Is this ok for a small juvi?

[Cody]

In the process of getting ready for a Leo. If and/or when I do, it would be pretty small (less than 4" at most). They will come from a *****. Yes, I know about how bad this can be, but this ***** treats their reptiles great. Probably the healthiest herps around here.

Anyways, I wanted to make sure that my housing will be fine for a few months. The container is a 15qt Sterilite Tub. I melted many holes around the upper edge for ventilation. As to hides, I plan on having 1 dry and 1 humid, both out of Glad Containers. Since they are clear, I will darken them up with something. I was originally going to use a "regular" dry hide with a glad humid hide, but the regular one was too large. Will also have a small calcium dish, and a water bowl. Paper towel substrate for now.

Now, as to my questions.

-Should I also purchase a food bowl, or is it un-needed?
-With a UTH on a tub, would it still need to be 1/3-1/2 of the length, or does it go all the way?
-When I darken the Glad hides, should i just use Duct tape? I have been thinking about spraypaint, but seeing that could be very harmful for obvious reasons, I think duct tape would be easiest.

I will be purchasing a water bowl and a UTH tomorrow.

Also, this is just a temporary setup untill he/she will fit into a 10G (I have an old fish tank), and then eventually a 20 long with slate substrate and the like.
This tub will only be for 3 months max.
Pic of it ATM (yes, very simple):


Dry hide on left, humid hide on right.
Thanks.

EDIT: I didn't realize that place was censored here. Lets just say from a large pet chain.

 

[Hopefull Monster Geckos]

I would use margerine containers for hide`s
for the food dish it all dependes on what you are feeding the gecko, so if you are feeding meal worms then yes you will need one.
for the location of the hides I would put one on each end not on the one half
then for the heat I would put it under about 1/3 of the cage on the end with the dry hide so that the gecko can thermal regulate.

James M.

 

[Cody]

Ok, thank you.

-I will check for those.
-Sounds like I will be getting a food dish (like I orginally planned). I will be feeding mealies.
-Will do.
-Will do.

Oh, forgot some more questions if anyone wants to answer.

-What type of Calcium should I buy? IE, w/ D3, "pure calc," daily vitamins, etc? Or a combo?

 

[Leopard.Geckerz]

All of the UTH's I have clearly say on the back of the package not to use with plastic. These are the Exo Terra and Zoo Med brands. Heat tape may be compatible. I'd really rather see the gecko in a 15 gallon set up from the start, though. 10 at the minimum. Maybe you have a friend that has an old tank, even cracked, that they don't need, if money is an issue.

As for your questions;

Yes, the UTH should only take up part of the tank, 1/3.
Yes, duct tape would work best, spraypaint would be toxic, I think.
Consider taping around the entrance edges as well, I always do, just in case of sharp points..their skin is VERY thin.

Supplements:
You want a mixture. Your base supplement will be straight calcium without D3. Use this the majority of the time. If I feed 3x a week, I use straight calcium twice, and vitamins once. Sometimes I mix vitamins in with the calcium. If you are feeding daily, so a 5/2 schedule, or something. D3 doesn't need to be given often. Maybe once or twice a month. It's good to have a bottle on hand for the seldom use, or if you are in a pinch. Calcium isn't an option though, should be used regularely to dust, as well as a small dish inside of the tank.

Consider using different feeders occasionally to give the animal some variety.

Good luck with your new pet.

 

[Cody]

Money isn't an issue. I just figured that since the Leos are so small, one may be able to work for a few months max. If you look in my sig, you can see that I am a reefer. I am in the middle of upgrading a 10G to a 40G, which will take 2-3 more months to complete. My fault if it sounded like something was off.

But overall, would the gecko still be happy in this setup for a short while?

I'll check the UTH's to see if any are usable with plastic. If not, I will look for tape.

Shopping list so far...
-Water Dish
-Food dish
-Three types of Calcium
-UTH/Tape

 

[Leopard.Geckerz]

2 types of calcium + 1 multi-vitamin**

The gecko would probably be fine, but I'd just go with the adult size tank from the get go. I didn't mean to offend you, I just see a lot of people putting lizards in small tanks because of money issues. That way you can just flat out by a UTH from the get go. If you go with heat tape/rope, you need a thermostat which will end up costing you more than a glass aquarium and an uth

Just my 0.02, don't take offense.

 

[Cody]

No offense taken at all. I understand where you are coming from.

And a typo on the calcium thing... I meant to say that. Lol.

I'll just let everyone know what's going on after I see/buy the last of my materials. Thanks for your help.

 

[Leopard.Geckerz]

No problem, it sounds like you're on the right track for sure. kudos on the paper towel especially. I'm looking forward to seeing pics of the new sweetie.

 

[Cody]

Well, I went and got some supplies. Picked up a food bowl, a water bowl, a UTH (its fine for plastic, I had to check a few), and Calicum, D3, and multivitamins. Even a little piece of decor for when I upgrade.

Just want to check that I picked up the right ones (its fine if I didn't), so I will just post here what is on the label.

-Reptivite Reptile Vitamins (Without D3)
-ReptoCal (Includes calcium and vitamin D3)
-Repashy Foods Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus (Vitamin Mineral Supplement).

Right ones?

 

[Foreverandever]

Well after spending all that money on supplies I would just spend another $20 on a ten gallon tank...


You also need just a pure calcium powder; one without any d3 or vitamins. I use JurassiCal and it comes in a clear bottle with a green lid. Can be found at the big chain stores

 

[Cody]

Yea, you are right. I think I'll just get a 10G and another hide this weekend (along with the pure calcium). Possibly the gecko as well.

Thanks.

 

[theclean1]

dude get a 10 gallon tank. do you think that he is gonna be happy in that thing? Are you even breeding it?

 

[liljenn]

Well, I went and got some supplies. Picked up a food bowl, a water bowl, a UTH (its fine for plastic, I had to check a few), and Calicum, D3, and multivitamins. Even a little piece of decor for when I upgrade.

Just want to check that I picked up the right ones (its fine if I didn't), so I will just post here what is on the label.

-Reptivite Reptile Vitamins (Without D3)
-ReptoCal (Includes calcium and vitamin D3)
-Repashy Foods Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus (Vitamin Mineral Supplement).

Right ones?

Cody, all looks good. The suppliments are all fine, but more than you need. The Repashy HAS both Calcium & D3 already and ALL the vitamins. It is a complete suppliment, you don't need the other two. OR you can use the other two together instead and alternate them.

Also, if you plan to buy a 10G tank, I think I've seen them at Walmart for $10...don't know if prices are the same where you are.

 

[Cody]

I've seen them for $10-$12 here. Going to pick up a tank either tomorrow or Saturday.

 

[Cody]

Ok, I'm back with some news.

I've decided to quite on my idea of doing a Crestie setup, and just doing one Leo setup (for now, at least). I took apart my 20 long, and made it suitable for Leos. I have three hides (hot, cool, and moist), along with all needed dishes. I also used the 5 hanging plants I had for the Crestie setup in the tank, so it looks pretty decent. As well with two cactus decor because I had them. I am still using paper towels (they actually don't look half bad), but have the slate. It needs to be cut though.

Temperatures are around 85-87 on the hot side right now, and around 72-74 on the cool side. I am using a small UTH (I need to get a bigger one) with a 75W red bulb on the hot side. On the cool is a light strip that provides UVA/UVB. I know it isn't needed, but I had it lying around.

I also went back the store the other day, to check out the geckos one last time before I make a purchase. All looked very healthy. Most were just high-yellows (I think that is the morph...), and I saw one Jungle (?) and what I think was the head of one Tang (he was in a hide). The Jungle had the fattest tail there, too.

One last question before I go to purchase on Sunday or Monday.

Would it just be smartest to buy a single Leo, or would I be able to house 2 females? I realize I would need to pickup another hide (which I was going to anyways). Thoughts?

I would post pics, but I can't until Monday.

 

[Cody]

I'm sorry for the third post, but I took a few pictures and couldn't find/access the edit button.

These were taken on a Mac laptop, so please excuse the quality and glare of the computer.

Far away Full-tank shot:

Closer FTS:

Cool side:

Warm side:

Middle:

 

[ariana]

nice i like it!!
females it would depend on their personalities. some prefer to be alone.
your tank looks like it has everything except for one thing...
a probe thermometer!!
and the temps on the warm side should be about 90-95 cool side mines 85

 

[Cody]

Ah, I knew I was forgetting something. Need to pick up one of those too.

 

[Foreverandever]

Looks good. I would just go with one leo for now

 

[shawn119]

I would just get a 10 gallon for a few months.