecko
The most debated and often misunderstood elements in setting up the leopard Gecko Habitat is the substrate.
A popular and potentially dangerous myth is that leopard Geckos are sand-based creatures.
Any type of loose material, such as sand, poses the risk of impaction. Impaction can be an obstruction of the bowel due to the fact that the reptile has eaten something that it is unable to digest.
It is strongly recommended that you don’t use any kind that is loose.
Fortunately there are many substrates which are easy to wash and do not pose a chance from damage…
Reptile Carpet
Carpet for reptiles ( pictured above) is a type of astroturf that was specifically designed to be used in reptile enclosures.
Many homeowners choose reptile carpets because they are durable, recyclable and affordable.
If you decide to purchase reptile carpet, then you should buy two. It will take one day before it can completely dry after cleaning – or else you could raise the humidity in your tank.
The only drawback of reptile carpet is that the synthetic loops may snag your Leopard Gecko’s claws, causing injury.
Newspaper
Newspapers are also an excellent substrate for leopard Geckos. It’s free and dry.
Paper towels can also be an excellent substrate due to similar reasons.
Both of them are easy to wash and replace. The best method to ensure that the newspaper is clean is to clean it daily and replace it on a weekly basis.
The problem is that newspaper looks ugly, so is not a good choice for owners who want to have a tank themed.
Shelf Liner
Shelf liner makes a fantastic base for a Leopard Gecko’s tank.
Shelf liner is any kind of matting made of rubber that is used to cover kitchen cabinets.
A lot of people choose this liner because of its water-retention capacity and because it is simple to clean.
It’s also a good choice because it is available in a variety of patterns and styles.
Shelf liner is also available in larger rolls, so you can swap it out every couple of weeks.
Be sure to use an adhesive-free shelf liner. The shelf liner that sticks to the shelves is not just difficult to replace , it may also contain toxic chemicals within the glue.
Alfalfa Pellets
Alfalfa pellets are tiny food pellets that rabbits eat and other small mammals.
There are many benefits of using Alfalfa Pellets substrates, such as it is able to hold heat for long periods and also keeps bacteria away.
It is normal for Alfalfa pellets to be seen employed in the Bearded Dragon tank.
Unfortunately, this type of substrate shouldn’t be used due to its small size could lead to impaction.
Sand
Sand is a broad term used to describe a substrate that includes products such as reptile sand and calcium sand.
Many people who are new to the hobby use sand because it is offered in pet stores.
Sand is visually appealing and it appears that it’s a great idea, considering that Geckos originate from deserts in Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan.
However, this substrate could pose several health risks to the Leopard Gecko.
Sand should not be employed to create a Leopard Gecko’s natural habitat.
If a leopard lizard accidentally takes a bite of sand, it may stop their intestine from functioning. This can cause illnesses and possibly premature death.
Equipment, Decor and Landscaping
The décor and the items that you set up in a leopard Gecko’s environment should add to the tank and create a an environment that is natural.
In the wild, leopard geckos protect themselves against predators in narrow crevices and spaces to protect themselves from danger. Therefore, a suitable habitat for a Leopard Gecko habitat must include at minimum 3 hides:
- The first hide should be put directly on top of the tank.
- The second hide is a humid one with wet sphagnum-moss.
- A final hide must be put on the cool, dry hide.
Many owners construct their own hides by using Tupperware that has a hole cut out. Anything that is able to hold humidity is a good hide. The presence of three hides will provide your Gecko plenty of places to go and enjoy a rest.
Although this species doesn’t have the sticky pads of the Gargoyle Gecko, they are still a joy to play.
I’d suggest you set up a space that is inviting for the reptiles to roam. My Leopard Gecko is a fan of his reptile hammock, and loves lying on the rock ledge.
Be sure to set any decor or rocks overly high. This can help avoid injury from falls.
Making fake branches and plants to the Gecko to climb upon is always an ideal idea. It can add a touch of enrichment and an attractive appearance to the tank. Real branches should be immersed in hot water for at least 15 mins to ensure they are cleaned prior to placing them into the tank.
In the end, you’ll require a water tank inside the enclosure.
Be sure that the bowl of water isn’t too deep. It should be lower than an ear’s level to avoid drowning.
The Best Leopard Gecko Setup
The process of setting up an Leopard Gecko habitat can be intimidating. It is likely that by now, you know precisely what you require!
Below we’ve made the following list of things you need to include in order to ensure that your Gecko is happy with his tank.
- 20-gallon glass reptile Terrarium.
- Non-adhesive shelf liner for substrate.
- Three hidden areas (hot, humid, and cool).
- Fake branches and plants.
- Food bowls and water.
- Ceramic lamp and heat emitter.
- 25-watt UVB bulb (no more than 6 percent).
- Thermostat thermometer, thermometer, and the hygrometer.
It is essential to remember the fact that your leopard Gecko requires a 20-gallon tank constructed from glass.
Tanks require a heat source, and the most efficient one to utilize is a ceramic heat source. You should provide a temperature gradient of 85degF up to. The use of a UVB Tube light would be also recommended, but it isn’t required.
The tank should be humid between 30 and 40%, which must be monitored using the aid of a hydrometer.
There are a variety of substrates to choose from However, newspapers, paper towels reptile carpet, shelf liner work well. Always avoid loose substrates, since it could cause impaction.
Have you found anything new to include in your enclosure? What was the process of setting up your tank for your Leopard Gecko? Please share your experience below.
