New to leopard geckos. Introduction/a few questions

[purpleperson]

Hey everyone. I have been lurking for a few months so I thought I'd finally introduce myself. I have wanted a leopard gecko for a few years now, and I have decided that this year is the year I get one. so I have been researching like crazy.
I will probably wait until spring to get the actual gecko, but so far I have already gotten a 20 gallon tank, vinyl flooring for substrate, a water dish, and a meal worm dish. I have already started a colony of mealworms, and hopefully I will be starting a colony of super worms this weekend.
On my list to buy are a UTH, 3 hides (warm, cool, moist), repashy calcium plus, and maybe a background for my tank.

Is there anything else you think I should get or any suggestions?
I was also wondering if screen lids are necessary. The tank I have came with a plastic aquarium cover, but it does seem pretty sturdy. Should I change it out?

I do not care much for what morph I end up getting, but I really love the look of Diablo blanco, Bell sunglow, Snow tremper, and Emerine. (Sorry if I got any names wrong, I'm new to this) I'm really just interested in a Leo as a companion and pet and not a breeder anyways.

I currently have 4 hermit crabs, a Guinea pig, and a family dog. I have never owned a reptile before, because it can be hard to get feeders, but it's always been a dream of mine.

Anyways I think I have rambled on enough! Glad to have found this resource though and I am really looking forward to having a gecko of my own.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JessJohnson87]

Welcome to GF!

Screen lids are necessary because some leo's can be escape artists. I've never had one escape but if they have the will power, they will do it. Is the vinyl flooring the self adhering kind? They can emit toxic fumes when heat is added. I would also add a thermostat to the list of things to buy to control the heat with the UTH, those things can get really hot.

 

[purpleperson]

Ahh okay! I wasn't aware that they could escape. Never heard of that before and no, it is not! And I made sure it is safe for under-floor heating, as I read that those things are both important. I actually have a thermostat on my list, but I forgot to post it here. I also have a temp gun as well.

I'm a little uncertain on humidity? Do Leo's need humidity or not? (Other than a humid hide of course)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JessJohnson87]

No they don't. Usually 30-40% humidity but mine does fine with just his humid hide, I've had no problems with him shedding. I usually spray the humid hide heavily the couple of days before he actually sheds.

 

[purpleperson]

Okay. There is so much conflicting information out there, it's hard to know what's true or not. The last page I read said I should be misting the entire tank daily, but I didn't think that seemed right. Thanks so much!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk