Thinking about new set up for Foxy Lady

[KingMissile9]

I was thinking about making a clay/sand mix about 4-6 inches deep in the terrarium that I already have since it's sand. The only problem that I'm thinking of is that the terrarium is only 11 1/2 inches tall. Would the heat lamp be too close for comfort or would it be reasonable? The only things that I know about geckos are what I've read on care sheets and the things that I'm learning here. Any and all help will be welcome!

 

[hyposhawn]

I think the light will be fine. What gallon tank?

 

[KingMissile9]

Not sure since it came with Foxy. It's 11 1/2 x 20 x 9 3/4 inches.

 

[hyposhawn]

I think it's a 10 or 15 gallon.

 

[justindh1]

A heat lamp is not needed unless you have trouble getting the ambient temps up. In a tank that small it will surely get them too high too. You need a under the tank heater in order to have a hot side that will work the best for regulating temps. You can get one for 20 bucks that will work for that tank. If you have a UTH then just go get a regular red bulb so you can see your in tank.

I do have lights on my tanks but they are the regular red bulbs that don't put off hardly any heat. They are used for me to be able to see the tank better.

 

[KingMissile9]

So they don't need a mock sun at all?

 

[justindh1]

All reptiles benefit from UVA and UVB but some need to soak up the sun and some don't. They use it to get vitamin D and they convert it to vitamin A.

Leopard geckos are nocturnal so they don't typically see the sun much except in the mornings and evenings. Leopard geckos don't need to be given a light source with UVA and UVB or even bright lights.

We give them supplements to help them out. In the wild they would eat the sand or dirt because it contains calcium and other minerals.

Also with Albinos leos they can get stressed out with bright lights. Albinos eyes are sensative to light and can stress them out horribly.

Any other questions just ask away!

 

[KingMissile9]

She's been living with artificial lighting for over 6 1/2 years. If I got rid of the light now, would that be harmful to her at all?

 

[justindh1]

I don't think that would hurt at all!

 

[KingMissile9]

sounds good.

 

[hyposhawn]

Also like thinhs that have albino in them or red eyes like diablo blancos are sensitive to light. Red eyes are more sensible to light then black because they are lighter just like in people.

 

[KingMissile9]

I would've figured that out. One of my favorite artists is albino and he has some lines about sensitivity to light. Thanks though.

 

[landen.smith]

just say no to sand. Why take the risk of impaction. Sand isn't even their native substrate. Tile is my choice, it's easy to clean, and no impaction chance!

Just my two cents though

 

[Clink]

Sand is fine for adults if not fed off of the sand. Don't just drop mealworms in the tank, put them in a little dish. The crickets are fine on the sand, they are generally good at catching them.

 

[KingMissile9]

She has been living on sand for about 6 1/2 years so I'm not too worried. I just want to make her a really nice looking home. Just got the 25 gallon tank for $15 yesterday and now I'm waiting on my roommates girlfriend to tell me what exit to take off the highway to get free clay. After all the pieces fall together, this should be a lot of fun. Except for cleaning out the tank. It used to be a fish tank so there's algae on the walls. I foresee a lot of scrubbing in my future...

 

[Clink]

Sounds like its going to be awesome though! Good luck!

 

[KingMissile9]

Thanks