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

[@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

[@1ainey31]

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

[@1ainey31]

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

[@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?

[@mollykramer9987]

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

[@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

[@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 :)

[@espem88]

Found an invasive Mediterranean Gecko in my bathtub this morning when I woke up. He's chilling in a new enclosure now. Thanks for the information on caring for these guys!

[@jocelynVlogs7]

Cool 😭😮❤

[@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 .

[@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?

[@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😞

[@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!

[@andreadominguez6089]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@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 :)

[@tlsings55]

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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@ameliat3172]

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!

[@x.jeanna]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you so much!

[@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?

[@hannahjones9559]

For people of all ages!! Love it!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thanks :)

[@groovymarge]

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.

[@noaraquel1426]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@skinnerslizards1795]

Thank for teaching me how to care for my leos!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

No problem 😊😊

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@_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.

[@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.

[@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🦎❤❤❤

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!!

[@sophiechandler2064]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@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

[@dan_e]

This is an awesome beginners guide. Always love your videos

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@iveynewman5074]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you!!

[@moashymo]

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. :)

[@ReptileJen]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@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!

[@ihatetheoddones]

@@hennigadient4265 there are a lot of ass!

[@_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! ❤❤❤

[@hannahmarie9015]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@justinlee8150]

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

[@equine_ellie]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aw awesome, I'm so glad!

[@tomasmc2]

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

[@sageisswaggy3554]

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

[@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!

[@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 🥰

[@emmah8234]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@oystersales8218]

Thanks man, cheese stick appreciated it

[@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!! :))

[@mullerlarco]

feeling less overwhelmed now hahah thank you!

[@jessebelle6596]

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

[@tiffanymcghee3717]

Coming to watch from Instagram 🤍 very helpful video 😊

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@simonrafferty4]

Thanks found this really useful. Keep up the great content

[@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

[@salliegecko4533]

After reading some comments, I just wanna leave a lil reminder that if you're interested in getting a leo.. not all of them like being handled and you gotta be really careful since they can just jump away and fall/ hurt themselves. Also when they are stressed they tend to not eat for a while. Pls consider that you might not be able to touch them if you search for an animal to pet 💜

[@Idfk505]

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.

[@RalfSilvius]

Great video as always! Keep up the good work 🎉

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@ilontyan]

Thanks I’m getting a geckos soon excited!

[@malavikamudichintala8608]

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

[@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 :)

[@MASEPvAbramsMBT]

this was super helpful, thanks!

[@mud8833]

As always, great video!

[@jordanwatson9059]

Always full of great advice! 😊

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@cactusduooo2934]

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

[@korbyndrawsstuff485]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@rennfan-grace]

Watching vids before I get one ☺️

[@cresteddd]

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

[@leopardgeckotalk]

You're so welcome!

[@Aye_domino54]

Thanks for being my teacher for getting my leapeard gecko just got my baby leaf today lol

[@dylandonald6176]

I recently put a new bigger water bowl in my Leo’s tank, and he loves it so much that he made it his new poop spot ...

[@PanzikTheBest]

Always interesting and thank you for all these Infos!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@rs.zsalma]

after watching plenty of videos and doing alot of research, i finally bought a Gecko and pick her up at the weekend! My set up is going to be something like this temporarily until in get my hands on a 3ft wooden viv and then seat a heat lamp and UVB. Couple of questions please; Does the heat mat need to be on constantly? What product do you recommend for D3 vits whilst im not using a UVB lamp? I'm also UK, so anything i can get here please :) So so excited but so nervous!!

[@nightinggale6470]

Heat mats aren’t a good heat source long term, but assuming you’ll only be using it temporarily, they can be on 24/7. Any calcium/vitamin supplement with d3 should be good, although Arcadia’s revitalise d3 would probably be best.

[@jordanwatson9059]

Great videos as always!!!

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@m-eq7ke]

if you don’t get overhead heating and just get a heat mat, this means the gecko cannot have a basking spot doesn’t it? do they require a basking spot?

[@nightinggale6470]

Yes. Overhead heating is far more natural and beneficial than under tank heating. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat is ideal, and a tube UVB bulb is very beneficial as well.

[@iliketolearnstuff8781]

Hello! I love you videos and I’m getting a lepord gecko in a matter of days!! I’m very exited and I saw you vid about petco . We called more early in the day before I saw that vid and that said that we’re waiting for more so I was wondering if that would still be okay because they just got them I also saw you video on how to pick a good pet from a pet shop and just wanted to make sure. Also if not do you think pet smart is a good choice? Thanks!!❤️❤️🥰🥰

[@iliketolearnstuff8781]

Also I have one of those bad ones with only a thermometer and humidity so I was wondering the cheapest thermostat that’s good is thank you soooo much

[@zach_31106]

Loved it, even if I have a leopard gecko😂 Thanks for sharing all the education

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Thank you :D

[@TheMahadear6]

Thank you u add some important info

[@allydowning306]

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

[@MegaMarty99]

10/10 video!

[@monajakobsson9447]

Thank you for all perfect content

[@leopardgeckotalk]

Aww thank you :)

[@skylinepresents1611]

So you can choose either to do an above headlight or a heating pad thingy right?

[@haydenbrooke395]

just got one about a week ago i was doing a bunch of research but this helped a lot. he had dropped his tail in the store and i couldn’t just leave him there

[@nightinggale6470]

Which store was it? For future reference I wouldn’t buy any more animals from that store, they don’t sound like a good one to support.

[@claysoggyfries]

I've read that leopard geckos don't need lights. Should I buy lights and heat mats if it's gonna be warm in my house?

[@nightinggale6470]

They need lights to thrive. They need light during the day for a day/night cycle, and benefit from overhead heat and UVB. Heat mats are not a good heat source. 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 than heat mats. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.

[@terrih7165]

Thanks for this!

[@Theemptyvoid-f6o]

GIRL FOR Christmas I AM GETTING 500 DOLLARS SO I AM GETTING A LEOPARD GEKO I AM SOOO EXCITED

[@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