Newbieee

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

Hey, I have done much research on these geckos and i would really like to buy one. I saw a kit at the store that sold "everything that you need" but i just want to make sure its really got everything. It came with a 20 gallon aquarium also. I plan on getting one juvi leapard gecko. They sell them at my lfs for 20 dollars right now. Someone please tell me other than the tank everything that i will need. Thanks

-Dave

[peterm15]

an undertank heater a few hides a humid hide and papertowel...

and welcome to the site..

[TLH_Wär§cöötmän]

I realize its a bit of reading, but I have my own caresheet if you like.
http://www.freewebs.com/albertabredgeckos/geckocaresheets.htm#36067187
pete's right tho, a basic tank you need the following:
-15 gal+ (ground space, not hight counts with leos)
-Under tank heater
-either one of the following as a substrate: Repti-carpet, slate tiles, paper towel
-water dish
-1 hide on warm side, 1 hide on cool side minimal.
-humid hide (any container with a hole cut in side or top and filled with about 1"+ of moist vermiculite)
-screen is recommended
-day/night lights recommended
-calcium dish recommended
-water treatment (to remove chlorine)
-reptile calcium powder (to coat crickets)
-thermometer (you NEED to make sure temps are 85-95°F during day, 75-85°F at night, and leopard geckos require a thermal gradient, one side of tank warmer/cooler than other side)

that should cover most everything you will need

[thunder]

in addition to the above mentioned items, you will need a rheostat (dimmer) or thermostat for your uth or heat lamp. in my humidity boxes, i use foam or sponge which i mist as needed, instead on moss, cuz its reusable and easily washed. also, im afraid of the moss bringing in parasites. also, there is no need to remove chlorine from your leos water. reptiles can drink the same water we do (but no phibs).

[Tim and Julie B]

They generally sell those "complete" kits with sand or calci-sand, which IS NOT a safe thing for juvi leos. If you are set on a natural looking tank, skip the sand and go with ceramic, stone or porceline tiles available at home supply stores:) Most places will cut them to fit any tank. Good luck and welcome to the addition which leopard geckos!

Julie

[evaDsIcixelsiD]

Alright thanks to all of you for your help. I think im going to get that reptile carpet stuff. whats the cheapest way you think i could get a healthy and safe enviroment for the Gecko. Cause if i can get away with not buying all the stuff in the kit i would like to.
Thanks in advance.
-Dave

[peterm15]

well i dont know your location but you first of all find a in expensive tank... then tiles can be as low as like 25c a peice and you only need 2.. maybe 3. and humid hides can be constructed in this monour

http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections+index-req-viewarticle-artid-1-page-1.html

and hides can be something that will be dark and secure... thats all for in expensive... but you could make your hides out offoam and cement..

http://708designs.netfirms.com/customcage/customcage.htm
obviously on a WAY smaller scale.

and as for dishes you can get small ceremic dishes in walmart in the plant pot section for like 60c the same sell at a pet store in my area for like 9 bucks..

so ya thats about it.. but i hope you realise that its not inexpensive to keep herps.. just like dogs and cats you have vets, meds, and general upkeep expenses..

not to be rude but if your not planning on spending money to keep your leo healthy and happy i dont suggest getting one.. money will be spent..

$65 a year for anual checkups
$25 for a fecal exam
and of course any other expenses like if hes sick or something..