why is it 10g per leo?

[got spots?]

I never really understood this and it confused me when I was getting my first leo. Why get a ten gallon tank per leo if they don't climb? shouldn't it be based on length/width not how tall as well?

 

[Tony C]

It is just a convenient general rule, but does not account for unusually shaped tanks, much like the 1 inch of fish per gallon rule for aquariums. Floor space is more important than height, for example one leo is fine in a standard 10 gallon (20"x10"x12"), but two leos would be cramped in a 20 X-Tall (20"x10"x24"), even though it is twice the volume of a standard 10, it still has the same floor space.

 

[roger]

12 square inch floor space per gecko is my general rule

 

[Tony C]

12 square inches is nowhere near enough room, you could barely fit an adult leopard gecko in such a tiny space.

 

[gitrdone0420]

I agree, 12inch is way too small. I know for myself, after I put the three hides, meal worm dish, water dish and calcium bowl, 10g becomes a very small enclosure! I wouldnt put more than one leo in that enclosure. I will put 2-3 leos in a 20L though.

 

[Tony C]

A 10 gallon has 200 square inches of floor space, so one leo per 12 square inches would be horribly cramped, that is almost 17 geckos in a 10 gallon tank.

 

[acpart]

A 10 gallon has 200 square inches of floor space, so one leo per 12 square inches would be horribly cramped, that is almost 17 geckos in a 10 gallon tank.

I would guess the poster meant 12"x12" or 144 sq. inches, as opposed to 12 sq. inches.

Aliza