Considering a Leopard Gecko -- questions on heating and lighting set-up

Hello --- I am considering converting our 10-gallon (not in use) aquarium to a habitat for a single leopard gecko.

The tank will go into our living room, and this is the warmest room in our house (I do live in a northern climate). I intend to use stone tile as the substrate. We will use an under-tank heater (with a dimmer) below one side of the tank. I will stick thermometers on the tile on each side (hot and cool) of the tank. Based on what I've read, that should take care of the heating requirements in such a small space... could someone confirm this for me?

So regarding lighting... could this set-up work:
Two clip-on lamps (regular bedside clip-on lamps) --- one with a normal 40W bulb on a timer for day-time lighting, the second with a red or blue 40W bulb on a switch (so can be turned on only when we wish to view our little friend).

Here is a link to the type of clip-on lamp I am referring to:
http://i5.walmartimages.com/dfw/dce07b8c-326b/k2-_a532acbb-ca02-47b3-b44d-e7a786c08161.v1.jpg

We are a couple of months out from making this all happen -- but I like to do my research first! Thank you in advance for advice!

I've been spending a lot of time today reading this forum -- great info! I've had a few ideas for decor that I would like to run by members as well:

Are ceramic plant pots (upside down), with an entry cut out (sharp edges sanded) safe for hides? How large does a hide need to be for 1 gecko?

Are wooden cutting boards (food-safe, not cedar or pine) safe in tanks?

I am envisioning creating 2nd story along the warm side of the tank -- created from a surface (wood cutting board, or tile) set on top of two hides made from upside down plant pots placed in each corner (one moist, one dry -- front and back). I wouldn't place much on the 2nd story -- perhaps a plastic plant or similar. On the cool side of the tank would be one cool hide (I have an aquarium log that could be used) and the food/water/calcium dishes.

As this is in our living room, I want to make it attractive to people as well as geckos!

Welcome to the forum! We always appreciate it when people read through the forums before diving in and asking questions that have been answered quite a few times

Regaurding your heating situation, this sounds like and excellent setup. Living in the Northern areas it can get quite cold. I would put this together a couple days before getting your gecko to be sure that it can hold the required temps. If it doesn't then you could consider another heat source like an additional heat mat, heat emitter, etc.

Ceramic pots as you described would be an awesome hide for your gecko as the ceramic should be a great way to conduct the heat inside the hide.

You our could use wood for your second story if you like just make sure to attach it with aquarium epoxy or some type of pet safe sealant. Wouldn't want it to fall and risk injuring your new friend.

You look to be well on your way to being an excellent gecko owner. Let us know if there is anything else you need help with.