help with LEO's

[shadraak]

was going to build a cage like on the site out of tubs for both some leo's and my new BP i will be getting will go with overhead lighting/che's on them but would
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=40
work for a leo setup? if so how big of one should i get for 3-4 leo's looking to get a male and a few females or just a few females for now.

[gmmuscle91]

About a 20 gal. size (30x10 i think) should work for 3-4 leos. it doesnt need to be higher than about 6 in but can be.

[shadraak]

ok but plastic with overhead lights should work fine aslong as i can keep temps right?

[gmmuscle91]

you will want to cut a hole in the lid and then cover with some window screen or something similar because the overhead lights will melt the plastic. if youre getting one for your bp then i would recomend a uth instead of a heat lamp.

[mlededee]

belly heat is better for leos but if you can keep a good heat gradient with the light it should be ok. the lamp will dry things out a bit so make sure you provide a humid hide at all times to aid in shedding.

[daniel1983]

You really dont need overhead lights....leopard geckos are nocturnal. Under tank heaters will work much better.

Here is our caresheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....ewarticle&id=8

[gmmuscle91]

belly heat is better for leos but if you can keep a good heat gradient with the light it should be ok. the lamp will dry things out a bit so make sure you provide a humid hide at all times to aid in shedding.

good point

[shadraak]

yes i know this, but onlything i have is a human heating pad, and that's being used right now lol, drying out is not a problem used to misting my RTB cage and a hide box is already made i dont have any leo's yet hehe. and i mean completely off of those instructions (they show you how to cut the hole and everything for the lamps and screen it)

[daniel1983]

why not buy a UTH if you don't have one? They work the best with leos and you want to provide the best...right?

Just because the DIY guide has lamps does not mean that you have to put them....I have built tons of enclosures and have kept snakes, lizards, mice, and rats in them. Putting a quality UTH on the bottom of the enclosure is alot easier and CHEAPER than constantly spending money on bulbs.

[shadraak]

because i dont have any or a way to regulate the temp , no thermostat, was gonna test some flexwatt on a dimmer switch does anyone have a 1ft section of 11" flex i can experiment with?