Hey guys. Had a bit of a rethink after considering everyone's advice so far, and I've decided to ditch the Exo Terra option in favour of a wooden vivarium w/ complete nocturnal setup, as sold by
Reptile Cymru for £99.
FYI, the setup includes:
- professionally-manufactured wooden vivarium, L24 x W18 x D18", w/ toughened glass doors
- heat mat
- thermostat
- light fitting w/ bulb (choice of white, red, and blue)
- substrate
- thermometer
- hide & water bowl
A dimmer thermostat for the light was also available for an extra £40, not sure if I'll need it.
Paid the
Reptile Cymru premises a visit today to check them out and have a chat, and although it was a bit small, I was impressed with the place. The lad manning the counter seemed quite knowledgeable, and the animals on display were alert, active, happy-looking and generally seemed well looked-after.
The shop also had a good, broad range of equipment and vivarium accessories in-stock, which I consider a good thing. For what my opinion may be worth, the place gets an all-round green light, and I'd be more than happy to do business with them in the near future.
I've also decided that my first Leo should be a female standard morph; though I quite like some of the more exotic morphs –
Diablo Blanco is a personal favourite, along with
Blazing Blizzard – they can be expensive, and I'm not sure if certain morphs have more specific care needs, so I think it's better to be safe and start basic than be sorry a few months down the line.
What's everyone think?