Hello everyone. I'm new here and looking for some solid advice on my gecko set-up. Sorry if this ends up long winded. I know if I leave something out , someone will ask or point it out to me and this will slow down my getting a good response.
My set-up:
2 geckos (M&F...we rescued them from a teenager that didn't want them anymore. I am aware that they could breed but I am not here for breeding advice.)
Just got a large tank to install a natural climb-able background. Tank measures 36X18X16. Heat proof screened lid with an approx 8 inch dome-heat bulb (red one).
(Everything is Zoo Med or Exo Terra))
UTH...I think it's a medium size, says on box that it is designed for a 30-40 gallon tank. I have it stuck to bottom towards left side where their main hide is but it's not right on top of it)
Slate tiles on bottom (Allen & Roth 12X12X.40 although thickness varies...cut to size for free at Lowe's)
A little paper toweling where they poop and sand to fill tile edges around perimeter of tank. It is reptile "approved" sand and I am aware of the whole sand controversy but there's just a scattering of it in their tank and they had nothing but sand with their first owner. I see them digging at it and burrowing so I imagine they like it. When I switched to tile I wasn't sure how'd they take to it so I thought a little sand here and there would help them adjust. Sounds silly probably. I was also afraid that the outer edge of the tile around the perimeter was too wide and sand was perfect for filling the gap.)
They have 3 hides, one is for moisture.
HERE'S MY PROBLEM:
Left side of tank is around 75 degrees: This is where the UTH is along with the main hide that they use most of the time.
Right side of tank is 80 degrees when heat light is on, 70-75 when it is off.
QUESTIONS:
Should I just get a larger more reflective light reflector for the standard red heat bulb? I've read that you can just get the hardware store type that is silver and usually clips onto something as long as it has a ceramic base and can take a heat type bulb.
Do I switch to a ceramic heat bulb instead of the red one/infrared or whatever it is?
I don't like leaving the heat bulb on all day b/c I'm afraid of fire hazards. I don't think it would ever tip over or cause a fire but since it emits a lot of heat, I do worry. We currently leave the heat bulb on at night (it sits right on top of the screen but it's 18 inches away from the slate substrate, too far?)
I need a suggestion that DOES NOT require me to get a different tank size. I cannot return it and I've already invested WAY more money than I thought I would. My daughters pet has become my hobby. I LOVE these little geckos (Zane and Sticky) and want to be sure they are happy, warm, safe and healthy.
They eat, they poop , they have fat tails but this set up is only 3 days old and I don't think it's warm enough.
By the way, this is the care sheet I use:
http://buffalobirdnerd.com/clients/8963/documents/Leopard_Gecko..pdf
It says there should be three zones of temp: Warm side-85 degrees Basking-90 degrees Cool side-75 degrees
I just went up to take a picture and the tank is 75 on both sides.
We live in a Cape Cod in New York where it gets very cold and our house is usually 68-70 during the day and typically 67 or so at night.
THANK YOU for any help you can offer!!
I'll attach a pict if I can figure out how. We're not finished pimping out their pad so it may look like they have nothing fun to climb on etc (sparse). We're installing the background in a couple days.
(Pict attached)
THX,
Tonjia
My set-up:
2 geckos (M&F...we rescued them from a teenager that didn't want them anymore. I am aware that they could breed but I am not here for breeding advice.)
Just got a large tank to install a natural climb-able background. Tank measures 36X18X16. Heat proof screened lid with an approx 8 inch dome-heat bulb (red one).
(Everything is Zoo Med or Exo Terra))
UTH...I think it's a medium size, says on box that it is designed for a 30-40 gallon tank. I have it stuck to bottom towards left side where their main hide is but it's not right on top of it)
Slate tiles on bottom (Allen & Roth 12X12X.40 although thickness varies...cut to size for free at Lowe's)
A little paper toweling where they poop and sand to fill tile edges around perimeter of tank. It is reptile "approved" sand and I am aware of the whole sand controversy but there's just a scattering of it in their tank and they had nothing but sand with their first owner. I see them digging at it and burrowing so I imagine they like it. When I switched to tile I wasn't sure how'd they take to it so I thought a little sand here and there would help them adjust. Sounds silly probably. I was also afraid that the outer edge of the tile around the perimeter was too wide and sand was perfect for filling the gap.)
They have 3 hides, one is for moisture.
HERE'S MY PROBLEM:
Left side of tank is around 75 degrees: This is where the UTH is along with the main hide that they use most of the time.
Right side of tank is 80 degrees when heat light is on, 70-75 when it is off.
QUESTIONS:
Should I just get a larger more reflective light reflector for the standard red heat bulb? I've read that you can just get the hardware store type that is silver and usually clips onto something as long as it has a ceramic base and can take a heat type bulb.
Do I switch to a ceramic heat bulb instead of the red one/infrared or whatever it is?
I don't like leaving the heat bulb on all day b/c I'm afraid of fire hazards. I don't think it would ever tip over or cause a fire but since it emits a lot of heat, I do worry. We currently leave the heat bulb on at night (it sits right on top of the screen but it's 18 inches away from the slate substrate, too far?)
I need a suggestion that DOES NOT require me to get a different tank size. I cannot return it and I've already invested WAY more money than I thought I would. My daughters pet has become my hobby. I LOVE these little geckos (Zane and Sticky) and want to be sure they are happy, warm, safe and healthy.
They eat, they poop , they have fat tails but this set up is only 3 days old and I don't think it's warm enough.
By the way, this is the care sheet I use:
http://buffalobirdnerd.com/clients/8963/documents/Leopard_Gecko..pdf
It says there should be three zones of temp: Warm side-85 degrees Basking-90 degrees Cool side-75 degrees
I just went up to take a picture and the tank is 75 on both sides.
We live in a Cape Cod in New York where it gets very cold and our house is usually 68-70 during the day and typically 67 or so at night.
THANK YOU for any help you can offer!!
I'll attach a pict if I can figure out how. We're not finished pimping out their pad so it may look like they have nothing fun to climb on etc (sparse). We're installing the background in a couple days.
(Pict attached)
THX,
Tonjia
