🦎 How to Set Up the Ultimate Leopard Gecko Habitat (With Amazon Product Links)

A Step-by-Step Setup Guide With Amazon Product Picks

Creating the perfect leopard gecko habitat is one of the most important things you can do for your gecko’s health, comfort, and longevity. Leopard geckos are hardy, beginner-friendly reptiles—but only when their enclosure, heating, hides, and diet are set up correctly.

This guide walks you through every step of building an ideal leopard gecko enclosure, from choosing the right tank and safe substrate to dialing in temperatures, humidity, feeding stations, and cleaning routines. You’ll also find Amazon-recommended products that make setup easier and safer.

🛑 Important: Leopard geckos are ground-dwelling reptiles that rely on proper heat gradients, calcium access, and low humidity. Incorrect setups can quickly lead to stress, poor shedding, or metabolic bone disease.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These links help support this site and allow me to continue creating free, research-based reptile care guides.

Item	Why It’s Essential	Amazon Link
20–40 Gallon Terrarium	Proper floor space	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Heat Mat + Thermostat	Safe belly heat	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Low-Output UVB (5.0)	Calcium & bone health	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Digital Thermometer / Hygrometer	Accurate monitoring	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Reptile Carpet / Tile	Prevents impaction	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Warm, Cool & Humid Hides	Security & shedding	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Calcium (No D3) Powder	Daily supplementation	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Reptile Multivitamin	Weekly nutrient balance	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Shallow Water Dish	Hydration & soaking	👉 Check Price on Amazon
Insect Feeding Tongs	Safe feeding control	👉 Check Price on Amazon

Step 1: Choosing the Right Enclosure for your Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos need a horizontal tank (not vertical) since they are ground-dwellers.

Recommended Enclosure Size:

Baby/juvenile gecko: 10–20 gallons
Adult gecko: 30–40 gallons (minimum)

Amazon Products:

REPTIZOO 34-Gallon Glass Terrarium – perfect size for one adult gecko.
Exo Terra Natural Terrarium (36″ x 18″ x 12″) – wide and shallow for easy ground movement.

✅ Tip: Ensure the tank has a secure screen lid for airflow.

Step 2: Setting Up the Substrate (Floor Material) for your Leopard Gecko

Avoid loose sand (it can cause impaction). Go for safe options like tiles, paper towels, or reptile carpets.

Best Substrates:

Zoo Med Eco Carpet – safe and easy to clean.
Fluker’s Natural Reptile Bedding (Coconut Fiber) – only for humid hides.
Slate Tile (Home Depot or Amazon) – gives a natural look and helps keep claws trim.

✅ Tip: Tiles are low maintenance and very hygienic.

Step 3: Heating and Lighting for your Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos need a temperature gradient (warm and cool side). They absorb heat from underneath, not from overhead lights.

Must-have Heating Equipment:

iPower Reptile Heat Pad + Thermostat Combo – controls surface temps precisely.
Zoo Med Digital Thermometer and Humidity Gauge – accurate temperature reading.

Optional Night Viewing Light (non-heating):

Exo Terra Night Heat Lamp (Moonlight Bulb) – view your gecko without disturbing them.

✅ Target Temperatures:

Warm side: 88–92°F
Cool side: 75–80°F
Night: no lower than 68°F

Step 4: Hides and Decor for your Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos need at least three hides:

Warm Hide (on the warm side)
Cool Hide (on the cool side)
Moist Hide (to help with shedding)

Best Hides:

Exo Terra Reptile Cave – great for warm or cool hides.
Pangea Reptile Hide Box – moisture hide ready.
Zilla Shale Rock Den – very natural looking.

Other Decorations:

Exo Terra Reptile Plants (Plastic) – safe and easy to clean.
Zoo Med Natural Cork Flats – for climbing fun.

✅ Tip: Use non-toxic adhesive if you build DIY rock piles.

Step 5: Water Dish, Calcium Dish, and Feeding Supplies

Your gecko needs clean water and constant access to calcium.

Essential Feeding Gear:

Exo Terra Water Dish – sturdy and tip-proof.
Fluker’s Reptile Calcium Bowl – small, refillable.
Zoo Med Repti Calcium with D3 – necessary for bone health.

Feeding Tongs:

REPTI ZOO Feeding Tweezers – prevent accidental bites.

✅ Tip: Dust live insects 2–3x a week with calcium + D3.

Step 6: Feeding Your Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are insectivores. Feed them a variety of bugs.

Popular Live Food (order online or pet store):

Amazon Food Supplies:

Fluker’s Live Crickets – if you can’t get live locally.
Josh’s Frogs Live Dubia Roaches.

✅ Tip: Never feed insects bigger than the space between your gecko’s eyes.

Step 7: Maintaining Proper Humidity for your Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos like low humidity (30%-40%) except inside their moist hide (70%-80%).

Moist Hide Setup: Fill a hide with damp sphagnum moss.

Zoo Med Sphagnum Moss – safe and perfect for shedding support.

Monitor Humidity:

ThermoPro Digital Hygrometer – highly accurate readings.

✅ Tip: Mist the moist hide as needed — NOT the whole tank.

Bonus: Cleaning Supplies

Regular spot cleaning and full sanitization monthly.

Best Cleaning Products:

Zoo Med Wipe Out 1 Terrarium Cleaner – reptile-safe disinfectant.
Exo Terra Terrarium Cleaner – another safe, eco-friendly option.

✅ Tip: Always rinse surfaces after using cleaners to avoid residue.

Quick Leopard Gecko Habitat Checklist:

Item Example Amazon Product Enclosure REPTIZOO 34-Gallon Tank Substrate Zoo Med Eco Carpet Heating iPower Heat Mat + Thermostat Lighting (Optional) Exo Terra Night Bulb Hides Exo Terra Reptile Cave Plants & Decor Exo Terra Reptile Plants Water Dish Exo Terra Water Dish Calcium Dish Fluker’s Reptile Calcium Bowl Food Live crickets, Dubia roaches Feeding Tools REPTI ZOO Feeding Tweezers Humidity Supplies Zoo Med Sphagnum Moss Cleaning Supplies Zoo Med Wipe Out Cleaner

🦎 Final Tips for a Thriving Gecko:

Observe: Watch their eating, shedding, and bathroom habits.
Handle Gently: Start with short handling sessions.
Vet Check: Take them for a wellness check once a year.