If you’re setting up your first leopard gecko enclosure, this guide will walk you through everything you need — safely, correctly, and without wasting money.
Most beginner health problems (not eating, stuck shed, lethargy, metabolic bone disease) start with improper setup.
If you want the full care overview, feeding guides, health issues, and troubleshooting, visit the full:
This article focuses specifically on setup essentials.
Quick Reference Setup Chart (Best Picks)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
| Product | What It Solves | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| 20-Gallon Long Tank | Proper floor space | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Under Tank Heat Mat | Safe belly heat | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Digital Thermostat | Prevents overheating | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Digital Thermometer w/ Probe | Accurate temp readings | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Slate Tile Substrate | Prevents impaction | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Humid Hide | Prevents stuck shed | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Calcium (No D3) | Daily supplementation | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Calcium (With D3) | Bone strength | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Reptile Multivitamin | Nutritional balance | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| Infrared Temp Gun | Surface temp accuracy | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
For a deeper breakdown of supplements and feeding schedules, see the full:
👉 Leopard Gecko Feeding & Supplement Guide
Why Proper Setup Matters
Leopard geckos originate from arid, rocky regions like:
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- India
They require:
- Belly heat (not overhead basking)
- Secure hides
- Temperature gradient
- Low humidity
Improper setup often leads to:
- Refusing food
- Stuck shed
- Stress
- Weak bones
If your gecko is already having issues, check the:
👉 Leopard Gecko Health Problems Guide
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Tank Size (Minimum 20 Gallon Long)
Minimum:
20-gallon long (not tall)
Ideal:
30–40 gallon breeder
They need horizontal space — not height.
👉 20-Gallon Long Tank – Check Price
👉 40-Gallon Breeder Upgrade – Check Price
For full enclosure layout diagrams, visit:
👉 Leopard Gecko Habitat Setup Guide
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Heating Setup (Non-Negotiable)
Leopard geckos digest food using belly heat.
You need:
- Under-tank heat mat (one side only)
- Digital thermostat
- Thermometer with probe
Target Temps:
- Warm side floor: 88–92°F
- Cool side: 72–77°F
👉 Under Tank Heat Mat – Check Price
👉 Digital Thermostat – Check Price
👉 Thermometer w/ Probe – Check Price
No thermostat is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
If your gecko isn’t eating, heating is usually the issue.
👉 Why Is My Leopard Gecko Not Eating?
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Safe Substrate Options
Beginner Safe:
- Paper towels
- Slate tile
Avoid:
- Loose sand
- Calcium sand
- Wood chips
Impaction is preventable with proper flooring.
👉 Slate Tile Substrate – Check Price
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Three Essential Hides
You need:
- Warm hide
- Cool hide
- Humid hide (with damp moss)
Without a humid hide, stuck shed is common — especially on toes.
👉 Reptile Humid Hide – Check Price
For shedding problems:
👉 Leopard Gecko Shedding Help Guide
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Supplements & Feeding Basics
Proper supplementation prevents Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
You need:
- Calcium without D3 (most feedings)
- Calcium with D3 (1–2x weekly)
- Multivitamin (1x weekly)
👉 Calcium Without D3 – Check Price
👉 Calcium With D3 – Check Price
👉 Reptile Multivitamin – Check Price
For full feeding schedules:
👉 Complete Leopard Gecko Feeding Guide
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist Bonus: Infrared Temperature Gun
Air thermometers don’t measure surface heat.
Heat mats warm surfaces.
You need to measure that directly.
👉 Infrared Temp Gun – Check Price
This is one of the best beginner upgrades for accuracy.
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Common Beginner Mistakes
- Using sand
- No thermostat
- Only 1 hide
- Guessing temperatures
- Heat rocks
- Overfeeding fatty insects
Avoid these, and your gecko will thrive.
For more troubleshooting:
👉 Visit the Full Leopard Gecko Care Hub
Leopard Gecko Setup Checklist: Final Beginner Setup Summary
Provide:
- 20-gallon long tank
- Controlled belly heat
- Safe substrate
- Three hides
- Proper supplementation
And your leopard gecko can live 15–20+ years.