New leo set-up, need input

[thegrandpoohbah]

Hi, I found this site while doing research for my soon to be leo tank. I plan to get three females next week and I am just putting the finishing touches on the tank set-up.

The tank is 36" x 16" x 16" and has a ceramic tile floor. I've got an Exo-Terra UTH on the hot side and a 100W infrared heat lamp in the middle both plugged into a cheap rheostat (AKA lamp dimmer). The temperature gradient is 90F on the hot side, 82F in the middle and 72F on the cool side. I had to add the heat lamp in order to maintain the cool side temps above 70F as our basement suite is still quite cold this time of year.

I've got 3 caves, one on the hot side, one in the middle and a larger one on the cool side. I will place the humid hide (to be constructed, probably from a tupperware container) on the hot side as well for a total of 4 caves. There will be a calcium dish, a water dish and I got a mealworm feeder dish as well.

I will feed mealworms as a staple diet with crickets as a treat every so often. I already have calcium powder (with vitamin D3) and a vitamin powder since I keep turtles so food supplements should be covered.

So basically I need to build a humid hide and get a background for the tank. Is there anything else that I am missing? I know a rheostat isn't really ideal but I will monitor the temps every day and adjust it as necessary. We have to do that for our ball python too so it's no big deal. I will get a couple of proportional thermostats as soon as I can afford it. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[andypg3]

Sounds like you've done your research. I was in the same boat that you're in now just a couple months ago. I can really only offer some comments, no real critiques.

90 degrees on the warm side might be a little cool, ours seems sluggish (and won't ever leave the warm side) if the temps are below about 93 to 94.

On that note, when you monitor the temps make sure you are getting the floor temp (not the ambient) because the floor temp is what need to be 90 to 94.

Keep an eye on the 100W bulb, it could heat things up real quick.

Make that humid hide big enough to fit a couple or all three of your leos at the same time.

Belly heat is really important to a leos digestive process, make sure the hide on the warm side can house all three leos (or maybe add a second warm hide).

Best of luck.

 

[moosassah]

I agree about having more than 1 hide on the warm side. Even a simple cavern for that end would do.

You'll find that, once they determine their bathroom location, placing paper towels in the spot will make for very quick clean up. I place a stack of card sized pieces in the corner & remove the top sheet as needed.

 

[andypg3]

I place a stack of card sized pieces in the corner & remove the top sheet as needed.

effeciency at its finest! I'll have to give this a try.