Set Up

[zak.payne]

I just posted about a moist hide in another thread but I would like to get incite on how my planning is looking for my leopard gecko. I have not bought anything yet because I will not be getting my little guy until mid-May or so but I want to be the most informed and have all the supplies in mind that I will need. Thus far I have in my head:

10 gallon tank
Screen lid
Moist hide
Rock hide (cool side of tank)
Food/water dish
Paper towels for the substrate (for now)
Some cork branches for enrichment/looks
A UTH for a 10/20 gallon tank
I will also be getting some sort of dish for calcium as well
Any other decor I find, also

I know that I need some calcium and vitamins, is there a particular brand that is well-known throughout the forum? I know there is Repti-Cal that I could purchase at +++++ and ++++++++ but I want what is going to work, not if it's convenient.

Other than that, how am I looking so far?

 

[Embrace Calamity]

1) Get a 20 long. 10 gallons are the bare minimum, but you'll have a hard time getting a good temp gradient in them. Plus they're just too small for an adult leo imo.
2) You need three hides. You need a dry warm one, a dry cool one, and a humid hide in the middle/on the warm side. But, if you're going to get a 20 long (which I strongly suggest), it would be better to add another dry hide in the middle. That way your gecko has plenty of options.
3) If you do get a 20 long, you'll probably need to get either a larger UTH or add some overhead heat as well (low-wattage bulb or CHE). Also, a UTH should be kept on a thermostat: Amazon.com: Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats: Patio, Lawn & Garden (As a note, if you're gonna use paper towels, make sure you weigh all the sides down so your leo can't crawl underneath and burn itself on the glass where the UTH is.)
4) Most people here recommend Repashy Leopard Gecko Calcium Plus or Repashy Calcium Plus. It's designed to be used daily (or 5-6 says a week if you prefer), and it covers all calcium and vitamin needs. I know there's another brand that does well, but I can't for the life of me remember the name. =/ I'm not sure there's a brand out there called Repti-Cal, but there is Rep-Cal. The problem with that is that its vitamin supplement contains beta carotene, and it is believed that leos can't transform beta carotene to vitamin A like other animals.

Otherwise, it sounds good.

~Maggot

 

[zak.payne]

Is there an advantage to having a basking lamp along with the UTH? I have read of some doing that but is there any real benefit, or just for looks?

 

[Ozy]

I personally don't use any lights on my leo's cage. Just her UTH with the thermostat. Bright lights can stress a leo out, especially when they are trying to get acclimated and feel secure and comfy in their new home. I have a 20 long and use the 30-40 gallon size ZooMed UTH and that HydroFarms thermostat. I keep my thermostat set at 93. And maggot is right, they need 3 hides, dry warm, cool hide and moist hide. I have a Fluker's Castle Crib for my cool side. It's a water dish/hide combo and looks pretty cool while saving space. I use Repashy Calcium Plus every feeding and it's a really good supplement on top of being super easy.

 

[Embrace Calamity]

Is there an advantage to having a basking lamp along with the UTH? I have read of some doing that but is there any real benefit, or just for looks?

That depends who you ask. UTHs are great for belly heat, but they don't generally do much to warm the air (though this does depend on what kind of substrate you're using). And while belly heat is important and leos do walk on all fours, most of their bodies react to air temperature, not surface temperature. Consider yourself when you go outside (imagine being on all fours if you want). If the sun has warmed the ground, that's great, but if the air is still 50 degrees, your body is going to react mostly to the 50 degrees, not the temperature of the ground. Some people say overhead heat is pointless, and it's not like it'll kill your gecko if you don't provide it. My personal opinion is that it's ideal to have warm (but not scorching) air temps available plus the belly heat. Probably the best method would be a UTH with a low-wattage CHE. But, again, it's a matter of opinion. Leos are hardy creatures that can do well in different kinds of setups, so it comes down to personal preference.

~Maggot

 

[lisa127]

Most people don't do it the way I do, but it works for me. I use a black incandescent bulb for heat and put slate tiles underneath it to provide the belly heat. So I don't use a UTH. Years ago I used the UTH though and not the bulb.