Leopard Gecko Setup for beginners

How To Setup a Leopard Gecko Tank!
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[@klutziekat7709]

Love how chill and down to earth you are! Just subbed, looking forward to future videos

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you! Welcome

[@garg4531]

Looks and feels like such a simple and easy setup, I love it! I thought about possibly getting a leopard gecko or corn snake some time in the future but one of my big concerns was not knowing how to set up the right sort of enclosure for them, so this was a very great tutorial! 👍

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

That means a lot thank you!

[@hda1188]

I honestly learned so much, all while getting to laugh and be thoroughly entertained by your content. Thanks for the great video.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

That means a lot thank you

[@whuttascrub6680]

I just adopted 2 leopard geckos from a friend and they came to my bf and I in quite a state and I want to do as much research as I can to properly care for them from now on THANKYOU!!

[@dark1901]

make sure they arent housed together

[@GLockandGas]

@@dark1901shut up

[@pamhouweling7141]

Thank you. Long time reptile keeper. Love your thoroughness.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you that means a lot!

[@gheckos]

I was just talking to someone about adopting their leopard gecko LOL good timing

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Haha nice!

[@squidgymossforest]

dude... i love your energy

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@dirtyyrat]

This video was very helpful. Thanks!!!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help

[@sammythai99]

Another great video. Perfect timing too. I was just thinking about redoing my leopard geckos.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Nice!

[@sammythai99]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Can you do a video on how you trained your uromastyx 🙏

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@sammythai99 yes definitely plan too

[@AlexAllenKale]

Thanks I’m actually getting a leopard gecko really soon and this looks like a great setup to use

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you very much!

[@AlexAllenKale]

I just got my bearded dragon a 120 gallon tank so I have a extra 55 gallon tank laying around so I thought why not get a leopard gecko so I watched your videos on how to take care of them and it’s pretty simple I already have all the bugs I need the lights and the substrate

[@tylerfields2368]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniverse can I get a dual dome fixture with two 75w halogen heat lamps, a thermostat, and then a shadedweller Arcadia fixture? Should I get 7% or 14% t5?

[@tylerfields2368]

​@@ChiefSweetsUniverseyou have a video on how to store bugs?

[@HelloooYall]

this guy is so good!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Appreciate ya

[@BRAWLER_BUSTER]

amazing video! definitly help. just wondering how much did it cost including the tank with everything to build this?

[@caitlinvonlau2485]

I have a couple of questions! 1. How often do you change this substrate? I read online maybe every 2 months but that seems like a long time to me. 2. Do you spot clean the tank between substrate changes? Is it easy to see what needs cleaned? 3. What plants are safe to be in a bioactive tank for a leopard gecko/are there some plants that require less work than others? Thanks for the videos, they've been super helpful! I recently was asked to take over care of a leopard gecko for someone whose circumstances won't allow them to anymore. I'm an extreme newbie and am looking for any advice!

[@ellepwnzstevedaily]

Recently found out PetSmart will damage out their leopard geckos who get too big or drop their tails, and my bff works for PetSmart. Just upgraded someone from a 40 to a 170gal, so I told the bff to keep her ears open for the next damaged out leopard gecko. Thanks for this super helpful video!

[@seanmadden5818]

I find both just has bad with there reptiles cause Petco usually cohabits them together in the same tank and Petsmart sad to see cause they look really sad I seen a Crestie at petsmart here all cramed in a small lil tank I’m sure it’s juvie size

[@ellepwnzstevedaily]

@@seanmadden5818 I can’t speak to PetSmart personally, ironically, but I was in a Petco yesterday and they had 4 beardies in one tank, 2 in another, at least 4 leos together, and 2 cresties together.

[@PikaRaichupikapika]

What do you mean by damage out?

[@ellepwnzstevedaily]

@@PikaRaichupikapika it applies more to product, but basically when something is unsellable, they’ll mark it down to the max or ‘damage it out’ meaning it’s too damaged to sell and needs to be trashed. But with animals you can’t just trash em, so they tend to adopt them out to whoever will take them.

[@user-pv3em1lc7w]

This guy is awesome! 👍😎

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you!

[@rihannadowaidi7148]

Hey I need help about if I need a lamp stand or leave it on the top!! I have a 40 gallon. 36x18x18 no animal in the tank right now

[@crazyabobus]

*yes i have leopard geckos tooo*

[@annareifer2249]

me, want to get a leopard gecko as my second reptile in a few month, now watching videos on youtube also me, a fallout fan, notice the mini nuke from fallout in the backround I think this will be the perfect video for me :) greetings from germany!

[@CadenPoynter-7]

Sorry if I missed this watching the video, what brand is the heat pad and thermostat? Thanks!

[@reesespythons]

Nice and informative video

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Thank you

[@reesespythons]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse you're welcome

[@j_siple5017]

If I live in the downstairs of my apartment where is the best pace to set up the enclosure? Near a vent or not so close to one?

[@kerriescher6000]

How often do you need to clean using this substrate and how do you clean it? Do you have to replace it all? How often? Thanks!

[@fearlessog62]

Ay I’m just saying maybe like 2 months

[@dashiaroberts]

do u recommend the “Zoo Med Reptile Shelter 3 in 1 Cave, Small” as a cheaper option for the zilla rock lair

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah that’ll work

[@don.richard8823]

Thanks for ideas! 🦎✅

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Happy to help!

[@charliecurtis8852]

Would a zilla t8 desert fluorescent bulb grow plants well and be good for a leopard gecko as well? I’ve been thinkin. About trying them but I’m not sure yet.

[@charliecurtis8852]

Update: I tried it but 2/4 of my geckos don’t like the light and it does grow plants well

[@preshticule]

do the UVB light and basking bulb both produce heat and light? and do you turn them both off at night? I have an LED bulb for light and a 75-watt heat lamp that does not produce light. no UVB. ( i give her D3 supplement) Is this set up ok??

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Basking produces heat and light. Uvb produces small amount of light. Both off at night. Yeah since you don’t give uvb it’s good you give d3 supplements.

[@aidentarantur3334]

Hi I had a Leo for 3 years now and I felt bad for keeping in a small tank and now I’m exited to upgrade

[@elyseron4838]

How long should I let my substrate set before I put my leopard gecko in?

[@fire_deer801]

Thinking about getting a leopard gecko one of my dream pets this guide is helpful I’m just taking in so much information right now for if I do end up getting one (gotta get the parents approval first) I’m just curious, is ordering online or in person better for them? I don’t have many reptile stores around me and I’d be willing to drive but I don’t know if there are any actual reliable online sites

[@ratskullz_x]

Online can be okay depending on how the store does it. Though sometimes it can go bad (and such say like the weather changes even if taken in mind by the store) and sometimes the people delivering it are dumb and don't treat it well so it would be better to get one in person in most cases but online can be a good option as long as you find a ethical place to order from. Also just a tip is that they live very long which I'm sure you know but I know some dont take that into mind.

[@nelsondiaz1891]

Link for the plug in thermostat? The other links from your lighting video were a great help.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

got you this is the thermostat amzn.to/3Tx1FiU and this is the hide amzn.to/487dgKb

[@javierjimenez2891]

So i recently got a leapord gecko and i have a uvb lamp and a heat lamp do i keep the uvb light on dueing the day or at night? Or the heat lamp off dyring the day and on at night?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Keep it on during the day. As they are mostly active at night this helps them sleep when they need to. As they need the light to let them know it’s when they sleep then when it’s off they will come out to hunt. Its ok if it’s cool at night as it’s cool for them in the wild at night as well

[@kinkykong7357]

I have a 40g and the 75w heat lamp keeps the hot side around 84-85f should I buy a 100w or is that’s fine?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah that’s ok.

[@amberbreece4730]

how hot should a tank be able to get? and when it gets really hot do u turn off the light or just spray it down with water?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I usually don’t let it get hotter than 95f air temp wise

[@DaniCocoBani]

is the heat lamp supposed to be on all day long or do we turn it off when we sleep or only when it gets too hot ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

You keep it on during the day but leave it off all night

[@jrsalazar24]

Hi there so I’m looking into getting a leopard gecko with my niece this week , i had one when i was a kid im now 23 so i just had a few questions on the heating lighting needs. So for a single gecko in a 20 gallon tank all i would need is a Heat Lamp and a Uvb light as the Arcadia ShadeDweller ? Thanks !

[@loveiffyy]

for overhead lighting you would need a heat bulb (i recommend 75w) and a linear uvb. you dont need led light unless you want to have live plants

[@jrsalazar24]

@@loveiffyy awesome thanks so much for the info, really appreciate it !!

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes that’s it. With a 20 gallon that’s pretty small so if you did get a 75 watt make sure to get a thermostat with it as well.

[@jrsalazar24]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse awesome thanks ! I did get that as well. Both lights off at night right and than both on in the morning ?

[@Bubbleplex]

How often do you have to change the soil? Sorry if it is a dumb question.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Not a dumb question at all. I change mine once a year

[@Bubbleplex]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse thank you so so much!

[@sleep_ad]

Hey man, is ok if I use repti soil only for a 40 gallon tank? If not what do I need?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh yeah that’s totally fine

[@LP-jp6fd]

Vinyl dinner mats at dollar store cut to size is a perfect substrate. No mess, easy cleaning, and waterproof. Done

[@znethan2462]

Does it harm the animal at all like can he get his nails stuck in it? Cuz i might have a gecko tomorrow 50% chance

[@Tallyyall.]

​@znethan2462 yes, do not use this comment's advice

[@LP-jp6fd]

@@znethan2462 they are perfectly safe don’t listen to the comment telling you otherwise

[@LP-jp6fd]

@@Tallyyall. have you ever used them?

[@LP-jp6fd]

@@znethan2462 They’re perfectly safe

[@carmnnss]

im very conflicted about what substrate to use, ive seen people use paper towels to prevent impaction. what's your advice to prevent impaction if i use a substrate mix? pls help lol

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I’ve used substrate for nearly 20 years and I’ve never had an issue with impaction. Impaction occurs with low temps, dehydration, improper care. So as long as you have everything right and your leopard gecko isn’t sick you’ll be ok.

[@carmnnss]

awesome thank you!

[@iswhatitis_ayy]

hiiii me again lol, when you said oh theres an isopod in there, did you take it out? if so, why?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Oh I just didn’t want him taking attention off the build cause he would be walking around and what not haha. I have isopods in all my tanks

[@ahadx99]

Hey quick question I live in Pakistan and i have a 4 ft long tank for my gecko so is it necessary for me to use a led light for her?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It’s good for their circadian rhythm. I would unless it’s a outdoor enclosure in that case then you don’t need any lights

[@sylviegenest1888]

Where do you get the Arcadia shade dweller? I have checked all the big box pet stores and none of them carry it.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I got it at petsmart but I think petsmart has stopped selling it which sucks cause it was one of the best

[@sylviegenest1888]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse I’ve tried everywhere, no luck.

[@your.dailyClips_]

What are the avg measurements for a 40 gal tank?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

36x18x18 inches

[@khristinamarie9837]

Any advice on lighting and UVB for an albino leopard gecko? My Halo hides all day and im worried she is not getting UVB. She hates bright lights.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

For a 20 gallon I would use an Arcadia shadedweller arboreal 2-4%. For a 40 gallon the regular shaddweller will be fine. Its not much uvb being pumped out and the height of a 40 would make it very low levels

[@khristinamarie9837]

@ChiefSweetsUniverse I have a 7% Arcadia. Is that too much? My tank is 30x12x16.

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@khristinamarie9837 no the shadedweller is good for 12 inch tall to 18 inch tall enclosures

[@deanjager4341]

What would you recommend for a 36x18x21 tank?

[@Atomicqueen9]

I don't recommend putting the thermostat on the inside it should go right between the glass and the heat pad if under tank heating is used. I prefer over head heating tho because it's safer and more natural

[@dangelosreptiles]

You shouldn’t even be using a heat pad in the first place you should always use overhead heating

[@joe96787]

@@dangelosreptiles but chief says if you use a heat pad set it to 100f, that's a big drop from using one and not using one

[@sleep_ad]

How did you get the humidity down for the substrate?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

It’ll go down over time it’s not a big deal. Leopard geckos actually try to find humid areas to hide lots of times

[@ColtonMcNamara-lv5rx]

Hey im getting a bearded dragon soon but i live in ohio so i dont know what wattage of heating bulb to get, can you tell me

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I’d say start with 100watts

[@edenkitlinski3929]

If I am switching my adult leopard gecko from a simple tank to a more complex tank will she get stressed out?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

As long as it has clutter not at all!

[@edenkitlinski3929]

Okay thank you so much! Amazing video by the way, love your personality. @@ChiefSweetsUniverse

[@j_siple5017]

How often do you replace the substrate?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Once every 6 months to once a year

[@void5894]

i have a 35 gal, would the uvb be too strong??

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Depends on the height. 12 inches is pretty ok for the shadedweller on top of screen

[@qwarrentine]

you should put links in the description for the items you use

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I forgot to put them in hahaha just updated sorry

[@qwarrentine]

no worries, thank you very much@@ChiefSweetsUniverse

[@Thesheeplab]

Hey can you please help me out to see if my leopard gecko is sick or not you seem like you know a lot and I need some advice

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Can you send me a dm on Instagram

[@joe96787]

So the temps have changed since last year? Correct ?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes these temps I think are the best overall.

[@joe96787]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse Need HELP- I just got a Leopard Gecko - I got a 40g tank that's for a dragon. I made two caves out of Spray insulation. On the hot side I got a a large cave about 8" round inside with a heat pad under the tank and a ceramic bulb above, a UVB in the middle and a large cold cave on the other side. The cold side cave I've added spring tails, isopod's. I got the Zoo med command running all the temps, humid, and lights with different day and night settings. 12 hours of day /night, Temp 75f night - 85f day, heat pad 86f night - 90f day, She seems ok . Is their anything I'm missing or should change? thanks

[@joe96787]

? Heat pad temp 100f and off at night, heat lamp 90f and also off at night? My house is at 70f, so the tank stays around 69-71f

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@joe96787 yeah don’t need any heat at night.

[@joe96787]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse😲 ok I'll try it. Thanks again!

[@nickolsvannatta6543]

Do you need a heat mat?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

No

[@nickolsvannatta6543]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse sick thanks

[@Zonai2013]

Is reptisand ok for leopard geckos?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Mixed with reptisoil it’s perfectly fine

[@Zonai2013]

Thank you for telling me

[@Lil42Red]

What uvb light percent t5 or t10

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

T5 7%

[@Lil42Red]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse for a 40 gallon

[@Lil42Red]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse can I use Giangarden T5 HO 10.0 UVB Lighting Combo Kit (8W) or 24 w

[@pinduckyfarms4748]

You have great advise, however I think you could learn a lot by watching some freshwater aquascaping videos. They will help you with designing a scape that appeals to the eye as well as being great for the tank mate.

[@lost_souls-6922]

Can you do a video like this for a uromastyx I want to get one but I want to be fully educated on how to take care if it before I do

[@lost_souls-6922]

I already watched your care guide by the way but I want to see how to assemble the cage itself

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes I already been filming it should be out by the end of the year! 😁

[@lost_souls-6922]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse ok thank you😁

[@lost_souls-6922]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse also can I ask what is the difference between a regular uromastyx and a ornate uromastyx everywhere I have looked I can't find an answer

[@lost_souls-6922]

@@ChiefSweetsUniverse because I am hoping to be able to get a brightly colored one preferably a red and black one

[@earth_Here]

Is a 120 gallon alr

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yeah perfectly fine! Just make sure it has plenty of decor and isn’t baron will have to use a 24 inch uvb instead of the shadedweller. And may have to go with two 75 watt heat lamps

[@fishinnewengland4807]

Definitely joining your discord, do you have a link or a name??

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes link in description

[@fishinnewengland4807]

@@ChiefSweetsUniversesweet thanks it wasn’t there before lol

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

@@fishinnewengland4807 yeah I had forgot it until you mentioned it haha

[@ZainQrix]

Bearded dragon care soon?

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Yes!

[@user-tv6jh5if3f]

How much did this cost

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Probably close to $150 altogether and that was mainly lights.

[@bobbiwallace662]

my male leo dont dig

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Sometimes they don’t but I like to offer the chance too

[@HenryDaly-mz1gj]

Hi

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Heyoo

[@DJNefarious447]

Can I use a 20 gallon for an 8 inch adult? A friend is moving and wants me to take care of his little guy Fred for the foreseeable future.

[@GLockandGas]

That makes no sense if your friend wants you to house his leopard gecko why doesn’t he give you the tank that he’s currently in?

[@LP-jp6fd]

Don’t need a 40 gal. Even for an adult. A lot of vertical space will not be used. If your space is small, you can definitely stick with a 20 gal.

[@GLockandGas]

Yeah, bullshit 40 gallon is perfect 20 is too small in my opinion. You can’t really get the biggest hides that you want in a 20 gallon

[@emmyisawesome27]

20 gallons is maybe ok for a baby but even then it should be a 20 gallon long. You need to give your animal space to move and hunnt for food. And a adult should have at least a 40 gallon i have mine in a 55 gallon long and hes thriving not just surviving

[@haileylocklear3845]

are you native american ? 🤔

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

I am!

[@bobbiwallace662]

i cant put anything in the poo corner

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Haha I forget about the poo corner.

[@natrawade5079]

can i have a leopard gecko pls

[@ChiefSweetsUniverse]

Possibly 😁

[@jch2501]

Tank=no ventilation. Terrarium only