Setting Up A NEW Leopard Gecko Enclosure! | Upgrade For Pepper!

[@shannaantico1056]

I was stalking your channel and ended up being early LMAO

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

hahahaha I LOVE that 😂

[@AIACH22]

Love when I see other people use large vivariums for geckos ❤️ looks great 👍🏼

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you! I’m so happy I went with this size, will definitely be upgrading my other geckos in the future!

[@breaunasreptileworld]

@@EmmaLynneSampson getting my leopards gecko this week for my Christmas presents dream pet

[@jimmyboyjbh9334]

I just bought the exo terra 36x24x12 for my gecko :)

[@sillyhead88]

Holy shit!!! Never thought about using a shelf liner for the bottom of an enclosure. That's so smart.

[@nightinggale6470]

Shelf liner is not a good substrate. It releases fumes when heated and doesn’t offer any digging enrichment. A suitable loose substrate such as a soil/playsand or soil/sand/clay mix is best.

[@lisamccullough5150]

No it’s not. It’s completely unnatural.

[@oonam.7931]

Yay! The tank looks awesome! I have a leo myself, named Gilbert, and I recently got a bunch of new decor for him including a hammock! Pepper is adorable btw!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

That’s great!! I love the name Gilbert 😊

[@oonam.7931]

@@EmmaLynneSampson thanks! :)

[@babynoodle42]

Aww I have a Leo named Gilbert too. I love Leos, I have two, my other girl I adopted from a rescue her name is Lily.

[@Gizzlydog8787]

No way I have a leo named Gilbert aswell

[@ConniieBearrr]

Shes sooo adorableee! I love the new setup! Some good inspo for mines future upgrades

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!! Pepper is the cutest ❤️

[@chloeanncaudill8988]

I love this enclosure!!! Definitely have many decor and layout ideas for my leopard geckos!!! ❤️🦎

[@Hamburglar009]

I just bought a glass, front opener (different brand) that had a foam background. It looked great! Then I put my little girl in there and the first night she was in I caught her 3/4 up the foam rock wall!!! So I carefully scooped her up, moved stuff out of the way, and took the background out (breaking it in the process, doh!). I really liked the way it looked but I can not allow her to climb up 16 or so inches and possibly fall. I spent a few bucks at a craft store and bought some thin foam sheets and cut them to size and duct taped them to the outside of the walls and back so she won’t get too freaked out by the open space and invisible walls. RIP foam background....

[@nightinggale6470]

I’d get her another foam background, it’s great for climbing enrichment. Don’t worry about her falling, they’re very hardy. She should have a suitable loose substrate, which will cushion her fall.

[@Hamburglar009]

@@nightinggale6470 she has other climbing enrichment in the enclosure. At the time of her rock climbing adventure she was right over top a very large rock in the enclosure. If she fell from that height and hit the rock she would have had a bad time. Edited: she HAS other climbing opportunities and is in a temporary home while she grows. By the end of this summer she’ll be in a bigger enclosure with even more climbing opportunities.

[@rachelkunz611]

Nice set up!!! Very cute Pepper🤩

[@heylinmurillo4090]

I was thinking about getting this exact cage and I really like it so I’m going to upgrade my leopard gecko soon 😊

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Peppers been loving it so far! This video was filmed about a week ago, so now that she’s had some time to settle in she’s exploring all around it!

[@traviszavagno1578]

What is the enclosure called i have been trying to find it

[@sarahalexis645]

Loved the idea of a dig box

[@nightinggale6470]

Dig boxes, while better than nothing, don’t offer as much enrichment as full or half loose. I strongly recommend using either full loose or half tile half loose.

[@brie2952]

Do you notice them out more during the day using overhead heat instead of the heat mat?

[@nightinggale6470]

I can’t speak for Emma’s experience, but yes, many geckos will be more active during the day (and in general) with overhead heating.

[@kk0922]

This was really helpful on giving me ideas for my future upgrade for my gecko :)

[@erinellisx]

What did you put in the dig box?

[@myzoo2856]

Great video love the editing to so clean and minimalist

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you! I appreciate it :)

[@myzoo2856]

@@EmmaLynneSampson 😃

[@ariannabuscemi1699]

I was just wondering what you used in the dig/dirt box? I am looking to make on too but i’m not sure what all you mixed in there

[@nightinggale6470]

Dig boxes, while better than nothing, offer nowhere near as much enrichment as loose substrate. I strongly recommend using full loose substrate, or half tile half loose. A soil/playsand or soil/sand/clay mix is best.

[@scarlettm5650]

I just got a new leopard gecko, and then I saw that you just posted this! I love the new enclosure, it looks amazing!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you! Congrats on your new friend 😊

[@scarlettm5650]

@@EmmaLynneSampson Tysm!

[@jasminahaverinen5759]

Holy shit Pepper ia cute!! 💛 I'm still waiting for my exact same exoterra vivarium for my leopard gecko 🦎 he has a juvenile tank atm cuz I wanted to give him a huge tank from the start but he was so very smol when he came home 😅 He is a big boi now and still growing so the tank will be appreciated I'm sure!

[@gamervet7793]

heres a question. If i have a heating pad. Can i just use an led uva uvb light that doesnt produce any heat??just light for the day cycle?I have 20 gallon long with a 6x8 heating pad

[@azalea._ox]

What mix of substrate did you use for her digging area? I’ve been trying to find a good one, but most I find have bad reviews.

[@nightinggale6470]

Good options include a mix that’s 60% manure-free potting soil and 40% playsand (or a soil/sand/clay mix), Exo Terra stone desert, Arcadia earth mix arid, or Terra Sahara from the bio dude. Try to get soil that doesn’t contain peat moss, since peat moss substrates are harmful to the environment. Timberline is a good brand.

[@azalea._ox]

@@nightinggale6470 tysm!

[@JRAD897]

What is the stuff you used for substrate made from? I always wanted to use reptile carpet with leos since it's so easy but I don't like the fabric and the potential for them to get their toes stuck. Is this stuff smooth? Thanks :)

[@lillianmonet5952]

It's kitchen cabinet liner!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Yes it’s smooth! It’s kitchen cabinet liner, I bought this roll from Walmart for around $10!

[@janehopper4699]

Looks amazing!!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!

[@Myselfwannabe89]

Love it! Pepper is so cute!

[@scottlee9013]

Will it be warm enough in her warm hide? Is it okay to have the heat lamp so far away from the warm hide where they will be spending most of their time??

[@nightinggale6470]

It may or may not be, depending on the wattage of the bulb, the distance between the bulb and hide, the material the hide is made of, etc. They will come out and bask when they want to. Make sure you’re measuring surface temps with a temperature gun. The basking spot should be 90-95.

[@mattholton10]

What do you use for lighting and UVB? Does it stay warm enough? Also where do you keep your thermometer and humidity meter? Sorry for all of the questions, I just really like this set up!!

[@nightinggale6470]

A PAR30 or PAR38 halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer or dimming thermostat is best for heating. Arcadia’s shadedweller is generally good for UVB, although you’ve gotta consider the distance between the bulb and basking spot, and whether it’s over a mesh lid or not. Make sure the thermometer and hygrometer are digital. A temperature gun is best for measuring surface temps. You can have two digital thermometer/hygrometer combos (one on each side), or only have one and move it around.

[@CheyenneAshley]

I use paper towel in my tanks right now for my leopard gecko, and I wanted to switch to non adhesive shelf liner since it looks nicer. But a lot of people tell me it releases toxic chemicals that aren’t good for them. Do you have any input on research you’ve done.

[@nightinggale6470]

Yes, shelf liner does release fumes when heated. It also doesn’t offer any digging enrichment, which is very beneficial for them. A suitable loose substrate such as a soil/playsand or soil/sand/clay mix is best.

[@rain5268]

This is the tank i’ll be getting in a few months for my leo

[@movedchanneltosapphire-ske8014]

My gecko is called Steve and he is a little angel who sometimes tends to be vocal, he just got hiss. New tank today and it is very large. I’m exited to spoil him with slate and rocks and branches. Would you recommend anything for a Leopard gecko that enjoys climbing?

[@nightinggale6470]

Branches, cork bark, fake plants, ledges, hammocks. Maybe a 3-D background.

[@movedchanneltosapphire-ske8014]

@@nightinggale6470 thank you!!

[@avaminnix1871]

my leo has the same tank! (also where did you get the bottom substrate that you used?)

[@ChantalsCritters]

Looks great.

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!

[@Ruby-nw4qt]

Do leopard geckos prefer loose substrate or a carpet type thing?

[@nightinggale6470]

Loose substrate all the way. A soil/playsand or soil/sand/clay mix is ideal.

[@sarahwalton5530]

Just watched this vid the setup looks great but the one thing that confuses me is leopard geckos use belly heat to digest and don’t need uvb so why did u decide to use a heat bulb n uvb when all is needed is a heat Matt/ heat pad?

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

That’s outdated/incorrect information. Overhead heating is actually incredibly beneficial to them, especially if it’s a halogen bulb as this provides UVA and UVC to the animal. Plus, when you place a piece of slate under their lamp, it warms up and also provides them with belly heat. Only using a heat pad will provide belly heat, but will not provide any UVA or ambient heat for the gecko. And while leopard geckos technically don’t need UVB to survive, it’s very beneficial to them, and my geckos use it daily so I will always chose to provide it for them. Will your leopard gecko survive with just a heat pad? Sure. But it’s really the bare minimum they can have. A halogen bulb and heat lamp provide your gecko with so much more!

[@nestorrodriguez5911]

Truly, you’re good with a heat pad if you supplement Calcium with D3. I have 2 leopards that have done incredibly well with just the heat pad and supplementation of Calcium, Calcium with D3 and a vitamin. Leopard Geckos don’t usually bask in the wild so a basking area isn’t needed as well as UVB since they are crepuscular. I recommend watching Clints Reptiles videos for a good base on leopard gecko care.

[@myzoo2856]

I have also found my geckos like a heat light better with there uvb there more active and they have better sheds and it seems to be pretty beneficial from what I have read

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

That’s awesome, I’m glad your geckos are doing well with it! I’ve definitely found that mine enjoy it as well :)

[@listentoourechoes]

What do you use for the digging box?

[@nightinggale6470]

Keep in mind that dig boxes are insufficient and honestly don’t offer much enrichment. Loose substrate is much more beneficial. A soil/playsand or soil/sand/clay mix works well.

[@LP-lk1yp]

I’ve had my leopard gecko, Leila, for a while and I really want to upgrade her viv but the only thing I’m unsure of is this- she loves to go under her reptile carpet on her heat mat and hide, but I’m also looking in getting a lamp for her if that’s better, so is it okay to have a mat and a light?

[@nightinggale6470]

You can have both a heat mat and heat lamp, but the heat mat is 100% unnecessary. A halogen flood bulb connected to a dimmer/dimming thermostat is best for heating. Carpet is not a suitable substrate unfortunately. It harbours bacteria, tends to get caught on their teeth and claws, and doesn’t offer any digging enrichment. Good options include zoo med’s reptisoil, a mix that’s 60% top/potting soil and 40% playsand (or a soil/sand/clay mix), Arcadia earth mix arid, or Terra Sahara from the bio dude.

[@reptile_road]

As a naturalistic crested gecko keeper this makes me want to curl up and scream😂

[@ryan5081]

Very cool enclosure! I dont know if it was said in the video because i did watch this while i was crafting, but what is the mixture for the digging pen?

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you! It’s a mix of exo terras stone desert substrate, and Arcadia earth mix arid

[@whistles6146]

Can anyone please help me. Where can I purchase this tank. I love it!

[@libbylou2725]

Love it!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

thank you!

[@lotion1431]

hey great video i saw that ur gecko is the same age as mine 😊

[@Decemberflake]

Funny how my gekco’s name is salt- But The age diffrence is 10 years rn-

[@MrLunchpale]

isnt the dig box loose substrate?

[@nightinggale6470]

Yes, but dig boxes honestly don’t offer much enrichment. Full (or at least half) loose substrate is ideal.

[@crazy4country123]

What is the height of your tank?

[@catielarrison2162]

Loved this video! However, I prefer the large wide as it provides extra climbing space which even my terrestrial geckos love!

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

I mentioned in this video that pepper has a neurological condition. Her balance is really poor so unfortunately she can’t climb very safely!

[@catielarrison2162]

@@EmmaLynneSampson makes sense:)

[@santoroaquatics5038]

4 comment hi Emma awesome video today I love when you set up your new reptile enclosures keep it up 👍💯💪💪💯👍💯💪💪

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

thank you so much!

[@haylievlogs850]

What are the light types you use and the fixtures you use lol :)

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

I use a 50 watt exo terra heat bulb with an exo terra dome, and the UV is a 5% zoomed Reptisun bulb in a zoomed T5 fixture

[@ozzys.geckos]

really nice set up! pepper is so cutee btw what camera do you use it's focus on tiny animals looks really good so I'm just curious :)

[@toko3411]

Nice!

[@toko3411]

Woah... that ❥ was unexpected. Im silently freaking out

[@maeb8973]

can you do a video about your lighting and heating for at least one of each your animals?

[@jimmyboyjbh9334]

Can a leopard gecko that is already 9 months old start in a tank this size? I’m asking because I get my Leo in august :)

[@nightinggale6470]

40 gallons (36x18x18”) or bigger is ideal :)

[@jimmyboyjbh9334]

@@nightinggale6470 check out the Channel I named him rango :)

[@elaineviviann]

This is so cute! What’s that substrate dirt mixture that you made?

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Exo terra stone desert substrate and Arcadia earthmix arid!

[@whos_peter_parker4253]

Does anyone know of anyone or anyplace that rehabilitates and re-homes leopard geckos in Indiana or The Midwest? I’ll take any advice please help! Thanks

[@keeliekraft9512]

aj’s reptarium in lincoln, nebraska!

[@thelastsamari7923]

So pretty

[@thisgeckogirl6575]

what breed is pepper?

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Reptiles don’t have breeds, just species. She’s a leopard gecko!

[@kunglow7]

That gecko got a swimming pool

[@sarahc.401]

Leopard geckos NEED an undertank heater to properly digest their food. Heat source has to radiate to their belly and from above.

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

That isn’t actually completely true - belly heat can be achieved without an under tank heater. Naturally heat waves are absorbed through basking in the wild, primarily from the skin on their back, tail and legs. But they also receive belly heat as the sun warms up the ground. The reason why there is a piece of slate under her basking light is because it absorbs heat, and when she basks on it she receives both belly heat, as well as overhead heating. So you don’t always need an under tank heater to achieve appropriate basking requirements

[@lisamccullough5150]

You’re so very wrong.

[@catielarrison2162]

How many geckos in total do you have?

[@chronicbackpain5471]

Idk why but I feel like sharing this, my geckos name is Charles 💀

[@kendravoracek3636]

💚💚

[@Taka-Kevz]

Thanks for this. I'm planning on getting my first gecko and this definitely helped me with some habitat ideas. Also off topic, but the song playing while you were setting up sounded like porn music🤣

[@markdavidchapman2866]

Omg you are a Kurt Affair fan

[@rockie_luvibes4369]

I have a leopard gecko too

[@skylarfoxx2811]

Under tank heating is much better for leopard geckos and they really don't need a uvb light because they are only active at dusk and Dawn

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Please read into some updated/advanced leopard geckos care. Heat pads and lack of UVB is outdated care methods

[@tacotaco307]

Hi

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Hi!

[@roberthill1907]

not putting hate out there but she dose look a little on the thin side

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Pepper is actually a very healthy weight, unfortunately the majority of leopard geckos in captivity are overweight. Their body should be nice and lean, with fat stored in the tail. Unfortunately this is an issue with most captive reptiles, and has gotten so bad that most people no longer know what a healthy weight looks like.

[@twa7183]

Leopard geckos don’t need a heat lamp they get there body heat from the bottom she needs a heat mat just don’t want any harm to the gecko!

[@nightinggale6470]

You’re going off of outdated information. Heat mats are not a good heat source, heat lamps are far 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 than heat mats. Whereas heat mats only produce IRC, which only heats the surface of their skin.

[@YoungRin-ms]

If you like dogs look up no your dog doesn't think you're the alpha sci show on KZbin

[@tbnrfrog4724]

this is horrific LOL

[@barbhelle5481]

Looks great.

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Thank you!

[@fane6154]

hi

[@EmmaLynneSampson]

Hi!