Help!

[lily]

I just bought a leo from a family who got her as a baby about two years ago. The tank had a turf grass in it, i replaced it with sand. she has never had a light, no night light or bulb for day time. For the last two years she has jus used a heat lamp, that has no light, it jus puts out heat. And a undertank heater. and thats all. I have tryed useing a red night light, but she wont come out of her hide box. When i turn the red light off, she will come out after a few min but as soon as i turn it on she will head straight for her box. Does this happen often? Can she change her habbits with the light? or should i jus not use lights at all?! Thanks

 

[Jeremy Letkey]

She really does not need the light. As long as you can keep the hot side of the tank around 90 degrees with the uth, no light is necessary. If you haven't had her long it may just take some time to let her settle in and be comfortable.

Also the reptile turf is a perfectly suitable substrate. (in my opinion much better than the sand).

 

[98XJSport]

I thought they couldn't see red light?

 

[lily]

I thought they couldn't see red light?

Thats what i thought, i am kinda new at this. i am a cham man. (Chameleon) Never owned one of these before. well she doesnt come out during the day, and she doesnt come out at night, at least where i cant see her.....she isnt that much fun! my cham's are more interesing. lol Dont get me wrong, i do think she is amazing but i never get to see her....

 

[Jeremy Letkey]

How long have you had her? She may not feel comfortable yet. I do not know how the leopard eye works or what spectrums of light they can see. It may be putting off to much heat? She may be staying in her shelter to keep cooler.

I personally do not use any lighting and use under tank heating. The ambient lighting in the room is enough to view my animals while they are in their enclosures.

 

[JopherBMTH]

Get rid of the sand. It would be best to use paper towels, tile, or the grassy mat type stuff.

Show us some pics. :main_thumbsup:

 

[lily]

Get rid of the sand. It would be best to use paper towels, tile, or the grassy mat type stuff.

Show us some pics. :main_thumbsup:

I was told that i shouldnt use the sand if they are younger, she is about 7 or 8 in long. why NOT use the sand....

 

[98XJSport]

Biggest reason most on here would say is risk of impaction. I dunno, but I do know its sooo much easier just to pop out a tile or piece of towel or carpet and clean that.

 

[liljenn]

It sounds like the previous owner had a good set up! A solid substate (ie turf, repticarpet, tile, or paper towel) is preferred because of the risks of impaction from sand. You will read various opinions on this, but IMO, it is just not worth the risk. (keep reading all the previous posts on the GF - it is full of GREAT info!)

Leopard Geckos are nocturnal, therefore, they do not need light. It is more for our enjoyment . The under tank heater is a must because the belly heat helps with food digestion as well as warmth (~90 degrees on the hot side, on the floor of the tank)

And as Jeremy stated above, it could be that she is skittish because she needs time to adjust to you and her new home.

 

[Jeremy Letkey]

The possibility of impaction using sand is higher than a solid surface substrate. No one can say with certainty that your animal will become impacted but why even take the risk is my way of looking at it.

 

[lily]

Ya, i jus got her about three days ago. so she is definitely not settled yet.

 

[Jeremy Letkey]

Give her the right conditions, heat on the hot side at about 90. A safe hiding spot, a good humid hide and correct food items and in time, she will be out exploring.

One tip I have for people who want to interact with their leos, try to feed at the same time, all the time. In a very short time your gecko will be sitting at the front of the enclosure just waiting to be fed.

 

[Ccrashca069]

If you want to use a light to view her now, try using black light bulbs or those Moon Light bulbs. I use the red lights for some of my tanks to see them but your's just might need too settle in. Also get a temp reading on the ground. Maybe the light you are using is producing to much heat. Just some ideals. Good luck with her.

 

[Bodon]

i first used sand when my first one was a baby because i didnt know any better and the only site i went to to read up on leos said sand was the best. It was so messy that alone would make somebody want to change it. i use tile and i find it soooo much easier to clean and take care of, it keeps heat great and plus there is no risk in harming the leo by using it.

 

[godzillizard]

Congrats on the new gecko, by the way I'd definately swap the sand for a less risky substrate! I agree it looks awesome, but it can kill your gecko ;( Make sure your gecko is feeling secure--like; place the food dish close to the opening of its favorite hide, so it doesn't have to leave the safety of its "fort" just to eat...

red light is the most difficult for leos to see, but it has to be rather dim red light, to not be percievable by your gecko. I use an in-line dimmer switch to adjust the bulb intensity, so that the gecko can't see it (i watch their pupils), but I can see the gecko--you can use those cheap red 25watt party bulbs from any target/walmart type store, or you could spend the dough on one of those sweet little micro LEDs that are made for aquariums--they are great! they're water proof and they're only about a watt--so they save a ton of energy compared to regular bulbs--mine are called "Marina Mico LED aquarium light"