New Leopard Gecko Owner

[Elizabeth Freer]

---

LOG IN TO CLOSE THIS AD   

---

Attachment 49523

Anthem got an upgrade tonight. Officially moved into the 20L.

! Anthem's 20L is progressing nicely!

Is the brown dish for water or for mealies?

Is the white device on the right a night camera?

Moved his warm hide and humid hide to the right side. Thinking I’m going to need a new UTH as the old one doesn’t cover the area I’d like it too.

Anthem will love an 11 x 17" Ultratherm.

From my Leo Care Sheet:

***** Ultratherms ***** (high quality) are reusable. Snugly attach the heat mat underneath a glass enclosure with double-sided heat safe tape (or tape rolls) down the center and with electrically safe Nashua tape around the edges. When you purchase supplies directly from Amazon, you'll be able to return even electrical products that do not meet your gecko's needs. Amazon Prime also provides free return shipping. Reptile Basics (336-308-5767) ----> 11 x 11 Ultratherms = $20, 11 x 17 Ultratherms = $22. The Reptile Supply Co in Lodi, California sells Ultratherms too.

Using Styrofoam Insulation Underneath an Ultratherm Heat Mat . . . . . . Keith -- April 2018
"I suggest that an Ultratherm UTH is a must. The Ultratherm needs (styro)foam insulation under it, directing the heat upward and into the enclosure. From what I understand, other brands call for air under the UTH, which just allows heat to be lost! The fact that the Ultratherms should have foam insulation under them rather than air also says volumes about their safety. I only know this because I’m still setting up my Vivarium as well."

I just got done moving things over an hour or so ago so temps aren’t where they should be yet. Should have a better idea in the morning.

The cool side is right around 69 right now. Will see how it does later. Light on the cool side is a 14w that should be for viewing only.

Warm side ground is at 86 and warming up. Warm side air is around 77 and heating up. Light on the right side is a 60w CHE. Hoping it does the job. Should I move the CHE more towards the center?

Maybe?

Also, I know there is a lot of open space to fill now and I understand the Leo’s like lots of stuff and places to hide. I need to start looking at what all to fill the empty with.

[ccapasso]

Is the brown dish for water or for mealies?

Currently being used for water. I ordered to additional dishes for mealies.

Is the white device on the right a night camera?

Yes indeed. Likely not a permanent thing, just something I'm messing around with.

Anthem will love an 11 x 17" Ultratherm.

Indeed, and I just ordered it last night. Though honestly, I'm not sure the styrofoam will be needed given that the tank is on the dresser with very little room for the heat to escape.

From what I've read, it looks like I should use heat safe tape (like foil tape used for HVAC) to tape the Ultratherm to the bottom correct ?

If styrofoam is absolutely needed (I've seen mixed info on this so far), I'll have to find some and likely try and cut it to size.

Also, I know this section is for husbandry/heating/housing, but quick question about feeding. I know that for baby/younger, I should feed everyday (and about 2 times per day), but how much at a time should feed:

I've seen (2) different suggestions for feeding:

* For baby/younger - Feed them 3-4 worms,crickets/etc with each feeding
* For baby/younger- Feed them as much as they will eat in 10-15 min

So far, we've been doing the 3-4 with each feeding, so Anthem has been getting 6-8 worms/crickets/etc a day. Should I switch to the "as much as they'll eat" method ?

[Elizabeth Freer]

Currently being used for water. I ordered to additional dishes for mealies.



Yes indeed. Likely not a permanent thing, just something I'm messing around with.



Indeed, and I just ordered it last night. Though honestly, I'm not sure the styrofoam will be needed given that the tank is on the dresser with very little room for the heat to escape.

Elevate your 20 long at each corner and at the center edges with something like 6 small tiles, jar lids, or even erasers to provide adequate ventilation.

From what I've read, it looks like I should use heat safe tape (like foil tape used for HVAC) to tape the Ultratherm to the bottom correct ?

Nashua tape is what I recommend. I don't know whether that's the same as HVAC tape.

If styrofoam is absolutely needed (I've seen mixed info on this so far), I'll have to find some and likely try and cut it to size.

Also, I know this section is for husbandry/heating/housing, but quick question about feeding. I know that for baby/younger, I should feed everyday (and about 2 times per day), but how much at a time should feed:

You've got a dedicated thread here. Most everything is really related to husbandry. Go for it!

I don't recommend 2 feedings per day even for a hatchling leo. Experiment with all Anthem can eat in 15 minutes.

I've seen (2) different suggestions for feeding:

* For baby/younger - Feed them 3-4 worms,crickets/etc with each feeding
* For baby/younger- Feed them as much as they will eat in 10-15 min

So far, we've been doing the 3-4 with each feeding, so Anthem has been getting 6-8 worms/crickets/etc a day. Should I switch to the "as much as they'll eat" method ?

[ccapasso]

Awesome. That tape is the exact stuff I have in the basement.

Tank is elevated. I put chair pads on all corners so it is not directly sitting on the dresser. Hoping I can get away with no styrofoam.

Ty for the confirmation of feeding changes. That is honestly where I was leaning towards doing.

I got all of the supplements in now (last one came today). I created a shared calendar on iOS with the feeding schedule. This way, my daughter knows (learns) when to dust and which to use (I labeled each feeding based on the color of the supplement bottle [blue, orange, green])

[ccapasso]

Next set of questions:

What are people using to cover the back and side walls of the tank?

[Elizabeth Freer]

Next set of questions:

What are people using to cover the back and side walls of the tank?

• ***** Artwork by your daughters -- at all levels. Gently laminate that for longevity (or not).
• Brown paper bags cut to size & crinkled a bit.
• Vinyl clings from online sources

Most my enclosures border a wall. Some are also in a corner. On one 20 gallon upstairs I've covered each side with brown paper bags. That gecko "loves" it!

[acpart]

Back when I had fewer gecko cages to "decorate" I would do a google image search for landscape pictures of the leopard gecko's native habitat (Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan), print them out, glue them onto nice paper, laminate and use as cage backgrounds.

Aliza

[ccapasso]

I assume things like those mentioned get put on the outside and not inside?

[Elizabeth Freer]

I assume things like those mentioned get put on the outside and not inside?

Yes, stick these scenes on the outside.

[ccapasso]

---

LOG IN TO CLOSE THIS AD   

---

Video from trying the new food dishes:




I had to lead him to the dish with the worm and then put it in there. Once he saw it, he did eat one.

This is the second video. In the first, he ate (2) worms. I don't think he fully realizes he can get in there to eat more. If the worm isn't really moving, he isn't interested in it lol.