How many hides for 2 leopard geckos

Both substrates are easy to clean and replace. The best way to keep the newspaper clean is to spot clean daily and replace it weekly. Make sure to use a non-adhesive shelf liner. Sticky shelf liner is not only difficult to replace but it can have toxic chemicals in the glue. There are some benefits to using Alfalfa Pellets as a substrate such as it retains heat well and keeps bacteria out. It is common to see Alfalfa Pellets being used in a Bearded Dragon tank.

Unfortunately this substrate should not be used because its small size poses a risk of impaction. Sand is aesthetically pleasing and it seems like it would be a good idea because these Geckos come the deserts of Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. If a Leopard Gecko accidentally eats sand it can block their intestine.

This leads to many health problems and potentially premature death. In the wild Leopard Geckos hide from predators in small spaces and crevices to escape from potential danger. So a good Leopard Gecko habitat should provide at least three hides :. Many owners build their own hides using a Tupperware with a hole cut out. Anything that retains humidity well is a functional hide. Having more three hides will give your Gecko many places to explore and rest. Even though this species does not have sticky toe pads like a Gargoyle Gecko they still love to explore.

I would encourage you to place decor that allows them to explore. My Leopard Gecko loves his reptile hammock and laying on top of a rock ledge. Just make sure to not place any rocks or decor too high. This will help to prevent injuries from falling. Adding fake plants and branches for your Gecko to climb on is always a good idea.

It provides enrichment and adds charm to a tank. Real branches should be placed in boiling water for at least 15 minutes to ensure that they are disinfected before placing them in the tank. Make sure that the water bowl is not too deep. It should be below ear level in order to prevent drowning.

Setting up a Leopard Gecko habitat can feel daunting. Hopefully by now you know exactly what you need! Below we have made a list of everything you should include to make sure your Gecko loves his tank:. It is important to remember that your Leopard Gecko needs a gallon long tank that is ideally made from glass.

A tank needs a heat source and the best one to use is a ceramic heat emitter. A UVB tube light is recommended too — but this is optional. There are multiple substrates available, but paper towels, newspaper, reptile carpet, or shelf liner all work very well. Remember to always avoid loose substrate, as it can lead to impaction. Have you discovered anything interesting to add to your enclosure?

Let us know below. The temperamental Tokay Gecko is a tough yet brightly colored reptile that has brought life to the rooms of many reptile enthusiasts. It is not recommended to use the natural light coming in through your windows as the light source for your gecko's tank since your light cycle may be different than the light cycles leopard geckos have evolved to live in.

If you are concerned your leopard gecko's tank may not be the right temperature even with the use of under tank heaters , you should use a basking light to provide daytime heat as well. The basking light will provide both heat and light so you will not need to purchase multiple bulbs. Nighttime Lights Read More About This Light Again, since leopard geckos are nocturnal you should not use any type of bright lights, especially during night because that's when they are most active.

Providing the correct amount of heat is important for leopard geckos, so if your tank cannot maintain a proper temperature with an under tank heater you will need to get an infrared heat lamp to use at night. Infrared heat lamps will provide your leopard gecko with heat overnight and are specially designed to use with nocturnal animals as the light's color doesn't affect leopard geckos.

Humidity More About This Hygrometer Humidity is important for most reptiles and is important for leopard geckos as well. Improper humidity can make it more difficult for them to shed properly, cause hydration issues, or increase the chances of leopard geckos getting an infection. You should use a hygrometer humidity sensor so you can monitor your leopard gecko's tank humidity levels.

If your humidity is too high, try increasing airflow to the tank and provide a smaller water dish. If the humidity is too low, try adding a larger water dish or moist moss to the tank specifically for leopard geckos. There is more information about this type of hide in the "Hide" section later on this page. Temperature Since leopard geckos cannot generate their own body heat, they rely on the temperatures of their environment to keep them warm. Because of this, it is critical that your leopard gecko's tank is has ideal temperatures.

Improper temperatures can cause digestion problems and serious health issues. Most owners will try to create a heat gradient a hot side and a cool side in the tank. Daytime Temps Generally the basking area will be the "hot side" of the tank. Leopard geckos will use a moist hide to regulate the body temperature, to get extra moisture for shedding.

Gravid leopard geckos might even lay their eggs in a moist hide. If you have space, you might even place 2 moist hides. Never merge a moist and a warm hide in one. This is because the hide will be wet and cold, and can make your leopard gecko very sick and cause respiratory issues.

Even though leopard geckos naturally live in rocky deserts, they hide in humid spots during the day. Higher humidity is essential for leopard geckos to shed successfully.

Placing a moist hide in the cool side of the tank will make it cold inside, causing respiratory and other issues in your leopard gecko. You can also use a ceramic bulb on top, instead. Please note that some under tank heaters are attached with a sticker adhesive , and cannot be reused on the other side of the tank. This is why try to plan the placement of accessories ahead.

Or, you can use a heat resistant tape, such as this Gaffer tape to attach it. Again, use a heat resistant tape for this. This is because sphagnum moss is naturally antimicrobial and holds the moisture very well. Both of these factors are very important because it will help keep the humidity stable for longer, and prevent growth of harmful bacteria.

You will need to place around 2 inches of sphagnum moss inside of the moist hide and spray it with water. Make sure that the sphagnum moss is not dripping water better not to soak it and only spray it with water when it becomes slightly dry. Even if the moist hide is in the warm side, the water will evaporate inside the hide and your leopard gecko will lick the water droplets. You might have seen cons of the sphagnum moss in a moist hideout for egg-laying leopard geckos.

This is because sphagnum moss is not very loose, and the leopard gecko will be digging to lay the eggs. As a result, the eggs will stay on the bottom on the container and will stick to it. Make sure to get a good quality sphagnum moss, such as this sphagnum moss by Pangea.

Remove any dirt and wash it with non-toxic soap, such as baby soap nothing with bleach.