New guy, preparing for first gecko

[Noob]

I used to work at a fish and reptile store but I'm a little rusty and in an area with no real stores to provide help, (other than *****) so I guess I mean there's still no stores to help me. I used forums for when I was learning about reefs for when I started keeping reef tanks and that was always the biggest help. I'm doing my research right now and have some questions. And there are so many conflicting articles as well so they are not much help either.

I have a 15 gallon tank for my first gecko, and that's it. What now? I just want to hear what everyone says. I want this to look as natural as possible without running the risk of impaction or anything like that. I've kept and successfully bred Chameleons so I know a little and could probably do fine on my own, but I want to have the best I can offer for any creature I keep. I want them to thrive, not live

Do I need a heat pad AND heat lamp? Do I also need UVB? What about substrate? How many hides? And where do I put the heat source(s) in relation to their hides? And what should the feeding schedule look like?

Thanks so much for any help you can provide, I'll be definitely using this a lot. I will probably also become addicted to these guys just like I am to reefing. Thanks,

~Ryan

 

[Noob]

I should also mention that I'm getting a leopard gecko. Might be helpful haha. And I didn't know it would censor out other store names.

 

[Mel&Keith]

It looks like someone has already answered your housing questions in another thread so I'll just say, welcome to GF!

 

[leolover23]

Welcome to GF! Glad to have you!
In the way of substrate, If you want a natural look, I like using tile. You just have to make sure that you control the temps. As for heat lamps and UTH's, it depends on the season/where you live. We usually get colder winters, so I need both. But, if it's summer or hot, you probably won't need both. I've heard that belly heat is very important for digestion so, no matter what, I think you should have the UTH. Best of luck with your new buddy!

 

[Noob]

Thanks a lot! Yeah I moved this discussion to the Leopard board. I will be posting pics there and what not. I should be getting his enclosure completed in the next couple weeks! Thanks!