Im new to leopard gecko's and want advice.?

Question

Ok so i been reading about them and i got one today,a blizzard leopard gecko, about 8 inches. I just want everyones advice and answers to these few questions in your own opinions.

What size cage is best for my gecko?

Heat lights?

Subtrate..what's the best one that looks most natural and good for my gecko.

Moist hide and normal hides.

What objects do they like?

What type of food do you use and how much of it per week.

Thanks! ^_^ any other advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Here is a copy of my mini care sheet.  Do NOT use sand or other loose substrates as they cause impactions.  Must have a humid hide to prevent shedding problems.  

Leopard Geckos



Minimum size tank for one leopard gecko is 10 gallons, but an adult will benefit from a 20 gallon or larger.  

A heat mat (under tank heater or UTH) needs to be attached under one end of the tank.  Leos warm up through belly heat, not heat from a lamp above (which is not recommended or needed).  The mat should be plugged into a thermostat (made for this) or a dimmer switch in order to adjust the temperature.  UTH mats often get over 100F, which is too hot.  A good temperature is 88-91F.  Use a digital probe thermometer to measure the basking temp.  These are sold as indoor/outdoor thermometers in most garden departments.  Set it to “outdoor” and place the probe on the inside bottom surface of the tank over the UTH mat end. You cannot use stick on or dial thermometers, as these only measure air temps and not basking temps.  They can be off by more than 20F!  Leos do not need UVB lighting.



Do NOT use sand or other loose substrate in the bottom of the tank!  Leos often eat this and can become fatally impacted in their intestines.  It is not natural for them to live in and be forced to eat in a small sand-filled environment which can harbor bacteria and parasites.



Provide a small dish of calcium powder which the gecko will l**k as needed.  A small bowl of water is also necessary.  



Leos need 3 hide boxes.  One should be placed over the warm end of the tank, one on the cool end, and the third should be a humid hide.  This is very important to help prevent shedding problems.  It can be as simple as a margarine container with a hole cut in the side (leave the lid on).  Fold a couple of paper towels in the bottom and keep them misted with water.  Your Leo will go into this as needed.  Keep the humid hide on the warm end of the tank.  Shedding problems include shed skin left on toes.  If this happens, the dead skin will constrict the blood flow, often leading to loss of toes.  



Feeding a variety of insects is always best.  In the wild they will many different types of insects.  Good choices include crickets, superworms, phoenix worms, silkworms, hornworms and occasionally wax worms (high in fat).  Mealworms may also be used for leopard geckos.  All insects must be properly “gutloaded” before being used as food.  This means providing correct food and water or moisture for them.  



For more info on care, health, and feeding of Leopard Geckos please check out http://www.drgecko.com/index.html.  It is my favorite web site and is very complete!  Also good is http://www.thegeckospot.com/shortleocare...  

Answer 2

20 gallons

Not necessary

coconut fiber, newspaper

give him maybe a log cave(mine has one)

Give him a water dish, nice flat rock to lay on and as as stated above a log cave or a wooden tunnel

If its a baby feed it daily. crickets, mealworms, silkworms, earthworms and other insects. If it is an adult feed it every other day

they wont release their tail. some bite but it doesnt hurt

Answer 3

10 gal. should be big enough

i use a regular lightbulb during the day and black light at night (60 watts)

i have always used the "rugs". You can use play sand from hardware store or calcium sand(expensive)

paper towels work just fine too

i have used one of those logs for it to hide in or a plastic cave type thing

i feed mine every 1-2 days and go through 2 dozen crickets a week

the only reason your gecko would release its tail is if you grab it. picking it up would be fine.