New Leopard Gecko Owner

Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
View attachment 49523

Anthem got an upgrade tonight. Officially moved into the 20L.
:yahoo:! Anthem's 20L is progressing nicely!

Is the brown dish for water or for mealies?

Is the white device on the right a night camera?​

Moved his warm hide and humid hide to the right side. Thinking I’m going to need a new UTH as the old one doesn’t cover the area I’d like it too.
Anthem will love an 11 x 17" Ultratherm.

From my Leo Care Sheet:​

***** Ultratherms ***** (high quality) are reusable. Snugly attach the heat mat underneath a glass enclosure with double-sided heat safe tape (or tape rolls) down the center and with electrically safe Nashua tape around the edges. When you purchase supplies directly from Amazon, you'll be able to return even electrical products that do not meet your gecko's needs. Amazon Prime also provides free return shipping. Reptile Basics (336-308-5767) ----> 11 x 11 Ultratherms = $20, 11 x 17 Ultratherms = $22. The Reptile Supply Co in Lodi, California sells Ultratherms too.

Using Styrofoam Insulation Underneath an Ultratherm Heat Mat . . . . . . Keith -- April 2018
"I suggest that an Ultratherm UTH is a must. The Ultratherm needs (styro)foam insulation under it, directing the heat upward and into the enclosure. From what I understand, other brands call for air under the UTH, which just allows heat to be lost! The fact that the Ultratherms should have foam insulation under them rather than air also says volumes about their safety. I only know this because I’m still setting up my Vivarium as well."
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

I just got done moving things over an hour or so ago so temps aren’t where they should be yet. Should have a better idea in the morning.

The cool side is right around 69 right now. Will see how it does later. Light on the cool side is a 14w that should be for viewing only.

Warm side ground is at 86 and warming up. Warm side air is around 77 and heating up. Light on the right side is a 60w CHE. Hoping it does the job. Should I move the CHE more towards the center?
Maybe?​

Also, I know there is a lot of open space to fill now and I understand the Leo’s like lots of stuff and places to hide. I need to start looking at what all to fill the empty with.
:)​
 
Last edited:
C

ccapasso

New member
Elizabeth Freer said:
Is the brown dish for water or for mealies?
Click to expand...

Currently being used for water. I ordered to additional dishes for mealies.

Elizabeth Freer said:
Is the white device on the right a night camera?
Click to expand...

Yes indeed. Likely not a permanent thing, just something I'm messing around with.

Elizabeth Freer said:
Anthem will love an 11 x 17" Ultratherm.
Click to expand...

Indeed, and I just ordered it last night. Though honestly, I'm not sure the styrofoam will be needed given that the tank is on the dresser with very little room for the heat to escape.

From what I've read, it looks like I should use heat safe tape (like foil tape used for HVAC) to tape the Ultratherm to the bottom correct ?

If styrofoam is absolutely needed (I've seen mixed info on this so far), I'll have to find some and likely try and cut it to size.

Also, I know this section is for husbandry/heating/housing, but quick question about feeding. I know that for baby/younger, I should feed everyday (and about 2 times per day), but how much at a time should feed:

I've seen (2) different suggestions for feeding:

* For baby/younger - Feed them 3-4 worms,crickets/etc with each feeding
* For baby/younger- Feed them as much as they will eat in 10-15 min

So far, we've been doing the 3-4 with each feeding, so Anthem has been getting 6-8 worms/crickets/etc a day. Should I switch to the "as much as they'll eat" method ?
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
Currently being used for water. I ordered to additional dishes for mealies.



Yes indeed. Likely not a permanent thing, just something I'm messing around with.



Indeed, and I just ordered it last night. Though honestly, I'm not sure the styrofoam will be needed given that the tank is on the dresser with very little room for the heat to escape.
Elevate your 20 long at each corner and at the center edges with something like 6 small tiles, jar lids, or even erasers to provide adequate ventilation.​

From what I've read, it looks like I should use heat safe tape (like foil tape used for HVAC) to tape the Ultratherm to the bottom correct ?
Nashua tape is what I recommend. I don't know whether that's the same as HVAC tape.​

If styrofoam is absolutely needed (I've seen mixed info on this so far), I'll have to find some and likely try and cut it to size.

Also, I know this section is for husbandry/heating/housing, but quick question about feeding. I know that for baby/younger, I should feed everyday (and about 2 times per day), but how much at a time should feed:
You've got a dedicated thread here. Most everything is really related to husbandry. Go for it!

I don't recommend 2 feedings per day even for a hatchling leo. Experiment with all Anthem can eat in 15 minutes.​

I've seen (2) different suggestions for feeding:

* For baby/younger - Feed them 3-4 worms,crickets/etc with each feeding
* For baby/younger- Feed them as much as they will eat in 10-15 min

So far, we've been doing the 3-4 with each feeding, so Anthem has been getting 6-8 worms/crickets/etc a day. Should I switch to the "as much as they'll eat" method ?
 
Last edited:
C

ccapasso

New member
Awesome. That tape is the exact stuff I have in the basement.

Tank is elevated. I put chair pads on all corners so it is not directly sitting on the dresser. Hoping I can get away with no styrofoam.

Ty for the confirmation of feeding changes. That is honestly where I was leaning towards doing.

I got all of the supplements in now (last one came today). I created a shared calendar on iOS with the feeding schedule. This way, my daughter knows (learns) when to dust and which to use (I labeled each feeding based on the color of the supplement bottle [blue, orange, green])
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
ccapasso said:
Next set of questions:

What are people using to cover the back and side walls of the tank?
Click to expand...

  • ***** Artwork by your daughters -- at all levels. Gently laminate that for longevity (or not).
  • Brown paper bags cut to size & crinkled a bit.
  • Vinyl clings from online sources
Most my enclosures border a wall. Some are also in a corner. On one 20 gallon upstairs I've covered each side with brown paper bags. That gecko "loves" it!
 
Last edited:
A

acpart

Well-known member
Back when I had fewer gecko cages to "decorate" I would do a google image search for landscape pictures of the leopard gecko's native habitat (Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan), print them out, glue them onto nice paper, laminate and use as cage backgrounds.

Aliza
 
C

ccapasso

New member
Video from trying the new food dishes:



I had to lead him to the dish with the worm and then put it in there. Once he saw it, he did eat one.

This is the second video. In the first, he ate (2) worms. I don't think he fully realizes he can get in there to eat more. If the worm isn't really moving, he isn't interested in it lol.
 
C

ccapasso

New member
I just got my first delivery of 500 crickets (hooray). Sadly, most are dead (or waking up), and I'm working with the Company on this.

That said, I may have overestimated things, as I ordered 3/4" crickets, thinking that they wouldn't be that big. Seeing them in person, they are much larger than I expected (I know, what did I expect given they are said to be 3/4"). Honestly, they seem rather large.

That said, I assume it is not likely safe to try and feed these to Anthem given his current size (if you can tell from the video above). Here's a picture of him from yesterday:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=606468e4faafdeeff845abca6c468ae4&oe=602326B9
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
ccapasso said:
I just got my first delivery of 500 crickets (hooray). Sadly, most are dead (or waking up), and I'm working with the Company on this.

That said, I may have overestimated things, as I ordered 3/4" crickets, thinking that they wouldn't be that big. Seeing them in person, they are much larger than I expected (I know, what did I expect given they are said to be 3/4"). Honestly, they seem rather large.

That said, I assume it is not likely safe to try and feed these to Anthem given his current size (if you can tell from the video above). Here's a picture of him from yesterday:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.ne...=606468e4faafdeeff845abca6c468ae4&oe=602326B9
Click to expand...
  • Was your order double-boxed?
  • Did you use overnight shipping?
  • How long are the crickets you've been buying locally?
I recommend 3/8" or 1/2" crickets until Anthem gets bigger. I've been ordering from Armstrong Crickets for awhile.

It seems like no matter what I've tried there's a big die-off. :( Blaptica dubia are much sturdier.
 
Last edited:
C

ccapasso

New member
Not double boxed but they did use a heat pack and had food in there for them. They guarantee live arrival so I’ve contacted them (Komodo reptiles). Wasn’t next day shipping.

The ones I get local are not measured. Only classified as baby or adult. Thinking out loud they are pretty small though. Probably 1-2” or less. I chose 3/4” this round as I was thinking about the black fly larvae which is recommended at 3/4” from what I remember.

Unfortunately temps are all over in Ohio right now. This week the high is 40* F.

In talking with Komodo, they want me to wait a few hours (which I have) to make sure they wake up. Some have woken up but most are DOA. All good though. First time ordering them.

The black fly I ordered did come in alive so that’s a positive thing.

As far as roaches, I have to figure something out. My wife is not a fan of having roaches in the house lol. I could keep in garage but it is averaging about 40*F in there right now.

One other question, my Ultratherm Heat Pad arrived (yes); stupid question though: which side is up? There is a side with the copper color on it and then the other side. Which side is up and goes against the underside of the glass?
 
A

acpart

Well-known member
My favorite cricket ordering place is tophatcrickets.com. I would order 1/4". Initially you'll have to feed more of the small ones, but they'll grow and then you won't have to feed so many at once.

Aliza
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
One other question, my Ultratherm Heat Pad arrived (yes); stupid question though: which side is up? There is a side with the copper color on it and then the other side. Which side is up and goes against the underside of the glass?
Click to expand...

Reptile Basics just phoned back. This person has been using Ultratherm heat mats for about 18 years.

He said stick either side of your 11 x 17 inch Ultratherm heat mat against the underside of the glass, that the looks of either side are purely cosmetic.
 
C

ccapasso

New member
Couple of updates:

Anthem loves crickets now. He at 16 of the small ones in one feeding this week lol.

He also had another successful shed.

I got in some of the black fly larvae. He does not like them. I made sure to clean them off first before offering. He either bites and spits out or bites and doesn’t eat.
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
ccapasso said:
Couple of updates:

Anthem loves crickets now. He at 16 of the small ones in one feeding this week lol.

He also had another successful shed.

I got in some of the black fly larvae. He does not like them. I made sure to clean them off first before offering. He either bites and spits out or bites and doesn’t eat.
Click to expand...
Try BSFL before you offer Anthem crickets.

BSFL can be tough. Did you poke a couple holes in each one with a something like a safety pin?
 
C

ccapasso

New member
I did not poke any holes in them. I just made sure they were clean and clear of their substrate. I put them in a dish with the mealworms.

On Thursday I tried them as well (by themselves) and similar result
 
Elizabeth Freer

Elizabeth Freer

Well-known member
ccapasso said:
Found some slate on sale. May try and pickup. Was looking at sealer options and came across this:


Says it is water based and someone in comments mentioned they used for bearded dragon.

Thoughts on it being safe to use?
Click to expand...

The grout sealer you've linked is also "Low odor, water-based formula". In that respect it = the Miracle sealant I shared a picture of. I don't know how the other ingredients compare.

All I can say is that Geckos Unlimited member Gutler used Miracle sealant on his slate. He has 2 leos + a bearded dragon now.


How are temps measuring up with shelf liner as the substrate? Has Anthem adapted to the new arrangement of his hides?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top