First time owner of a Leopard Gecko. Any tips?

schi070 · #1 12-02-2011, 05:12 PM

I'm a newbie at all this. I'll be getting my first leo in a month and I've been doing lots of research on them, but I'd love some tips from experienced people. My biggest concern is I've been trying to find a good multivitamin powder and I can't seem to find one in a petstore. Any ideas? Also Whats a good temp/humidity and do I need an over head lamp? Or is a undertank heating mat just fine? And is 10 gallon tank okay for my first one? I plan on upgrading in the future after I get the hang of it. And food I'm not that worried about, just wanna know what would be best for a little one, and easiest to handle. I do pretty much know the basics though like for hides and the substrate I'll be using.
Thanks so much!

Saskia · #2 12-02-2011, 05:23 PM

Hello, and congrats on doing research BEFORE getting the gecko, that´s the way to go!!!!

In this link you´ll find everything you need to know prior to getting your gecko, it is very complete, make sure you read until the end:
http://www.geckosunlimited.com/commu...11-update.html

It´s made by Elizabeth Freer, one of GU moderators and a great source of information!!

If you have any other question many people here (including myself) would be more than happy to help out, just didn't seem necessary to repeat what has already been written in such a complete way by Elizabeth!!

Welcome to GU

Yoshi'smom · #3 12-02-2011, 05:39 PM

Exactly what Saskia said! ^ This caresheet should answer any other questions that you may have. Good luck and make sure you share pictures when you get your little one!!

schi070 · #4 12-02-2011, 08:31 PM

Thanks to both of you!

nater · #5 12-03-2011, 12:03 AM

Don't ask questions then argue when the responses don't affirm your desires. Just seems to be a trend I've noticed when new (or careless) gecko owners try to excuse bad husbandry.

Other than that, it looks like you're doing some research well in advance, which is a good sign. I'm a little puzzled as to how you could have done research and not known an acceptable range of temperatures. Other than that, good luck and I look forward to reading your success stories with your gecko.

schi070 · #6 12-03-2011, 04:37 PM

Well i just wanted recommened things. I just want tips. I know the temp and the humidity that you should have I just wanted to know anything that experienced people have the best experiences with. But again Id really like to know a good multivitim powder. Ive read the caresheet and it doesn't say anything about a specific kind.

Yoshi'smom · #7 12-03-2011, 06:55 PM

I've used repcal but recently switched to repticalcium. I would say both are great choices. Just make sure that you have both types of calcium. One with D3 and one without. You dust your leo's prey with the calcium with D3 and leave a little capful of calcium without in the tank at all times.

Saskia · #8 12-03-2011, 09:14 PM

I have heard RepCal y very good, I personally use Zoomed and it is great, it´s phosphorus free and totally white (I remember having read somewhere that totally white calcium is better than greyish calcium)..... regarding multivitamin I use Herptivite and it has worked just fine, all my geckos are very healthy, I have never had a gecko gotten sick being in my care (I have a couple sick geckos, but they are rescues that are already sick when given to me), feel free to ask whatever you want