[XxWARDOGxX14]

hi im colby im planning to get a leopard gecko soon from a petsmart i am familiar with animals because my brother has a ball python that i care for sometimes i know alot about geckos because i did a 8 page SA on them a year ago im wondering if you people think i should get one?please reply

[Yoshi'smom]

Welcome to GU! I of would say of course! But, only after a lot of research. Leopard geckos are a great starter gecko! Good luck if you get one in the future! Post pictures when and if you do!!

[lauraleellbp]

Welcome to GU!

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi Colby ~

A hearty welcome to Geckos Unlimited! You have definitely come to the right place to continue your research on geckos.

Here is my care sheet to help you with your decision: http://www.geckosunlimited.com/commu...11-update.html

[XxWARDOGxX14]

thanks guys i plan to get one a little bit before christmas i have been doing alot of research and the care sheet elizabeth just gave me seemed to be the best thanks people

[Elizabeth Freer]

Originally Posted by XxWARDOGxX14

thanks guys i plan to get one a little bit before christmas i have been doing alot of research and the care sheet elizabeth just gave me seemed to be the best thanks people

Thanks, Colby ~

Research first is great for the health of your new pet. Just let me know if you have other questions.

[XxWARDOGxX14]

actually i do i keep hearing something about impaction i know that is has something to do with loose substrates which i plan to avoid sowhat happens?

[Elizabeth Freer]

Originally Posted by XxWARDOGxX14

actually i do i keep hearing something about impaction i know that is has something to do with loose substrates which i plan to avoid sowhat happens?

Colby ~

Especially if one does not contain the prey in a feeding dish, there is a good likelihood that your leo will ingest some of the substrate when diving for a cricket. In such a case, the substrate accumulates in the gut and the gecko is unable to poop. Impaction can frequently lead to death, even if it looks like the leo is about to pass whatever impaction: My dear Peach

and Peach's x-ray: Leo has sand impaction

For these reasons I strongly recommend paper towels or slate tile till your leo is at least 1 year old and till you have some leopard gecko keeping experience under your belt. Actually, slate tile is an excellent heat conductor when paired with an under-the-tank heating pad. Your leo will love tile for life!

[XxWARDOGxX14]

i was planning on using newspaper and papertowels but im thinking on using slate tile after reading your care sheet and lots of others im going to get a 20 gallon tank for it because a 10 gallon tank just didnt look like it could hold all of the hides

[Elizabeth Freer]

Originally Posted by XxWARDOGxX14

i was planning on using newspaper and papertowels but im thinking on using slate tile after reading your care sheet and lots of others im going to get a 20 gallon tank for it because a 10 gallon tank just didnt look like it could hold all of the hides

I have never used newspaper because I am concerned about the ink rubbing off on the gecko and maybe not being too good for the gecko. Have seen some posts about leo's bellies getting dyed from colored sand.

Be sure to buy a 20 gallon long tank...30 inches long. You really need the length to establish the thermal gradient from hot to cool. And leos do not need the height cuz they don't climb. Height also makes it harder to heat and the leos depend upon belly heat to digest their food.

Slate tile comes in pieces 12" wide. You'll just need 2.5 pieces.