tell me everything that is wrong with this set up

[Spooki]

i got my gecko with the cage included. i have not changed anything since i got him except added a moist hide, which he does not use and the vines.

the substrate is calci-sand with little fish tank rocks and some larger polished rocks. i do not think the small rocks are a good idea... if he can eat a superworm in one bite he could easily swallow those things.

the UTH seems to be doing a good job. he is active and moves from the hot to cool side every so often. the probe thermometer i was given is broken though, it constantly reads 72.3 degrees. i stuck it right on an infra red bulb and it didn't go up at all after 2 minutes... so i don't know the actual ground temp. it feels warm to the touch though. air temp reads 80-83 degrees.

i want to make him the best set up possible but i also want it to be somewhat natural and pleasing to the eye. don't be afraid to be harsh, it's not my set up .

 

[RepBex]

the sand is a no no causes impaction
the small stones are also a very high risk

once you change that it seems okay

what size tank is it ?

 

[Spooki]

i don't know, i'd say it's at least a 15 gallon tank. i wanted to get reptile carpet but when i went to the store the reptile section looked like it had been raided by vikings. i'll have to wait until wednesday when the truck comes in.

 

[project1]

well i can tell you that EVERYONE will tell you to change that calci sand stuff to paper towels or repti mat or tile ect but all and all good job

 

[Spooki]

ok then. i'll just get some reptile carpet, a bigger moist cave (he doesn't quite fit in the one he has) with some moss since it holds water longer than paper towel and get a new probe thermometer.


in the bag off stuff i got with him there's a thing of playground sand. i won't be using that.

 

[jakemyster44]

I'd say it appears to be either a 10g or a 20g tall, this is based on the relation on height and length. It is reccomended usually to have a10-20g tank or larger (a 20g tall has the floor space of a 15g) so you shoud be ok, you may want to switch to a 20g long aquarrium though.

As for the setup; these are the main elements needed for a good setup, keep in mind this is te bare minimum and extra hides are always a good idea. First you need a temperature gradient, ranging from 90f on the "warm side" to around 80f on the "cool side". On the warm side I place a cave/hide and a humid hide (look through posts to find out what this is) there has been some debate as to witch side the humid hide goes on but I have always used the warm side with no problems. Now, on the cool side you will want to place a hide or two as well. You will need 2-3 bowls. one for water, one for calcium, and one for mealworms if you choose (I reccomend it). As far as substrate goes, it is always best to use solid one such as paper towel, tile, slate, reptile carpet, etc. Adding any decorations can add a nice naturalistic touch too.
Everything you need to know can be found online, I's look at GoldenGateGeckos.com there should be great care sheets there. After doing more reaserch, any more specific questions you may have will be glady answered by us!

 

[Spooki]

thanks, i know the basics since i take care of baby leos at work, i just don't want anything in there that will potentially harm him.

do you have any suggestions for a good worm dish? the pet store where i work doesn't have anything they can't crawl out of. he much prefers to be hand fed so i'm not terribly concerned about this.

 

[jakemyster44]

I use glazed dishes from *****. You can also use petri dishes, solo brand cups (2oz), and just about any other small smooth boel you can find around the house. Some people use glass ash trays...

 

[Spooki]

hmm i can probably get an ash tray from the mart of wals tomorrow after work. i'm going to get some feeding tongs too, superworms are nasty little things.

 

[Lena]

Like everyone else said, off the sand immediately! It's very dangerous.

Otherwise, it's very pretty.

 

[Spooki]

okey dokey... i still need to find a probe thermometer (any product suggestions?) but other than that i think i am all set. i got him a worm dish but it's not in there since i don't have any mealworms.

toki has been doing a lot of exploring, he seems to really like his new cave.

 

[jakemyster44]

looks GREAT!

 

[Arctic16]

Nice tank, looks a lot better without the sand!

 

[Spooki]

thanks

now that i have carpet down i'm a lot less paranoid. i have heard many people say calci-sand is ok for adults but the way i feel is why even bother when there is still a risk of impaction? it's just one less thing to have to worry about. if anything i did ever caused the death of my gecko i'd feel eternally guilty.

 

[Jenn]

very nice setup.