master_of_monsters wrote:Hello I'm looking into getting a leopard gecko and was wondering what to use for a habitat (so far I've got a 20 gallon/75.7 liter tank marked down) but am not sure what else I'll need for heating, substrate, humidity etc.
Also I live in Ohio, would that cause any harm to it due to the rather "temperamental" weather patterns
I've had reptiles a long while now so i can help!
For the heat, you'll want a warm side around 80-85 degrees, i'd recommend a Mini Heat & UVB Fixture with a Zilla 50W Mini Halogen bulb and a Zilla Desert Mini Compact Fluorescent UVB Bulb.
For the cool side make sure temps are about 75-80 degrees. You could usually do this with a regular analog thermometer. Leo's don't really need humidity, so you'll wanna keep that between 20-40% for that i'd recommend a hygrometer (or you can find a cheap combo thermo/hygro for around 9 bucks which i can link you if you want). I'd recommend 2, one for the cool side one for the warm. I use just one for my new Crestie, but he doesn't need a warm/cool side. Just the cool.
Most pet stores will tell you to use sand because they're uninformed, that can cause impaction issues that'll ultimately result in the death of the Leo. So i'd recommend either paper towel or Repticarpet, it also makes things look super neat and clean.
I live on Long Island so i have similar temps that bounce around randomly, normally the thermo/hygro is a lifesaver as you just have to check it every once in a while to make sure everything is good.
As far as food goes, they're insectivores, so you'll want to get calcium dusted crix or mealworms, with super worms as a little treat (optional).