new set up. my final questions. honest!

[ChrisOT]

Ok, so here are my final questions, which are probably stupid but i'm paranoid i'm gonna miss something or whatever, and i want my Leopard Geckos to be happy! so:

does my heat-mat (habistat 12w) stay on constantly?

what sort of lighting should i use? i take it i don't want something that emits a large amount of heat. (for my observation obv, as Leos don't care about light. i know it's best to use a red bulb as they can't detect it)

what sort of plants etc would you recommend for decoration etc. i know that obviously i'm after drought tolerant succulents, but i was just wondering what you guys use most generically.

thanks alot for your help, sorry if the questions are stupid, but i am a newborn reptile enthusiast really. i've read alot of books but i just find it alot better to hear tips and advice from the mouths of other enthusiasts rather than printed words!

Chris.

[Catherine896]

I leave my heatmats on at all times, but on a thermostat only.
I dont provide any lighting as natural light is enough for them.
You can use fake plants, although crickets will probably hide in them.

[ChrisOT]

cool, thank you, i was thinking you were going to say thermostat.
yeah i know natural light is enough for them, im just gonna fit a red bulb for my benefit, so i can watch them at night
cheers!