Will They Fall?

[98XJSport]

Hi Everyone

I have a 20G tall tank left over from keeping fish that I plan on using for a leopard or 2 in the near future. I know that they don't need the vertical space, but I already own the tank and stand. My plan is to use styrofoam and grout to make a second level in the tank, with ramps from floor to floor. I figure this will help with self regulating, as well as double thier floor space.

My concern is with the ramps, are they very poor climbers and at risk of falling? How steep of a grade could they climb? I also have driftwood, which could give me the same problem if they try to climb.

 

[acpart]

There may be some pictures on the forum of set-ups with multiple levels. Some people have done that. I have one tank with an "upstairs" that I made from ceramic tiles. THere is a piece of cholla at about a 45º angle that they climb easily. That picture is somewhere on this forum as well (http://www.geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=5753&highlight=upstairs)

Aliza

 

[Caesar]

Your leos should be fine with a 20 gallon tall, I have 3 leos myself and am still somewhat new to leos but I spend an hour each night with one of my leos and during that hour I use it to check my emails while the leos all will climb up my shirt onto my shoulders and even on to the top of my head and scan the surrounding area, and climb back down. These little guys do have some climbing ability and are facinating to watch, some people feel that they are lazy but there movements are deliberate.
As per steepness, you could go as steep as 60 degrees and be fine but I would have another ramp at a 45 deg to be on the safe side, especically if your making the ramps out of styrofoam and grout, you can add contour to the ramps to make them a little rugged.
One thing you can always keep in mind with any new species is research there native areas and what kind of terrain are they use to. even if they are terrestrial, they usually will climb somewhat.
As for falling, I think every species of animal has fallen at some point, and as with leos, as long as you have a sand bottom (10 lb bag for a 20 gallon will be more than enough) you should be fine.

 

[98XJSport]

Nice pics, thats exactly what I was thinking, except using dowels for legs, and making ramps out of foam with grout. Maybe Ill put a lip on the edges to keep me from worrying less, if nothing else Im used to having rats, that love to climb anything and everything, and take falls very well, so when I look at these little guys they seem relatively fragile.

 

[Baker14]

 

[98XJSport]

Very nice, do they climb much?

 

[Baker14]

Yes they do. They love to climb. We made a hide within the rockwall that they enjoy being in to.

 

[Ccrashca069]

Leopard geckos are great climbers. They can't climb up glass but ramps and stuff no prob. A few of my leopards will climb all over me when I hold them.

 

[scottd]

leos do like climbing and it is good excercise. one thing to keep in mind is making sure they have claws. i have 1 gecko that i got from a pet store who had poor husbandry. he was kept in a shoebox and he couldnt get all the shed off his toes. now when i hold him he cant even hold on to my clothes etc he slides off.

 

[Baker14]

One of mine has the same problem. He isnt able to climb well anymore. He is missing quite a few toes and cant grip onto anything. He still is docile and sweet.

 

[mmsi1002]

Personally i wouldn't worry. They seem to be great little climbers.