Hi Fellow Herpers
I've recently been introduced to Leopard Geckos and have really fallen in love with the little Critters. I've done spans of reading and think I'm ready to take the next step and actually get one ( maybe more later). I've already purchased a 3 foot wooden reptile cage which I'm planning to outfit (my intention is to "shorten" it via partition for the Gecko while its small so it doesn't lose its prey. Once it is larger I'll open it up allowing it the full 3 feet to roam around in.)
I know I cannot use sand or any ingestible substrate no matter what, the last thing i want is a gecko with impaction-too cruel. So I've got 3 pieces of reptile carpet so i can do quick changes and cleans by just popping a new fresh, clean mat in the tank and thus reduce stress. obviously the tank needs thorough sterilisation once a month. Maybe two?? not sure....
Then i've got the moist and dry hides sorted with a couple of exoterra hides filled with Sphageum moss (correct spelling???? ) the one to be kept moist on the warm side and the one to be kept dry on the cool side. I've also got heating mats for the warm side, a thermometer and a hygrometer ( also bought spare matts and thermometers and hygrometers just in case...)
Do i need thermostats? or can i manually controll temperature?? Help??
Then i've got small water and feeding dishes, along with a few cans of calcium powder and vit d3 ( i've read that some people advise against d3 but others recommend it..... Any advice on this??)
Now i'm just hoping to run the tank without a Gecko just to get used to the maintainance and whatnot ( things like managing temp and humidity) before putting a Gecko in there.
So that is all i have and all I know right now.... I know there are some really experienced and knowledgeable people on this forum- Please tell me if i've left anything out or gotten anything wrong?
Many thanks