Leopard Gecko Vivarium Set Up - ExoticDirect (2024)

You can help maintain the ground temperature inside the vivarium by using aheat matspecifically designed for reptile tanks. These can be bought at any pet store or online.

VetTom Duttonrecommends you place the mat inside the vivarium, and control the temperature carefully using a thermostat. You can place the probe on top of the mat.

You can maintain the air temperature by using a basking lamp during the day, and an infra-red heat lamp at night.

There should be a temperature gradient inside your Leopard Gecko’s vivarium, with one side of the tank kept warmer than the other. Your gecko needs a warm spot to properly digest its food and will adjust its body temperature by alternating between the cooler and warmer areas of the tank.

Use athermometer(Northampton Reptile Centre sell a selection) on both sides to monitor the vivarium temperature.

Keeping your Leopard Gecko’s vivarium at the right temperature is extremely important. Leopard geckos are cold blooded and get heat from outside sources in their environment. Failing to provide the correct temperature gradients can have serious health consequences.

Never let your vivarium temperature reach more than 34 degrees, as that will be too hot for your gecko.

At night time, the temperature in the vivarium will need to be lower, to mimic nature conditions in the gecko’s natural habitat.

The ideal vivarium temperature during the night is between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius. Your gecko will need a warm spot to lie on, as in nature it would be lying on rocks heated by the daytime sun – the heat mat or infra-red lamp should be sufficient to create this.

The ideal humidity for your Leopard Gecko’s vivarium is 20%-40%. The correct levels of humidity in your gecko’s tank ensures it can shed properly and stay hydrated, and reduces the risk of infections.

You can use ahygrometerto monitor the humidity in the tank – if you find it is too high, try using a smaller water dish and increasing airflow through the tank; if it is too low, use a bigger water dish or increase the level of moist moss in the tank.

Some gecko owners report issues with their vivarium steaming up. If this happens, it may be a sign that your vivarium is too humid. As Leopard Geckos are desert dwellers, too much humidity can cause them health issues, such as respiratory problems. Monitor the humidity levels in the vivarium and use the steps listed above to increase and lower the levels, if required.

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Leopard Geckos and lighting

It’s essential that your Leopard Gecko receives the correct amount and type of light during the day. It needs to mimic your gecko’s natural habitat.

How much light does my Leopard Gecko need?

In the summer you should aim for 14 hours of light, followed by 10 hours of darkness.
In the winter you should aim for 12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness.

You should make the transition gradually over several weeks. It is recommended to use automatic timers, to avoid having to alter your schedule or forgetting to tend to the lights.

Don’t forget to add in those all important hide areas if using UV. These will help mimic your geckos natural environment, and provide places of shelter.

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Your Leopard Gecko’s substrate

Substrate types for your Leopard Gecko

Sand	Reptile carpets
Tiles	Lino
Flat stones	Paper towels
Newspaper

There is much debate among Leopard Gecko owners and experts as to which material makes the best substrate for your gecko’s vivarium.

Leopard Geckos and sand

The biggest point of contention is the use of sand as substrate. Many sources warn against the use of sand, as it might cause impaction if your gecko eats it (this risk is greater for younger geckos), it can cause respiratory problems and bacteria can grow in wet sand. However, some owners say they have used this material for many years without a hitch, as the use of sand mimics their gecko’s natural landscape and encourages its natural digging instinct.

Additionally, some experts say that a reptile will eat its substrate as a result of a vitamin deficiency. Poor husbandry resulting from the incorrect heating, humidity and lighting requirements can then lead to metabolism and digestion issues – resulting in impaction.

Should you choose to usesandas a substrate, you can easily purchase it from the Northampton Reptile Centre.

Reptile carpets

This is a popular option, though it is not without its problems as well, such as your Leopard Gecko’s claws and teeth getting caught in the fabric, and crickets escaping under it.

If you use this substrate, make sure to thoroughly clean it on a regular basis and monitor your gecko’s stomach for signs of irritation caused by the material. You can buyreptile carpetfrom Northampton Reptile Centre.

Leopard Geckos and Tiles

These are easy to clean and look smart, though they can be expensive. You can buyreptile tilesfrom the Northampton Reptile Centre.

Leopard Geckos and lino

If there are carpet shops in your area, you might want to enquire whether they can sell you their lino off-cuts at reduced prices. This option is also easy to clean and, if fitted correctly, there is nowhere for your gecko’s food to hide. However, be aware that self-adhesive lino tiles can create harmful fumes for your gecko, so those are best avoided.

Leopard Geckos and flat stones

These are a great way to mimic your gecko’s natural landscape, but avoid using heat stone, as they can over-heat and cause burns.

Leopard Geckos and paper towels or newspapers

A cheap and easy option, and particularly recommended for younger geckos. The downside here is that your gecko cannot burrow in these and they do not recreate its natural environment. While they also need changing regularly and may tear, they do not pose any health risks to your gecko.

Never use mulch, shredded wood, soil, corn cob or gravel, as these can be toxic and harmful to your gecko’s digestive system.

Your Leopard Gecko’s hide

Your Leopard Gecko’s hideneeds to be in keeping with his natural habitat. You should provide a moist substrate inside your Leopard Gecko’s hide.

Some owners fashion their gecko’s hide out of plastic boxes cushioned with moist paper towels, while some prefer to purchaseready-made hidesfrom the Northampton Reptile Centre. These normally come in the shape of rocks, to be in keeping with the desert landscape gecko’s hail from.

A moist hide substrate is essential, as your Leopard Gecko needs a humid environment in order to shed its skin properly. This hide should be placed on the cool side of the vivarium, and will need to be kept humid at all times (by using paper towels or moist moss). If you have more than one gecko, make sure the moist hide in the tank is big enough for all of them to fit.

Your Leopard Gecko will also need a warm hide on the hot side of the vivarium, where it will go to digest its food or warm itself up if it isn’t feeling chilly, but wants to stay hidden. You can have a cool hide for your gecko to disappear to if it is feeling too warm, though this is not an essential requirement.

Other bits of tank décor are not crucial to your gecko’s well-being, but will make a nice environment for it to live in and for you to look at every day.

Plantsare an easy way to decorate your vivarium and give your Leopard Gecko extra security when it is out of its hides.

You may use either artificial or live plants, as gecko’s do not eat vegetables, but make sure to get plants that are not poisonous to geckos and be aware that they may increase the humidity levels in the tank.

Rocksare a great way to imitate the landscape of your Leopard Gecko’s natural habitat. You can buy them from the Northampton Reptile centre, or take them from outside. If you do this, make sure you clean them thoroughly before placing them in the vivarium.

Sticks are another popular choice for vivarium décor, though you must ensure there are no parasites present in the wood, no sharp edges and that you gecko cannot accidentally digest any part of it (like bark).

Lastly, your gecko’sfood and water bowlcan also be a fun way to add character to your vivarium. You can get pretty bowls to go with your vivarium décor from the Northampton Reptile Centre, or you can use small dishes you have in your home.

The important thing to remember is that your Leopard Gecko will need fresh water every day and the bowl must be changed if it is contaminated in any way. It is also important that the bowl is not too deep, to avoid a drowning hazard.

Location

You should keep your Leopard Gecko’s vivarium in a place where it’s out of direct sunlight. This is because direct sunlight can heat up the inside of the vivarium, and affect the temperature inside.

And finally, which ever way you choose to decorate your vivarium, we have no doubt your Leopard Gecko will provide you with many years of great company and many entertaining hours spent together.

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As a seasoned reptile enthusiast with years of firsthand experience in maintaining vivariums for Leopard Geckos, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of creating an optimal environment for these fascinating creatures. My expertise is not only grounded in theoretical understanding but is bolstered by practical application and continuous engagement with the reptile community.

Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article:

Heat Management:
- Utilize a heat mat designed for reptile tanks to maintain ground temperature.
- Place the mat inside the vivarium and control temperature with a thermostat.
- Use a basking lamp during the day and an infra-red heat lamp at night for air temperature.
- Maintain a temperature gradient with one side warmer for proper digestion.
Temperature Monitoring:
- Employ a thermometer on both sides of the vivarium to ensure the correct temperature gradient.
- Keep the vivarium temperature between 21-24 degrees Celsius at night.
- Avoid temperatures exceeding 34 degrees, as it can be harmful.
Humidity Control:
- Maintain humidity levels between 20%-40%.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.
- Adjust humidity levels by modifying water dish size and increasing/decreasing airflow.
Lighting Requirements:
- Mimic the gecko's natural habitat with a basking light and UV light.
- Use a 2% UV light with hide areas, following the recommended Ferguson zone 1.
- Provide 14 hours of light in summer and 12 hours in winter, transitioning gradually.
Substrate Options:
- Choose substrate carefully based on pros and cons.
- Options include sand, reptile carpets, tiles, lino, flat stones, paper towels, and newspaper.
- Caution against toxic substrates like mulch, shredded wood, soil, corn cob, or gravel.
Hide Requirements:
- Provide a moist hide with a humid substrate on the cool side.
- Ensure a warm hide on the hot side for digestion and warmth.
- Decorate vivarium with non-essential items like plants, rocks, sticks, and food/water bowls.
Tank Decor:
- Use plants (artificial or live), rocks, sticks, and decorative bowls for a visually appealing vivarium.
- Ensure items are free from parasites and safe for geckos.
- Maintain fresh water in shallow bowls, avoiding drowning hazards.
Location:
- Place the vivarium away from direct sunlight to prevent overheating.

By adhering to these guidelines, you'll not only enhance the well-being of your Leopard Gecko but also create a captivating and secure environment for these unique reptiles. Remember, a well-maintained vivarium is key to the health and happiness of your gecko companion.