Hiya* New here

[dainty]

Im Joan and Im new here and to Leopard Geckos. I had a shark tank about 20 years and as the fish outgrew the tank, I found them homes in larger tanks. Ive been reading up on Leos the last serveral months and have started setting up my Leo tank. Im trying to get it perfect before I get my leos.

Would/could you guys help?

Im using a 30 gallon tank, to start 12 deep 30 long 18 high. I figure IF I can get that right, I will move them to a 55 gallon. I started with 2 UTHs. They cover about 1/2 the bottom and so far : ) the temp on the warm half of tile is reading 84 degrees. now.. do I add a ceramic light or an infra red light? I understand and I may be wrong so please correct me, the ceramic puts out tons of heat no light, maybe too much heat? That the infrared puts out just enough heat and red light good. Any thoughts? ideas? Im at the NJ Shore so winters chilly here. The house temp probably 68 - 72.

Thank you,
joan*

 

[bebetee]

Welcome.

I think that 55 gallon is way to big for a single leopard gecko
Also they do not need lights, they need belly heat ( from the UTH )

 

[LizardPants]

I second the UTH.

If you put the 30 gallon on it's front side, and put sliding glass on the front, that's a good amount of room for two non-giant adult females. Keep in mind if you do this, added vents are a must. See Cucarachafea's set ups.
However the 30 gallon in it's normal orientation doesn't have any more floor space than a 20 gallon long, it's just taller. It's still OK for two females, you're just not getting the most out of it.

 

[dainty]

Thank you, both. They will be 2 females Leos. I will be getting them at about 25 grams so I thought to start them in the smaller tank. As they grow, I have a lizard tank, I think it is 55 gallons, I will move them to.

I love the idea of putting the tank on the side. So if my UTH covers half the tank and the tile only at 84. How do I raise the temp without lights?

Im not having them shipped, till the weather a little better and my tank where it should be.

Again, thanks*
joan*

 

[dainty]

sorry double post*