Custom Tanks/Cages for my Leopard Gecko

[Envy]

Hello, I have been looking at custom made cages to possibly get for my leopard gecko. She is currently in an 18x18x18 and I think the tank is too tall and not wide enough so I have been wanting to get her a long tank. I want something similar to this

I have been able to find them here and my question is, will my leopard gecko be happier in a 24L x 18H x 16D? And is almost $300 with shipping a good price for this or can I get something similar for a better price?

Thank you

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi Envy ~

Welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

Have you considered the Exo Terra tanks with the front doors for your leo? Look at their 36 x 18 inch deep x 12 inch high vivariums. Keeping a good thermal gradient will be much easier with a tank longer than 24 inches. Perhaps you could wait for a sale?

Unless you plan to construct different levels, 12 inches high is all you need. Taller enclosures make heating more challenging.

For heating use heat cables and attach like this:

 

[Envy]

Thank you for the reply

I currently have her in an 18x18x18 Exo terra Tank. The reason I don't get the 36" long one is because the only place I can put the tank isn't long enough to support it. The biggest I can go is 24". I don't really have a problem with spending ~$300 on a tank, I was just wondering if you guys knew about any good place that sells custom tanks. Also, do you know anything about the type of tank I linked? Is it a good enclosure?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thank you for the reply

I currently have her in an 18x18x18 Exo terra Tank. The reason I don't get the 36" long one is because the only place I can put the tank isn't long enough to support it. The biggest I can go is 24". I don't really have a problem with spending ~$300 on a tank, I was just wondering if you guys knew about any good place that sells custom tanks. Also, do you know anything about the type of tank I linked? Is it a good enclosure?

You are welcome!

I don't know about the type of tank you linked. It would be nice and private. How would you heat it?

How about finding a coffee table or a large steamer trunk on craigslist for an enclosure longer than 24 inches? I think 30 inches is the bare minimum for a leo, unless the leo is a giant morph.

24L x 18H x 16D only exceeds the length of your current tank by 6 inches.

Ground area is important for leos.
18 x 18 = 324 sq inches
24 x 16 = 384 sq inches...not much larger than what you already have

I don't know of a custom enclosure manufacturer.

 

[Envy]

I was going to heat it with my current UTH which is set with a dimmer to control the temps. And I have a CHE that I turn on for an hour or two each day to help keep the air temps up. (my house stays around 72F)

I think I might just get a table of some sort. The only issue is space, I live in a small apartment and have little to no space. But I might be able to make some room. Thank you for the help

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I was going to heat it with my current UTH which is set with a dimmer to control the temps. And I have a CHE that I turn on for an hour or two each day to help keep the air temps up. (my house stays around 72F)

I think I might just get a table of some sort. The only issue is space, I live in a small apartment and have little to no space. But I might be able to make some room. Thank you for the help

Any time! A table will work great for a longer vivarium.

It's not recommended to place an UTH underneath a wood vivarium. In that case you'd place the UTH inside the cage.

A thermostat is much better and safer than a dimmer/rheostat. A thermostat will also keep the temperatures consistent. Here's a good thermostat that many GU leo keepers use: https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-ETL-C...thermostat]&qid=1453335881&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Hydrofarm's Jump Start is the only reasonably priced thermostat I know of with a digital readout and a small metal probe.