Naturalistic Tank Question

[HoneyBott]

So im planning on getting my first leopard gecko next month during our reptile expo and I want to set up a naturalistic tank using earth mix arid with some succulents and natural rock in a 24x18x12 enclosure. As well as whatever fills the tank to make it interesting and fun for my gecko. I want to know with a naturalistic tank do I need to have a clean up crew and can I use a UTH or is a DHP a better option for this kind of setup?

 

[acpart]

Here's an article about a bioactive leopard gecko enclosure:

Creating a Bioactive Leopard Gecko Setup - Gecko Time - Gecko Time

Aliza

 

[IHaveNoIdea]

So im planning on getting my first leopard gecko next month during our reptile expo and I want to set up a naturalistic tank using earth mix arid with some succulents and natural rock in a 24x18x12 enclosure. As well as whatever fills the tank to make it interesting and fun for my gecko. I want to know with a naturalistic tank do I need to have a clean up crew and can I use a UTH or is a DHP a better option for this kind of setup?

Most of my tanks are bioactive, or naturalistic. It's a great choice. In your case though, I would start with just paper towels considering this will be your first leopard gecko.

You can use an UTH, just use place a thinner layer of substrate over it so it actually does something. I don't think you need a cleanup crew, but it's always better and it's cheap so why not.

Here is how one of mine looks like. There is a low wattage bulb for a light (better both for plants and coloration of the gecko) and an UTH right underneath it.

 

[HoneyBott]

Most of my tanks are bioactive, or naturalistic. It's a great choice. In your case though, I would start with just paper towels considering this will be your first leopard gecko.

You can use an UTH, just use place a thinner layer of substrate over it so it actually does something. I don't think you need a cleanup crew, but it's always better and it's cheap so why not.

Here is how one of mine looks like. There is a low wattage bulb for a light (better both for plants and coloration of the gecko) and an UTH right underneath it.
View attachment 47380

Thank you that's actually really helpful! I think ill keep it simple to start like you reccomend and once I've gotten to know my leo better I'll switch to a naturalistic tank and set everything up properly. I really appreciate the advice