Leopard geko setup?

[scottcamb]

Evening all, im new to keeping any type of reptile, ive decided i would like to keep a leopard geko, have done a bit of reading on here about them etc, just want some advie on my a vivarium setup, what would i need etc to get it all up and running and whats needed for it. ie, heaters etc

so far have these on the way
11x11 heat mat
exoterra thermometed/hydrometer
1 hide so far

i know its not much buts its my start so far, am either going to get a 2ft or 3ft viv depends what i can get my hands on, w

[xvickyx]

Some substrate, decorations, water/food bowl, thermostat.

[scottcamb]

ive read about a moist hide, what should i use and what actually goes in it?

[Big Red One]

Originally Posted by scottcamb

Evening all, im new to keeping any type of reptile, ive decided i would like to keep a leopard geko, have done a bit of reading on here about them etc, just want some advie on my a vivarium setup, what would i need etc to get it all up and running and whats needed for it. ie, heaters etc

so far have these on the way
11x11 heat mat
exoterra thermometed/hydrometer
1 hide so far

i know its not much buts its my start so far, am either going to get a 2ft or 3ft viv depends what i can get my hands on, w

A 2ft viv will be fine for a single leo, but the 11x11 mat would be better suited to a 3ft really as the general rule is 1/3rd of the ground area should be heated. Also you will need a 'mat stat' for the heatmat otherwise it can get very hot (too hot!). This should be set to give approx 32C at the 'hot end', but use your thermometer to set it, not the dial on the stat as they are often inaccurate.
The thermometer sensor should be set at the ground level (ie where the leo will lie), I use a little velcro strip to ensure the thermostat and thermometer probes lie alongside each other and measure the same ground level point.
Substrate I find paper towel best for youngsters and floor tiles or lino for adults.
You'll also need a 2nd hide as they should have one at the 'warm end' and one at the cool end. Also, a moist hide is required to aid in shedding. This can easily be made from a cricket/mealie tub with a hole cut out of the lid. Put some moist kitchen towel or sphagnum moss in there and it will be fine.
Most folk also add a small dish of calcium to the viv so the leo can help itself to some if it feels the need and obviously a water dish and food bowl will be needed if you use mealies.
Nutrobal will also be needed to dust food items, use this either 2 days a week or in a mixture of 2 parts Nutrobal and 5 parts calcium. If using a mix dust food daily, if using Nutrobal 2 days, dust with calcium the other 5...
Hope that helps.........

[53bird]

i would post in lizards thats where all the top breeders are, and check out sleepyd's website all the info is there hope this helps

[Big Red One]

Originally Posted by 53bird

i would post in lizards thats where all the top breeders are, and check out sleepyd's website all the info is there hope this helps

Sleepy's caresheet is linked from my site too !

[53bird]

Originally Posted by Big Red One

Sleepy's caresheet is linked from my site too !

sorry you beat me to it

[scottcamb]

cheers think all of my questions are answered, what about lighting?? what sort can i have or need and when can i have it on, 3ft viv it is then cheers, yeah have read and printed off that care sheet

[Big Red One]

Originally Posted by 53bird

sorry you beat me to it

haha....

Lighting isn't needed for leo's, if you want one for viewing I would go with a low wattage one that won't interfere with temps too much, or even a red led type.
Personally though I don't use them....

[scottcamb]

Cheers for the advice, 1 morew question bit confused about food, what do people use,