A Beginner's Guide To Setting Up A Leopard Gecko Tank

How to set up a Leopard Gecko tank for new owners/beginners - this can apply to hatchlings, juveniles and adults. All products and discount code can be found below 👇🏻👇🏻
🏠 VIVARIUMS & TERRARIUMS
Exo Terra 90X45X45 cm tidd.ly/3x4JpyG
Exo Terra 60X45X45 cm tidd.ly/3y6I9My
Wooden Vivarium (Small) tidd.ly/36Wvhgl
Wooden Vivarium (Medium) tidd.ly/3kZprTH
Large Faunarium tidd.ly/3eOTp8X
Custom Reptile Habitats customreptilehabitats.com?sca_ref=123016.UAGNEDPUo1
💡 LIGHTING
7% ShadeDweller Kit tidd.ly/3BCSzWC
22W Jungle Dawn Bar tidd.ly/3zsSSkO
34W Jungle Dawn Bar tidd.ly/3eTOq6T
🌞 HEATING
Deep Heat Projector tidd.ly/3iDzryQ
Dimming Stat (For DHP) tidd.ly/3rGjcFC
Clamp Lamp tidd.ly/3i58tRY
Pulse Proportional Stat tidd.ly/3rCNMQw
Ceramic Heat Emitter & Accessories tidd.ly/3kWPJFW
Heat Mat tidd.ly/3kVYQ9M
Mat Thermostat tidd.ly/37gEccJ
🌵 DRAINAGE & SUBSTRATE
EarthMix Arid tidd.ly/3iKKk1Z
Hydro Fleece tidd.ly/36Xbeya
Habistat Clay Balls tidd.ly/3kRQXSK
🦴 SUPPLEMENTS
EarthPro-A tidd.ly/3i4Wd3A
CalciumPro-Mg tidd.ly/36Zk52m
RevitaliseD3 tidd.ly/2UHi7kV
💧 HIDES & BOWLS
Exo Terra Cave Hide (Large) tidd.ly/3f0yHCW
Log Hide tidd.ly/2UOlLcB
Water Dish/Bowl tidd.ly/3y8D9qO
---------------------------------------------------------------
VIDEOS
Comparing Heaters • Heat Mat vs Ceramic He...
Comparing Setups (Paper Towel, Bioactive, Etc) • Which Setup Is Best Fo...
Safe Plants For Leopard Geckos • Top 10 Safe Plants For...
Leopard Gecko Tank Size • What Size Tank Does A ...
💓 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
Merch www.leopardgeckomerch.com
Patreon / leopardgeckotalk
Leopard Gecko Care Guides leopardgecko.retrieve.com/store
🤝🏻 AFFILIATE LINKS*
Custom Reptile Habitats customreptilehabitats.com?sca_ref=123016.UAGNEDPUo1
Internet Reptile tidd.ly/3ztNSMI
Swell Reptiles tidd.ly/3BH9XJE
Amazon Store www.amazon.co.uk/shop/leopard...
Amazon Prime 30-Day FREE Trial www.amazon.co.uk/tryprimefree?...
Amazon Music 30-Day FREE Trial www.getamazonmusic.com/leopar...
🦎 SOCIALS
/ leopardgeckoyoutube
/ leopardgeckoyoutube
/ lgtyoutube
* If you purchase an item or service using these links, I will earn a small commission, with no extra cost to you.
#leopardgecko #beginnersguide #geckosetup

[@graciefelter5648]

just got a leo a week and a half ago, watched your vids for a month beforehand! (plus other research as well lol) she’s doing really well, and she’s already the friendliest, happiest little thing :) thank you for coming on here and educating, you’ve done a really great job!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw that's great to hear :D

[@dabdan8939]

@@hennigadient4265 ?

[@graciefelter5648]

@@hennigadient4265 ?

[@jayceparisian4552]

@@hennigadient4265 🤡

[@Lizardman-ho5yt]

@@hennigadient4265 even with plenty of research done I would say that this woman's videos are top notch and she gives plenty of info on leos. They're quite simple to take care of and let thrive and she gives more than enough info on her own without even further research

[@Bella-ib9fu]

Thanks for being the reason I’m an educated leopard gecko owner. Much love from me and my baby girl Lemon 💕

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aww no problem :D Thank you!

[@jalynnwilliams6170]

Aww I love the name you picked out. It’s so cute.

[@Kal07654]

Omg mine has the same name

[@Lainey1316]

Omgosh! Literally same! Also my geckos name is lemon as well!!! 😮

[@Lainey1316]

@@kevbone8061 ik that eco Earth is good but you shouldn't use sand it can cause compaction and cause medical issues

[@mollykramer9987]

I love how you're just subtly setting up the enclosure for your new gecko

[@kittenhead66]

0:37 heat 1:21 thermostat and thermometer 3:22 substrate 4:18 hides 7:43 water bowl 7:52 calcium dish 8:27 fake plants

[@hayatelawless6137]

Thanks 👍

[@arizonalife9373]

Thank you 😊 💓

[@Reptego]

Thanks

[@therandomyoutuber8605]

Thank you!

[@mexico7721]

How much does this cost?

[@entitysexotics3884]

I have had my girls Maya and Lilith for about 3 years now. Yesterday I spotted Maya leaving her humid hide looking ghostly white and then caught her taking her shed off for the first time. It was so funny watching her yank off her “socks.” Great content as always!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Awww it still fascinates me to this day, must be so satisfying when they finally get it all off :)

[@chrishayes9308]

I love that there is a channel where I can come know that I am getting good information! My parents wouldn’t let me get my first leopard gecko unless I did tons of research, and your channel was one of my main sources of info! I’ve been watching for years now, and I am just so thankful that you are here educating people on proper pet care! Keep up the great work!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw thank you :D

[@lefrog2944]

Yeah I want a leopard gecko but I was told I have to do a lot of research then I might get one, hopefully I will.

[@QuartzGhost]

Le frog

[@byunniq9060]

Did you get it?

[@benjaminscheffler2738]

Loved the video! Even after owning a Leo for a year now I still love to brush up on the basics thanks to how interesting your videos are

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw thank you :D

[@hennigadient4265]

pls read real books.

[@starstruck2784]

@@hennigadient4265 ??

[@briarrosemary501]

@@hennigadient4265 ?

[@kevbone8061]

Hey can anyone tell me if organic sand 50% 30% play sand and 20% eco earth is good for my leopard gecko?

[@ec._eds6837]

I’m getting a leopard gecko soon, and it wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for you! I love your channel so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aww thank you :) I'm glad I could help :)

[@mollymott1449]

Love this and all your other videos! I recently got a leopard gecko a few months ago and I found your videos some of the most helpful for research! Keep on keeping on your helping tons of current and future gecko owners. :)

[@noaraquel1426]

Just want to give a huge THANK YOU! You have helped me so much with you’re videos!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@andreadominguez6089]

Thank you for keeping this video interesting, informative, and engaging!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@itachiism]

literally have no plans to own a leopard gecko (due to being currently occupied with a very needy bearded dragon 🙄) but just having this sort of information in the back of my mind and appreciating how much effort and care goes into these videos makes my heart super happy!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@boom_its_rory]

I am watching as many of your videos as I can and they are all so helpful. Thank you so much from me and Milo!

[@nagi3900]

Ive had my baby boy Sesame for about 5 months now, and this was SO helpful to know I've been doing things correctly for my little seed! Next step is to give him a nice decor update and a deep heat projector!

[@x.jeanna]

another amazing and helpful video! the leopard gecko community is so lucky to have you!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you so much!

[@cheezypotatoe8731]

I have a crested gecko and I love him (or her) so much. When i decided to get a reptile your channel helped so much. And yesterday, Ember (my crestie) came out of the terrarium on his own!. With some food for motivation. Im so happy watching him grow up!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aww that's so sweet :D :D I'm glad I've been able to help!

[@rachelnascimento219]

I have had a Leo for 3 weeks and he is getting happier because I watch these videos thank you he is so cute .

[@ninelikesrobots6555]

Thank you so much for making information clear and readily available! I love your videos and your geckos! I always look forward to them :) Thank you!!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@oORoOFLOo]

Thank you for your channel, I'm planning on getting a gecko once my hausing situation is figured out! Thanks to your videos I found complete passion for these cute little creatures. I want to give mine the best living conditions possible, so I watch nearly each of your tips vids. PS. Personally I wouldn't mind if had some videos with just your geckos exploring etc, they are so adoreable!

[@lucyjgalvin5723]

Fab video. Love seeing you do these as they change everytime. The reptile community needs to stay updated with new technology and information and your always doing that unlike most

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@tomasmc2]

Amazing video, very informative for new gecko owners. Keep it up!

[@nick-sl3mc]

Ive had Snicket for a year and it was really helpful to have your videos as a guide when i was first getting into it.

[@kirstywhitehead428]

Watched this when you first uploaded but couldn’t comment. Very informative as always for beginners! I link others to your videos when they ask questions. Have a great evening :) xx

[@iveynewman5074]

Always love your videos! Educational and they keep you entertained as well!❤️

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you!!

[@sageisswaggy3554]

im going to get a leopard gecko soon and I have been binging your videos. thank you so much for the tips

[@hannahmarie9015]

Great, informative video on the basics. Definitely going to be helpful for new owners. Always appreciate your content!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@georgelighter6372]

10/10 vid, would watch again. Very useful since there are so many conflicting reports on how to set one up

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@zeebeezwax]

I love Arcadia's heat lamps! As soon as I switched from those zoo med bulbs my leo was much more active and seemed to be more energized from the deep heat

[@nightinggale6470]

Are you using a deep heat projector?

[@kaylaestrada4774]

Excited as always to watch your videos! They’ve really helped in understanding how best to take care of my little Leo 😊

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@hennigadient4265]

there are a lot of books!

[@ipseblep]

@@hennigadient4265 there are a lot of ass!

[@williammanzanarez6558]

Great video! Videos like these are what helped me set up and get my first Leopard Gecko. Thank you so much!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

No problem, glad I could help! Thanks! :D

[@mud8833]

As always, great video!

[@lexig4316]

I’ve been researching for months trying to be as prepared as possible before I get my Leo, and your videos are BY FAR the best watch and helpful I’ve come across. And girl I’ve done some scrolling 😂🤣💚 I think I’m finally ready now

[@jalynnwilliams6170]

Hahah same here!

[@sophiechandler2064]

Love all of your videos. I've learnt so much over the years! Thanks so much 😁

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Sophiaisamazingandcool]

I'd just like to thank you so much. Without you I wouldn't have my gecko named after gizmo (movie and yours) I'm so thankful for everything you taught me and to this day I'm learning from you thank you so much again and stay safe happy and keep up the good work🦎❤❤❤

[@dan_e]

This is an awesome beginners guide. Always love your videos

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@_ur.fav.ava_]

Hi I just subscribed because I just got a baby leopard gecko yesterday and I’ve never owned one before. This channel really helps me learn how to take care of it.

[@skinnerslizards1795]

Thank for teaching me how to care for my leos!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

No problem 😊😊

[@hannahjones9559]

For people of all ages!! Love it!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks :)

[@emmah8234]

another great video! I always look forward to ur videos :)

[@MASEPvAbramsMBT]

this was super helpful, thanks!

[@teenvlogs-oo6pd]

I love your videos so so much!!!! Keep up the great work, when I got my leo 7 months ago, your videos really helped!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@equine_ellie]

Your videos have helped me so much with my first Leo! 🥰

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw awesome, I'm so glad!

[@ameliathorn6698]

I’m buying my own house at the end of the month and I’m so excited to venture into reptiles after years of excited research by adopting a little leopard gecko. I’m so excited! There’s a lovely reptile rescue near my home and its going to be so fun!

[@ilontyan]

Thanks I’m getting a geckos soon excited!

[@jordanwatson9059]

Always full of great advice! 😊

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@andresit0224]

Thank you so much for the info i have been trying to convice my parents to get me a leopard gecko for over 3 years now and now i have more onformationn

[@simonrafferty4]

Thanks found this really useful. Keep up the great content

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@RalfSilvius]

Great video as always! Keep up the good work 🎉

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@jessebelle6596]

I just subscribed! I’m really enjoying your channel, thanks for the great content! :)

[@cactusduooo2934]

Thank you so much I’m getting a lepord gecko and it helps alot

[@justinlee8150]

Your videos motivated me to buy a leopard gecko and i watched a lot of your videos for all my leopard gecko needs👍👍

[@tlhenderson9578]

Note: LONG POST AHEAD… Hi Emily. I found your channel after my husband & I agreed to petsit our son & DIL’s Leopard Gecko for 10 days. I’ve been digging in to your posts to become more educated. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I never thought I would say I’ve grown attached to a lizard. 😏 Buddy is almost 2 y.o & resides in a 10 gallon, glass tank with a heated pad underneath (outside). Inside is tan, reptile carpet, a half log cave, a large, shallow water dish & a small, round, food dish. Also one, round thermometer attached to the inside, back of the tank (I understand this is not the ideal). No other hides. I had some small pieces of driftwood from our travels to the SW Gulf Coast of Florida & decided to treat them (bleach/water soak, rinse, bake) & put them in the tank. I sanded off any rough edges, but left the small grooves in the wood so he could use it to climb if he chose to. I placed the larger piece (about a foot long & 4” at the widest point towards the middle of it) at an angle from the carpet to the top of the half log. The bottom is secured by the water dish & the inner, end edge is secured by the food dish. He immediately started hanging out underneath that piece at night. He did shed some pieces during the first night of that change/addition, but he did shed in the time before I added that. I fashioned the other piece of driftwood into a tree of sorts with cascading, artificial, plant sprigs coming out the end & wedged it at an angle in between the front, corner edge of the glass & half log. I found Buddy using it as a head rest today as he napped. 😅 What I’m concerned about is if he now has enough floor space with the larger, driftwood addition. When I checked this morning, he had pooped along the middle edge of the water dish. The dish was initially horizontal or more angled & towards the front of the tank. So, maybe he was used to that back, right spot of the tank to do his business? Now I have the water dish running the length of the tank (it spans the entire length from front to back) & maybe in it’s upsetting the apple cart? I can’t make a lot more changes because he’s not my pet. Please help the grandma of an LG out! 😂😍 Thoughts? Thanks!

[@nightinggale6470]

It’s great that you’re looking out for the gecko! I know you can’t make a lot more changes, but maybe you can convince your son and DIL to make some changes? 10 gallons really isn’t big enough for an adult gecko. They need a 20 gallon long bare minimum, and 40 gallons or bigger is recommended. Carpet also isn’t a good substrate. It harbours bacteria, tends to get caught on their teeth and claws, and doesn’t offer any digging enrichment (which is very beneficial for them). A suitable loose substrate such as a soil/playsand mix is best. Heat mats also aren’t the best heat source (they’ll live with one, but there are more beneficial options). A heat lamp regulated by a dimmer or dimming thermostat would be much better for them. He also needs at least 1-2 more hides (they need one on the warm side and one on the cool side, a humid hide is ideal). Again, I know you can’t make many changes, but hopefully you can let your son and DIL know that the gecko would benefit from some changes. Good luck!

[@cresteddd]

Thanks for this video!!! It's really helpful!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

You're so welcome!

[@Aaren6]

Very informative and helpful for people just starting out or those who didn't realize they weren't providing enough! Keep up the wonderful work!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@hennigadient4265]

read a book befor you get exotic pets. thx.

[@met4788]

i have had my leopard gecko for a little over a year, and he’s gotten pretty big for his tank, so i’m upgrading him to a 20-36 gallon tank. i’m just watching this video to refresh my memory in order for me to give him the best possible living space as possible! your videos helped me research and convince my parents to let me get him! these videos are really educational and help me learn something that i may had not known before. thank you for everything!

[@nightinggale6470]

A 40 gallon tank or bigger would be ideal :)

[@danielventura8118]

@@nightinggale6470 you actually need a life

[@AriLuvzyt]

​@nightinggale6470 I can't afford for a 40 gallon yet 😭😭 I can only afford a 20 and I don't see 30s in my pet stores I go to😞

[@TheMahadear6]

Thank you u add some important info

[@meredithheatley7162]

You're doing great gal!! Great video, very informative, I always come to you when I need to learn more about my reptilian babies!!x

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@PanzikTheBest]

Always interesting and thank you for all these Infos!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@karinascreatures3865]

My leopard gecko is 20 years old this year! Great info in this video!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Omg that's amazing!!! :D

[@terrih7165]

Thanks for this!

[@Fll3nAngel]

Thank you for another video! I’ll be giving our pumpkin earthmix arid soon, kinda nervous still so she is on paper towel for now. Also will get her UV and LED, she is an albino so been a bit worried. But want to give her the best home! She deserves only best! 🥰

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aww that's awesome to hear!

[@nikkibenshoff2163]

I’ve been watching this channel for a long time and I want to say thank for helping me because my leopard gecko stoped eating and because of your channel she started to eat again

[@madisonevoe2672]

Just got my leopard yesterday her names Izzy. I did a lot of research before hand but thank you for telling me about the thermometer. I’ll be sure to get a new one Friday when I get paid!! :))

[@monajakobsson9447]

Thank you for all perfect content

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aww thank you :)

[@lucifera00]

Thank you for the video! ♥️

[@leopardgeckotalk]

No problem 😊

[@oystersales8218]

Thanks man, cheese stick appreciated it

[@jordanfaustino]

Thanks for the video!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

No worries!

[@laurabojorquez9673]

thanks so much for all your info ❤️

[@leopardgeckotalk]

No worries!

[@TweetyBirdies]

Came here from instagram - this is a great beginner video. Thank your for being such a great source of information :)

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@aqueennamed_dolores9404]

I’m glad I found your channel I’m planning on getting a leopard gecko and so I’m doing some research for when i do get it cause I don’t want to be unready.

[@IzOVids]

Love this tank!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@mullerlarco]

feeling less overwhelmed now hahah thank you!

[@maggiekane6539]

i was given a leopard gecko because my friend couldn’t take care of him. thank you so much for this i was using sand and doing it all wrong. hopefully he will be much happier when i make these changes in the next week.

[@iamphoenix3564]

I use that cold hide as a humid hide It’s actually rlly good and in the past year when I bought it my gecko has not had any leftover shed on him

[@getreel9084]

Love the videos!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you!!

[@gardian1701]

I've been searching for a video to show if it's ok to have the heat mat under the substrate! Yours is the only one! 👌

[@nightinggale6470]

Heat mats are not a good heat source, overhead heating is much better for them. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is the most natural and beneficial option, Arcadia’s deep heat projector is the second best option. They produce infrared A and B like the sun, heat that penetrates deep into the skin tissue and heats them far more effectively. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.

[@nextzrajayt4651]

love the content!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@Rogue18401]

I need to redo my tank! I read the pamphlet they gave me and I feel like such a bad grandmother! 😢 it explains a lot !

[@MegaMarty99]

10/10 video!

[@_williams.bowlcut.slays_7709]

Hey hey Rebecca! I just had my first leopard gecko, Artemis today! Your videos are so so amazing, I used that one for do her tank! I used a lots of your videos, like how to be friends with them, or like the bioactive tank video!❤ You help me so much, and I Love your channel! Actually, you are my favorite youtuber! I followed you on instagram too, my name is @_artemis_the_leopard_gecko_ . I saw you're sad, because you hadn't got comments, so I hope you are happy now! ❤❤❤

[@yourtoes37]

please do a crested gecko one! i love your videos and ur very informative!🖤

[@allydowning306]

Hi am looking to get on for my birthday 🥳 thx for the tips

[@tiffanymcghee3717]

Coming to watch from Instagram 🤍 very helpful video 😊

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@hangontheivy4440]

Checking out videos on leopard geckos before convincing my mom to let me have one as an emotional support animal for college. Thanks for the informative video!!

[@malavikamudichintala8608]

Thany you so much! I was planning to get a leopard gecko in two months and I didn't know how to setup.

[@tonilewis4163]

Great video x

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@mayraalcaraz8486]

I have the same hide as your cold hide but I use it for a moist hide!

[@barbhelle5481]

Thank you very much.

[@Persephone2001]

Love the video! Gave me Idea when my female grows older an is a year old. :3 I get her next week. Can't wait!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D aww good luck!

[@pieterhenning4340]

I am owner on a budget but have a healthy gecko. He does have sand but it's an adult and it's easily digestible. He didn't have the best childhood but he's pretty happy now. Thanks for the guides

[@nightinggale6470]

Plain sand is not a suitable substrate for leopard geckos. It’s unnatural, can be hard on their joints and dusty, and doesn’t retain any humidity. A mix that’s 60% top/potting soil and 40% playsand is best, or a soil/sand/clay mix.

[@khaztaylor7486]

Very helpful 👍

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks!

[@korbyndrawsstuff485]

I've had my gecko for almost 5 years now. I finally have money to upgrade her tank to a 25g vivarium!!!!

[@zoecheline4327]

Omg I needed this video! I’m a new owner and this is so helpful ❤️

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw perfect, glad I could help :D

[@r1cky153]

Never had a gecko but know a lot about them😀

[@leopardgeckotalk]

haha awesome :)

[@rennfan-grace]

Watching vids before I get one ☺️

[@lilys4284]

After I put fresh calcium in the lid I always find little gecko footprints :) perfect video as always

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Yeah it's so cute when you see the little footprints 🥰

[@gioguinto9828]

I’m getting one for Christmas

[@benja-oq6xf]

i really wanted a leopard gecko and i didn't know what to get. Thankfully after watching this video, and many more for a few days i finally can get one. THANK U. (also the day after you posted it would have been my birthday)

[@KimberlyFaith-jj6xb]

I just got the terra sahara substrate. Do I need to sterilize it or anything before putting it in the tank?

[@benja-oq6xf]

@@KimberlyFaith-jj6xb bro i would rec paper towels at first then move on

[@KimberlyFaith-jj6xb]

@@benja-oq6xf thank you. Just curious though...is that substrate even safe for them?

[@rachelhall5522]

Hello! I'm currently just starting into my research, for potentially getting a Leopard gecko. I just found out you can get them in New Zealand. Thank you for your videos

[@kodavulpedrius6712]

Ur always helping us out I must help you out♥️ As usual, an awesome vid from an awesome person

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks :D