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Leopard gecko

Leopard gecko setup checklist

Every line is a number with a way to check it. If you cannot measure it, it is not set.

By Brijon M.Last updated

A leopard gecko in its enclosure

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The checklist

Leopard gecko setup requirements, with the figure and verification method
RequirementFigureHow you check it
Floor areaAt least 4.5 sq ft (36 x 18 in)Tape measure, internal dimensions
Basking surface94-97 F (34-36 C)Infrared gun on the basking surface
Warm hide90-92 F (32-33 C)Probe or temperature gun inside the hide
Cool end70-77 F (21-25 C)Probe thermometer at the far end
NightTolerates a drop to 60 F (16 C)Probe thermometer, logged overnight
Ambient humidity30-40%Probe hygrometer
Humid hide70-80% insideProbe hygrometer inside the hide
Basking UVIUVI 0.5-1.5 at the basking spotSolarmeter 6.5 at the basking spot
Photoperiod14 hours in summer, 12 hours in winterTimer, seasonally adjusted
UVB replacementEvery 12 monthsDate written on the end cap

Equipment, in buying order

  1. Enclosure at 4.5 sq ft or larger, front-opening.
  2. Thermostat matched to the heat source type.
  3. Heat source - overhead halogen on a dimming unit, or a mat on an on/off unit.
  4. Infrared gun and probe thermometer/hygrometer.
  5. Three hides plus moss for the humid one.
  6. Substrate from a safe class.
  7. Low-output T5 UVB and fixture.
  8. Shallow water dish, low decor and shelter.

For the basking surface and the hide top

Infrared Temperature Gun

94-97 F is a surface figure, and 90-92 F is measured inside or on the warm hide. Neither is an air reading.

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For the gradient and the humid hide

Zoo Med Digital Thermometer and Humidity Gauge

A remote probe you can move into the humid hide to confirm the 70-80% figure, then back to the cool end for ambient.

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The routine

  • Daily: spot-clean, refresh water, check the humid hide is still damp.
  • Weekly: infrared reading of the basking surface, probe reading of the cool end and ambient humidity.
  • Monthly: rinse or replace the humid hide moss before it goes moldy; check the UVB fixture reflector for dust.
  • Every 3-6 months: substrate replacement unless bioactive.
  • Every 6 months: deep clean - the cleaning routine is here.
  • Every 12 months: replace the UVB lamp.

The rest of the setup

Sizing, temperature and humidity, lighting, substrate, cost, and decor.

Frequently asked questions

What does a leopard gecko need in its tank?

Three hides (warm, cool and humid), a thermostatted heat source reaching 94-97 F at the basking surface, a safe substrate, a shallow water dish, low-output UVB, and the instruments to verify the temperatures and humidity.

What temperature should a leopard gecko warm hide be?

90-92 F (32-33 C). That is the figure that matters for digestion, and it is measured inside or on the hide rather than in the open air.

How often should you clean a leopard gecko tank?

Spot-clean daily, replace loose substrate every 3 to 6 months, deep clean every 6 months, and rinse or replace the humid hide moss monthly before it goes moldy.

Sources

  1. Leopard Gecko Terrarium Size & Lighting Requirements — ReptiFiles
  2. Leopard Gecko Temperatures & Humidity — ReptiFiles
  3. Leopard Gecko Substrate Options — ReptiFiles
  4. Solarmeter Model 6.5 UV Index Meter — Solarmeter

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