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How to Set Up a Leopard Gecko Terrarium

Contributor
By Emily Lambert
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Leopard geckos are one of the easiest pets to take care of, as they require little maintenance. Creating a leopard gecko's home requires little effort and can be done in a matter of minutes.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • 10+ gallon terrarium
  • Substrate (sand, newspaper, artificial turf, shredded paper towels)
  • Food dish
  • Water dish
  • Decorative items (artificial vines, sticks, rocks, climbing wall)
  • Hiding box (small box, rock hut)
  • Shed box (plastic container with lid)
  • Artificial moss
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Heat lamp
  • Substrate heater
  1. Step 1

    Place the substrate heater on the bottom of the terrarium on the opposite side of where the leopard gecko's hide box will be.

  2. Step 2

    Put the substrate in the terrarium. It should be about 2 inches thick.

  3. Step 3

    Place the leopard gecko's hide box in the corner of the terrarium away from heat sources. This is where it will go to sleep.

  4. Step 4

    Put water in the gecko's water dish and place it somewhere in the terrarium, away from his home. Do the same with the food dish.

  5. Step 5

    Pour artificial moss into the plastic shed box container. Cut out a small opening in the lid of the container. Look for and fix sharp edges that may injure the gecko. Spray the moss with water using a spray bottle to create a humid shed environment. Place the lid on the container.

  6. Step 6

    Cover the container with the substrate in order to hide it, but keep the opening visible so that the gecko can find and climb inside the shed box.

  7. Step 7

    Place a large rock in the center of the terrarium so the gecko can bask in the heat when it feels the need.

  8. Step 8

    Decorate the terrarium with items like vines, artificial plants or a climbing wall.

  9. Step 9

    Place the gecko inside.

Tips & Warnings
  • Allow the gecko to explore the home before putting crickets inside. Change the gecko's water daily. Clean the gecko's food and water dish in boiling water once a week. Replace paper towel or newspaper substrate once a week and sand once every three weeks. Clean artificial turf by boiling it. Remove any feces from the terrarium daily. Keep the temperature between 75° to 80° F with little humidity except in the shed box.
  • Do not use a heat rock in your terrarium. It can injure or even kill your gecko. Sand is not recommended for younger geckos, as they may eat it and become impacted.
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