🏡 Step 1: Choosing the Right Enclosure

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)

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

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

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 Gecko

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

Popular Live Food (order online or pet store):

• Crickets

• Dubia roaches

• Mealworms

• Waxworms (as treats)

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

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.