Leopard gecko setup

[bman123]

I have always liked leos but ive never owned one. I've owned iguanas, Savannah monitor but not a gecko. I found a sweet deal on a male raptor, under $75 locally. I need some help with the set up tho. I don't have the gecko yet but I'm hoping to get him this weekend.

I'm getting a 30 gallon tank and a 10 gal tank. I'm saving the 30gal incase I want to breed later so I'm using the 10 gal for now. I am getting a small zoo med uth with it but I can't afford a tstat. I had a rheostat for a ball python before and I had a hard time controlling temps with it.

I need tips for controlling the temp with a rheostat/ dimmer. I want to use play sand for substrate as it's a display. The gecko has always ate mealworms from a dish so he won't be missing his food and ingesting sand. I like the idea of sand as I can adjust the depth of it to play with the temps.

I have hides and spaghnum moss for a humid hide, I have a tupperwear water bowl, I have a dish for calcium and a dish for mealworms. I think I'm gonna need a lamp for heat on the cool side. I need one for the ball python before to keep up ambient temps. I would rather use a lamp for heat as it is easier to control then the uth.

I mean I can put it on timer so it's not on all day, plus it will be a red bulb not a basking light. Please help out and chime in guys. I want to get the tank all setup tomorrow so it's running for 2 days before I get the Leo.
I'm goin to walmart for a accurite thermometer first thing also...

[CoolioTiffany]

This is the cheapest thermostat. I have two of these and really do like them

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75

[bman123]

I've used just a bulb before for the monitor and the ball python and I had no problems with controlling the heat. I think with the Leo it will be easier for temps since humidity is not a big deal. I will have the humid hide for that.

I will invest in a tstat sooner or later. I just don't have the money for one now. I think digestion will be fine with the lamp as the gecko will know where the warm side is just like a uth it will be on one side of the tank.

I just don't wanna play hell with a rheostat and a uth again like I did before. It should be easier tho this time around as I can really play with the depth of the sand. Once again thanks guys...

[bman123]

I've seen those before locally at petsma€{ before for $25 but isn't it just a rheostat??

[CoolioTiffany]

I used a heat lamp and had one fat healthy Leo.

I only gave her a humid hide when she was shedding. She had absolutely no humidity problems and ate like a pig

Good luck with your gecko

[bman123]

I had to use a uth and a bulb when I had the ball python set up, so I will probably have to do that again. I don't want to but at least with the Leo I can play with the depth of his substrate.

I wish the uth would only get so hot like 90 degrees that would make it alot easier lol..