Terrarium size?

[combo_breaker]

I wanted to use an exo terra medium wide terrarium to house 1 leopard gecko the rest of his life, it measures 24” x 18” x 12” (WxDxH). And without cramping the tank...just the necessity's, warm hide, cool hide, shed hide, water dish. Also small calcium bowl, but I read that its not good to place any extra calcium (calcium bowl) because they can overdose on calcium and to just gutload feeders and do regular calcium dusting schedule. Correct? Anyways, will this be a size tank that can house 1 leopard gecko the rest of its life? Thank you.

 

[Completeleopard]

Hello!

Unfortunately that won't be OK for the a fill size Leopard Gecko.

1. The recommended size for one Leo is a 20 gallon LONG (30X12.5X12.5")

2. I would recommend putting some decoration in the tank at least some vines, stiff to climb over (not high) so that your Leo does not get bored and feels more secure.

3.Do not place any supplements in the tank.

 

[Hilde]

Hello!

Unfortunately that won't be OK for the a fill size Leopard Gecko.

Really?
There's way more floor space in the tank that combo_breaker wants to use.
Just because a tank isn't 30" long doesn't mean it's too small.



20 gallon LONG (30X12.5X12.5") = 360 square inches of floor space.
24” x 18” x 12” (WxDxH) = 432 square inches of floor space.

 

[Completeleopard]

Woops! Thanks for that Hilde, must have mis-read.

 

[combo_breaker]

Thanks for the help.

 

[cricket4u]

I wanted to use an exo terra medium wide terrarium to house 1 leopard gecko the rest of his life, it measures 24” x 18” x 12” (WxDxH). And without cramping the tank...just the necessity's, warm hide, cool hide, shed hide, water dish. Also small calcium bowl, but I read that its not good to place any extra calcium (calcium bowl) because they can overdose on calcium and to just gutload feeders and do regular calcium dusting schedule. Correct? Anyways, will this be a size tank that can house 1 leopard gecko the rest of its life? Thank you.

Hi,

You will not be able to set up a proper temperature gradient within 24in. You will only have spots really. The heating will be too close to the cool side. Best to purchase the Exo terra low which is 36 inches long.

 

[Hilde]

Hi,

You will not be able to set up a proper temperature gradient within 24in.

It is possible.
I have used 24” x 18” x 12” glass tanks, also have that size compartments in some melamine racks, no problem keeping a gradient in there. It's worked well, on some cases for 15+ years.

 

[cricket4u]

It is possible.
I have used 24” x 18” x 12” glass tanks, also have that size compartments in some melamine racks, no problem keeping a gradient in there. It's worked well, on some cases for 15+ years.

I will try to explain what I mean by spots. The proper way to heat reptiles is to provide temperature zones. Each zone must cover the reptiles entire body for proper thermoregulation. Not a spot of say 90f and 3 inches over 85f. I will use my oldest as an example. He's a little over 9 inches, but let's go with 9 inches. The area must cover his entire body within a zone and allow some space for activity. You don't wan't him to be feel restricted to a very small area just to warm up. This can interfere with hunting abilities,appetite and lead to obesity.

I hope it makes sense.

 

[combo_breaker]

Hi,

You will not be able to set up a proper temperature gradient within 24in. You will only have spots really. The heating will be too close to the cool side. Best to purchase the Exo terra low which is 36 inches long.

Ok that's what I was thinking. I'll get the 36" one then.

 

[combo_breaker]

Hi,

You will not be able to set up a proper temperature gradient within 24in. You will only have spots really. The heating will be too close to the cool side. Best to purchase the Exo terra low which is 36 inches long.

Ok that's what I was thinking. I'll get the 36" one then.

 

[Solagratia500]

That comes out to be a 22.5gal so it'd be just fine I love the doors on the front of exo terras, I'd have all my reptiles in em if I could. I'm confused as to why people are saying it's no ok..even though it's a bit shorter length wise it's a whole half a foot deeper than a standard 20gal as well...

 

[stevepb]

Ok that's what I was thinking. I'll get the 36" one then.

I fell into the (18x18" vivarium will be fine for one leo) trap!!!
My leo (Toby) is almost 2 months old , I only have space for a maximum size of 30x18"
how long will the 18x18 be ok for and will 30x18 be ok for him permanently???
Steve

 

[cricket4u]

I fell into the (18x18" vivarium will be fine for one leo) trap!!!
My leo (Toby) is almost 2 months old , I only have space for a maximum size of 30x18"
how long will the 18x18 be ok for and will 30x18 be ok for him permanently???
Steve

I'm sure you have a few more inches available somewhere in your home. You want to aim for longer vs. wide in order to provide temperature zones. The sooner the better.

 

[stevepb]

there is one other place I could place a 36x18x18 but it would have to go on top of my wifes draw unit which is her Favourite piece of I will have to ask nicely

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

there is one other place I could place a 36x18x18 but it would have to go on top of my wifes draw unit which is her Favourite piece of I will have to ask nicely

The low Exo Terra is 36 x 18 x 12. Verify the 18 inch width. Somebody said it was actually just 16 inches wide????

You might wish to consider building a wooden enclosure. Air flow is important, so ventilation should be placed low on the cool end and high on the warm end.

 

[stevepb]

The low Exo Terra is 36 x 18 x 12. Verify the 18 inch width. Somebody said it was actually just 16 inches wide????

You might wish to consider building a wooden enclosure. Air flow is important, so ventilation should be placed low on the cool end and high on the warm end.

Hi Elizabeth, my eco terra is 17.5 not 18 . If I got a wooden vivarium I suppose I good put additional vents in the low end. I won't be able to change for a couple of months due to other financial commitments, do you think he will be ok until then. All temps stable and all is well in Toby's world

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi Elizabeth, my eco terra is 17.5 not 18 . If I got a wooden vivarium I suppose I good put additional vents in the low end. I won't be able to change for a couple of months due to other financial commitments, do you think he will be ok until then. All temps stable and all is well in Toby's world

Steve ~

Those vent recommendations are in case you build a custom enclosure. Wooden enclosures are more common in the UK than in the USA. They are a little trickier to heat! They are cricket4u's favorite for her 3 leos. Wooden enclosures have superior heat retention, greater ease controlling humidity levels, and more privacy for the leo.

Does Wales gets lots of rain similar to NW Oregon?

Good to hear that Toby's temp levels are stable...that all is well in Toby's world. I think he will be fine till you can upgrade.

Is he shedding with no "leftovers"?

 

[stevepb]

When the time comes to change I will have a lot to consider aahhh :?
80% of the time is raining. Today is the first time its been dry all week. Grass cutting is a nightmare as its always wet
Hes shed once with no issues, thankfully
I've only been to America once. Orlando when I was 21, many moons ago