Newbie thinking about a Leopard Gecko

[theturvs]

I am new to the reptile world. My husband and I have agreed to get a small pet, and I've ALWAYS wanted a reptile, so I've begun the process of trying to figure this world out.
I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, so I need something that is not tooo difficult. I also have some size and cost restrictions, though they arent too terribly tight.
I'd like something that is somewhat friendly. I dont necessarily need a pet that will let me hold it constantly, but I dont want a pet that will be stressed by light handling.
From what I've read thus far, the leopard gecko seems to be coming up quite often as a good starter pet with which to learn the ropes. I'd like to know the thoughts on some who actually HAVE leopard geckos as far as this is concerned.
I also have a few questions that have come up along the way. I've read that the general rule is 10 gallons per LP gecko. I only plan on getting one, but I still feel that 10 gallons is quite small. I actually even feel that 20 is quite small, but maybe thats just me. Is a leopard gecko comfortable in a 20 gallon tank?? Id rather not have to update either, but just get something that will fit it as an adult from the get-go.
The second question I have, I've searched a few websites and noticed that the LP geckos tank is set up as more of a flat surface, without many trees and whatnot to climb. Is this correct??
Please help. I'd like to take the time to make sure if I get a pet, it will be a happy and healthy pet.
Thank you.

 

[Irathe]

As far as tank size goes a 10 gallon is acceptable but bigger is always better...You can set up a tank with tree vines ect to climb on but realize that they are rather clumsy climbers so unless the surface they land on is soft there is always a risk of injury (leos made for running not climbing). The biggest thing to keep leopard geckos healthy imo is proper husbandry such as proper temps (92-98 warm side) supplements (calcium + multivitamin) and using a proper substrate (paper towels, carpet,tile till at least 6 inches long before using any loose substrate...) sand is not a natural substrate for them the areas they come from are hard packed earth/scrubland.

I'm sure other posters will fill in for anything I've missed as I'm a bit tired to think right now haha.

 

[acpart]

I was in the same position as you about 6 years ago. I went to the pet store and looked at the care sheets (or at least what passes for care sheets there) and eliminated anything that seemed too involved. When I got done I only had one left. I was also pretty overwhelmed trying to make sense of all the details of setting up the tank etc. It's worse contemplating it than actually doing it. If you get a 20 gallon long tank, which is 30"x12", it will be a good size and you have the option as well (as I have done) of ultimately setting up a second level. I have a 12"x12" heated "upstairs" which is made of ceramic tile sandwiching a mini UTH and resting on dowels with PVC "feet".

It may be useful to read some care sheets. You will find contradictions in some of the details, but if you note the commonly given information and then ask questions here about the contradictions you will have a lot of good info. There are a lot of good care sheets out there. You can find mine on my website: Geckcessories

I also recommend, if at all possible, not to get a leopard gecko from one of the large chain pet stores. While the price is good and it's convenient, usually these are young babies bred in a "gecko mill", shipped before they are old enough to be established, housed in overcrowded situations, and often subject to impaction of they are kept on sand or parasites. Many of us, me included, have had success with geckos from chain petstores, but I've also spoken to many people who have gotten their pet there only to have them die and be devastated. If you let us know where you're located, there may be a breeder on the forum who can provide for you, or some of the non-chain pet stores may be a good choice.

Aliza

 

[Palor]

I recomend keeping your leo in a 20 Long or 30 Long reptile tank, I find the more space provided the more active and fun your leo is.

Sometimes the best way to get a cheap and excellent quality leopard gecko is to email the big breeders and see if they have any normals for sale. Many of them do not have room to house a normal and sell for them for nearly nothing. Try Ron Trempers site leopardgecko.com

He often has normals for sale for about $20. If your interested in some of the crazy morphs, shop around and see what you can find.

This website Main Page - Leopard Gecko Wiki can answer many of your questions and help you out with the masses of confusing morphs. If you want to know a good spot to get any particular morph I am sure someone here will know who and where to get it from, just ask.

 

[hyposhawn]

What morph are you thinking aabout getting?

 

[Holly12]

Frist of all welcome to the site and yes leopard geckos are a great pet to start off with i have a female leo her name is pearl and I will be geting another one a girl and yes a 10 gallon is okay for one but like the others said bigger is better and leopard geckos can be held as they get use to you they will not mind being held once in a while and also make sure you get your leopard gecko from a very well know breeder or check out the reptile shows if thire are any shows whear you live i don't know whear you are from but a leopard gecko was my very frist reptile and I will always recomend leopard geckos for a starter reptile so good luck on geting your new frist reptile.