Getting a leopard Gecko this Sunday and have some questions

[BeardeddragonDino]

I will be getting a gecko on Sunday and am trying to make sure I am ready. I have an 18x18x12 tank that has 3 hides, water dish, calcium dish, and sturdy reptile carpet. It is heated with a ceramic heat emitter and a heat mat. However, I’m not sure if I’m acvieving the correct temperature. I feel as if most of the heat from the Che is escaping into the room rather than going into the tank. Anyway to redirect the heat? The air temp in the whole tank is about 77-78 and the floor on the warm side is 95 ish. The 3 hide temps are 76, 77, and 87. I realize that Leo’s need belly heat but will the lower air temperature affect them?

 

[Seth9999]

You have under tank heating pad covering little more than half? I think pad would provide enough heat for that setup. Your looking for 91 directly under warm hide, we're he lays. Take thermostat prob taped to thermometer prob put directly on under warm hide were he would lay, that should say 91. A thermostat is very important to regulate all this. You could put che on warm side , were heat pad starts. All way in corner. That would be basking area.
Place warm hide knot directly under che but over little bit, in middleish . Were air temp should knot get hoter than 82. That would provide temp. Gradient going from basking area to cool side. The ambient air temp on cool side should be no hoter than 75ish.
Also please read care sheet on home page, revised by Elizabeth. It's very detailed on temp., to dusting schedule.

 

[buppiboyo12]

First of all, congrats on getting your new Leo!

The cage size seems good, 3 hides are good.

Temperature wise, I will attach a picture here to show you what the temps should be throughout the enclosure:

Personally, I think 95 is a bit too high. From what I know, it should not be above 94 degrees. Currently, my Leo's hot spot is floating around 87-89 degrees.

As far as the CHE goes, what is the temperature in the room where the tank is? Is it under a window? Is there draft coming from the window?

Also, like Seth said, a digital thermometer is very important to control the temp of the UTH, since some can get over 100 degrees. For my Leo, I have a jumpstart digital thermometer. You can find it on Amazon for about $35. It's a bit pricy, but it is a necessity for your Leo. It allows you to maintain the heat of the UTH at whatever temp you desire.

Also, reptile carpet is not a very good substrate, as your Leos toes and whatnot can get stuck on it. For my Leo, I just use plain old paper towel. You can also use newspaper. Definitely do a bit more research on taking care of a Leo. There is a great care guide here on this website.