Vivarium advice needed

[euan]

Hi, looking to get some advice on my vivarium build before going out nd purchasing a leo for it.

Vivexotic LX36 (36"x15"x16")
Climate Habitat 14w Heat Mat 11"x11"
HabiStat MatStat
2x Exoterra Thermometers
Exoterra Hygrometer
ExoTerra Medium Hide (cold hide)
Habba Hut Medium (warm hide)
Small home made moist hide
Exoterra Medium Water Bowl
Exoterra Worm Feeder

As for substrate we are using slate tiles bought from the local DIY store. We will be using the smallest amount of sand possible for filling inbetween these and then squirting a bit of water onto the sand to make it a bit more solid.

We are hoping to feed the leo on worms only (mealworms staple and wax and super as treats) as well as a calcium dusting and dish available.

i'm aware that leos do not need any from of light but the vivarium will be sitting close enough to a window to regulate the day night cycle and to give the gecko a few hours of sun per day.

any advice on the setup or any hints or tips would be well appreciated!

 

[acpart]

It all sounds good to me. I use ceramic tile and don't need any sand, but a little sounds fine. I know people whose leopard geckos only eat mealworms, though I find that my adults get bored with them. Despite your intentions, if you buy leos, they may have their own ideas about what they want to eat. Superworms is a good compromise.

Aliza

 

[euan]

Hi Aliza thanks for the advice on the super worms, I'll definitely look into them.

Also decided to not use sand in the vivarium until the gecko has a toilet "spot" and use it very liberally in that area to make spot cleaning easier.

Its my first time keeping live food for a pet so I'm pretty wary about it as I've heard a few horror stories but I'm prepared to keep worms and larvae (any variety) but family members have objections to the creepy crawlies being kept indoors.

 

[acpart]

My toilet solution is to get a cheap bathroom tile (those 4" squire shiny tiles) and, once the leos figure out where they're going to go, I put that tile down. Then I can just lift up the tile and brush off the poop. I've been making ceramic tiles with a lip for this purpose. Inside the tile it says "poops" so now my leos can read.

ALiza

 

[euan]

sounds like a good idea, i'm hoping theres not too many problems with slate being porous so i may seal them with a PVA solution. i've got a good steam cleaner/sterliser that ive used on everything so hopefully that'll do the job when it comes to toilet stuff