everything I need to Know
- Thread starter Geecko123
- Start date
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Is your backsplash glossy? If so, a leo might skate around like he's on an ice rink. That's why I recommend textured ceramic tile.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
:cheer: for you on researching ahead of your leo purchase!
Even though you may be considering purchasing a young leo, how about buying a 20 gallon long: 30 x 12 x 12 inches tall right from the geck-go? Then you'll not need to upgrade several months later. That will NOT be too large for a juvie. Consider a leo's space in the wild.
For a 20 long I suggest an 11 x 17 inch Ultratherm heat mat. Amazon usually sells those mats.
Which supplements are you considering?
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Healthy leos can live way into their 20s.
If your leo maxes out around 70 grams and ~9 inches long, your 20 gallon long may be good for your leo's entire life.
If your leo is larger, a 40 gallon breeder or an Exo Terra 36 x 18 x 12 inches tall (pricey) is great.
Depending upon the age of your new leo, here are separate schedules. For schedule 124 you'll need 3 separate supplements. For schedule 126, you'll need 2 separate supplements.
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
I was just wondering because fish thermometers are usally cheaper
A yellow Zoo Med's digital thermometer with a probe measures ground temps and costs $10 or less. It's important to know the temp your leo feels.
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
:biggrin:
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
Are you looking for Zoo Med's Reptivite multivitamins without D3? Those can be ordered from Amazon or from the Reptile Supply Company near Sacramento, California and other places too.
You'll have much more flexibility when you have 2 separate supplements. Sometimes it may be necessary to use calcium + D3 more often than a multivitamin. Here's why I recommend pure calcium carbonate + D3 in one supplement and multivitamins in a separate supplement.
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Geecko123
New member
sorry I answered twice, anyway I found better supplements ( I think ) they are HERPTIVITE Multivitamin for reptiles and amphibians ( 3.3 oz. powder ) without d3, and Royal Pet Supplies Inc Zoo Med Reptile Calcium with d3 ( powder). The HERPTIVITE has a lot of vitamins ( 15 to be exact ) is that to many?
Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
No problem. It looks like GU still has double-posting issues.
Rep-Cal's Herptivite multivitamin has been around a very long time.
Herptivite contains vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. Research has shown that lizards need a wee bit of vitamin A acetate (retinol) @ 1 feeding per week.I believe that Zoo Med's Reptivite multivitamins is superior to Rep-Cal's Herptivite. So does Scott Stahl, DVM!
I've shared this several times on this thread. I'm not sure you're seeing it. These supplements ARE much better than Rep-Cal's!
Have you checked out the 150 links in my Leo Care Sheet? To get there, kindly click the Table of Contents link below in my signature.
Please read these links.
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Elizabeth Freer
Well-known member
You're welcome.
When you follow schedules 124, 125, & 126 life with your soon-to-be leo should be fine. Keep other husbandry in check as well. There should be no worries at all.
Many first-time GU leo keepers have followed these guidelines with excellent results! Get the largest enclosure you can right from the geck-go. I recommend a 20 long: 30 x 12 x 12 with an 11 x 17 heat mat and a thermostat.
Is it time to take your plunge?