Setting up a proper habitat is crucial for a leopard gecko's health and happiness. It involves selecting the right enclosure and outfitting it with essential components that cater to their specific needs as ground-dwelling reptiles.
Choosing the Right Enclosure
Begin by selecting a long and wide aquarium, terrarium, or vivarium. For adult leopard geckos, a minimum of a 20-gallon long tank is recommended, but larger options like a 30-40 gallon breeder tank offer optimal space for exploration and enrichment.
A vivarium constructed from wood with a glass front can be an excellent choice. Its insulated properties may help in maintaining stable temperatures and potentially reduce electricity bills associated with heating. However, since leopard geckos are ground-dwelling animals and are not skilled climbers, it's essential to use a glass tank. This design prevents them from attempting to climb the slick walls and potentially falling, which can cause injury.
Tank Dimensions Guide
Understanding the appropriate tank size is vital as your gecko grows.
| Gecko Size | Minimum Tank Size (Gallons) | Approximate Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile (1-6 mo) | 10 | 20" x 10" x 12" |
| Adult | 20 Long | 30" x 12" x 12" |
| Adult (Optimal) | 30-40 Breeder | 36" x 18" x 12" |
Essential Heating and Lighting
Maintaining a proper temperature gradient is vital for a leopard gecko's digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Heating
Leopard geckos require belly heat for digestion.
- Under Tank Heater (UTH): This is the primary heat source, covering approximately 1/3 of the tank floor on one side. Always connect your UTH to a thermostat to precisely regulate its temperature to 90-94°F (32-34°C).
- Heat Lamp (Optional): A low-wattage ceramic heat emitter (CHE) or deep heat projector (DHP) can supplement ambient air temperature, especially in cooler rooms. Avoid colored lights, as these can disrupt a gecko's day/night cycle.
Lighting
While nocturnal, proper lighting helps establish a natural day/night cycle.
- Overhead Light: A low-wattage LED can provide ambient light during the day.
- UVB Light (Recommended): Although often debated for nocturnal species, a low-output (e.g., 2.5-5% UVB) T5 linear fixture can be highly beneficial. It aids in calcium absorption and overall health, mimicking the beneficial sun exposure geckos might receive during dawn and dusk. Always provide ample shaded areas within the enclosure.
Substrate Choices
The substrate forms the floor of the enclosure and is crucial for hygiene and preventing impaction.
Recommended Substrates
- Paper Towels: An excellent choice for juveniles, during quarantine, or for new setups due to their ease of cleaning and minimal risk of impaction.
- Slate Tile/Ceramic Tile: These options retain heat effectively, are easy to clean, and provide a natural, firm walking surface.
- 50/50 Substrate Mix: For more advanced keepers, a blend of organic topsoil (ensure it contains no fertilizers or pesticides) and playsand can create a natural, digging-friendly substrate.
Substrates to Avoid
Certain substrates pose significant health risks to leopard geckos:
- Calcium Sand/Walnut Shells: These can be ingested, leading to severe impaction and potentially respiratory issues.
- Loose Bark/Wood Chips: Similar to sands, these can be ingested and cause impaction.
- Reptile Carpet: This material can trap bacteria and fungi, becoming a hygiene challenge, and its fibers can snag a gecko's claws.
Hides and Enrichment
Geckos are secretive by nature and require multiple secure hides to feel safe, reduce stress, and aid in various biological processes.
Essential Hides
- Warm Hide: Positioned directly over the UTH, this provides a secure, dark spot for digestion after eating.
- Cool Hide: Located on the cooler side of the tank, offering a retreat from heat and a place to cool down.
- Moist Hide: Crucial for shedding. This can be a plastic container with a damp substrate like sphagnum moss or moist paper towels. It helps with hydration and ensures proper shedding.
Decor and Climbing Opportunities
Even though they are ground animals, geckos appreciate enrichment.
- Rocks and Branches: Provide safe climbing, basking, and exploration opportunities. Ensure all items are stable, smooth, and securely placed to prevent accidental falls.
- Artificial Plants: Add visual barriers, cover, and aesthetic appeal to the enclosure.
- Background: A textured background can enhance the natural feel and, if securely attached, offer additional climbing surfaces.
Food and Water Stations
Basic necessities that must be present and regularly maintained.
Water Dish
- Always provide a shallow, heavy water dish with fresh, clean water.
- Clean the dish daily to prevent bacterial growth and ensure a constant supply of hydration.
Food Dish
- A shallow, escape-proof dish for mealworms or other feeder insects that cannot readily escape.
- A small lid or dish containing pure calcium carbonate powder (without D3) should be available in the enclosure at all times for your gecko to self-regulate calcium intake.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular cleaning and monitoring are essential for maintaining a healthy and hygienic enclosure environment.
Routine Tasks
- Spot Cleaning: Remove feces daily to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Water Change: Provide fresh water daily.
- Full Clean: Perform a thorough cleaning monthly, or as needed. This includes replacing loose substrate, disinfecting all decor, and scrubbing the tank with reptile-safe cleaners.
- Temperature Checks: Use a digital thermometer with a probe to accurately monitor ambient air temperatures and surface temperatures at both the warm and cool ends of the tank.
- Humidity Monitoring: A digital hygrometer is useful for monitoring overall enclosure humidity and, most importantly, ensuring the moist hide maintains adequate dampness.
