Best equipment?

Taterbunny

New Member
Messages
11
Location
Florida
Hey guys, I'm a first time gecko owner. I didn't expect to take one in yet, and didn't have time to extensively research and gather good materials. My friend knew that I love reptiles and quite literally showed up with Taffy whom he didn't want anymore. He also told me she was a male, which I have found she is actually a female (which I just learned a few days ago). I only have the basic set-up he gave with her (minus the sand, I threw it out), but I would certainly like to upgrade. I currently have her in a 10g tank with a warm hide, moist cool hide, paper towel substrate, calcium dish, water dish, UTH (unsure what brand), exoterra stick-on thermometers.
I do have some questions about proper set-up:

(I plan on getting a 20gL tank when I can.)

1. What is the best heating pad and thermostat? I was looking into a zoo med pads. Would this be a good one to couple with a thermostat?
2. What's the best kind of thermometer? I've seen the digital ones with the infrared lasers which I like since they're much more accurate. Which brand is good?
3. What's the best way to tackle a nesting box? Not that I want babies, but just in case she lays "blank" eggs. I had made one for her, but it was too slippery on the sides and she did not like it at all. I went back to just using her old moist hide. I shredded up sphagnum moss for it. Should she have eco-earth for a nesting box, or does she even really need one?
4. I've seen people talk about giving them calcium without D3. Why is this? I currently have calcium with D3, but can go grab some plain calcium asap if needed.
5. Is there anything female leos need differently than male leos? She's the only leo I own, and has never been housed with any males to my knowledge, so it's just her.
6. Are there any extras I should have (extra hides, fake foliage, rocks, etc)? I know technically you just need a warm and cool moist hide, but would she be happier with extras?

Any help is much appreciated. c:
 

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acpart

Geck-cessories
Staff member
Messages
15,118
Location
Somerville, MA
Here are my answers:

1. What is the best heating pad and thermostat? I was looking into a zoo med pads. Would this be a good one to couple with a thermostat?
I actually prefer the zoo med heat cable because you can install and remove it and re-install as well as change the configuration. The best tape to use is "Nashua tape", available at Home Depot or equivalent. It's kind of like aluminum foil with adhesive backing and it comes in a roll that's shaped like a roll of duct tape. I use the Zilla thermostats which are around $30 or a little less.

2. What's the best kind of thermometer? I've seen the digital ones with the infrared lasers which I like since they're much more accurate. Which brand is good?
Either a digital thermometer with a probe or a laser temperature gun. Can't think of which brand I use but I don't think it makes much difference.

3. What's the best way to tackle a nesting box? Not that I want babies, but just in case she lays "blank" eggs. I had made one for her, but it was too slippery on the sides and she did not like it at all. I went back to just using her old moist hide. I shredded up sphagnum moss for it. Should she have eco-earth for a nesting box, or does she even really need one?
The nest box could double as a humid hide. Get a gladware sandwich container. Cut a rectangular hole in the top, fill it with eco earth and moisten when it dries out.

4. I've seen people talk about giving them calcium without D3. Why is this? I currently have calcium with D3, but can go grab some plain calcium asap if needed.
In the "old days" people didn't know about supplementation and didn't provide it. Now that people know about it, there's a worry that they may provide TOO MUCH. There are some studies about the negative effects of them getting too much calcium and/or vitamin D3. In my opinion, your best bet is to get Repashy Calcium Plus which has the calcium, vitamin D3 and other vitamins/minerals, and to dust feeders every other feeding.

5. Is there anything female leos need differently than male leos? She's the only leo I own, and has never been housed with any males to my knowledge, so it's just her.
They can be treated the same except some females go off food around this time of year when they start to ovulate. Just keep offering and don't worry.

6. Are there any extras I should have (extra hides, fake foliage, rocks, etc)? I know technically you just need a warm and cool moist hide, but would she be happier with extras?
I have read one study where the conclusion was that "enriched" cage environments were beneficial, but that was only 1 study. Some extra stuff looks nice and the gecko may explore it, but no guarantees.

Enjoy her!

Aliza
 

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