[suffolk_mac]

right i got a few questions so i can set up my viv, i have a 2ft by 1ft by 2ft or very near that the main prob i have at the moment is whats the best heat source i have a small 40w bulb and reflective dome shade which keeps the temp at 32 cel at one end on top shelf and around 25 the other end at bottom of viv. i also have a heat matt under the viv which on its own keeps the temp 31-2 bottom floor and 24 top oppisite side i read leopard geckos need heat from the floor but they also need light so which is the best one to go with with both on the temp is 33-34 all over the viv. at the moment theirs no other stuff in the viv and i will get all that as i set up i will be using
wood chip floor and have 2 hides one most with moss and will also be adding live plants like begonia's so this might all effect the temp but i can adjust as needed for this i might get a dimmer on the heat source so its adjustable.

[chendy1990]

Hi

i Find a heat mat is the best option for leopard geckos as they absorb the heat from underneath which a heat bulb would not accomplish.
i also have a 2% uv bulb just to give some daylight to the cage (they do not require this but it makes the vivarium look alot nicer) it has also been reported recently by soldiers touring that they see the occasional gecko basking in the sun. mine like to do this sometimes aswell.

also i would recommend using either repile carpet, slate tiles or just kitchen roll for their flooring atleast until they are bigger as they could ingest any small chip barks or sand which could cause impaction
(which is not good).

i find that my leopard geckos only use the moist hide for sheding if that. i would recommend a minimum of 3 hides. 1 moist (could be placed in the middle of the tank) 1 hot side and 1 cold side. people say they are ground based but i find that mine like to have a good climb and have found them actually sleeping on the plants i have dropping down from the walls.

if you have any questions then give me a buzz
craig

[suffolk_mac]

thanks craig will take on your suggestions not sure about UV light though as uvb gives me a massive head ache and this is why i wanted a gecko i have to keep my beardy in another room because of this.

[chendy1990]

ahhh right okay then,

due to them being nocturnal its just down to personal preference you dont have to have any lighting but a standard bulb could be used for lighting if you wanted it lit.