Foreshadowing

[shootingstar26]

Hey forum

I was thinking of just getting a leopard gecko at the next reptile show (In november at pasadena) and I just wanted to prepare for its arrival. I already read the caresheet, but I wanted to clarify a few things.

I have a tank that's the same dimensions as a 10g, just half the height - is this still acceptable?

I have a 10-20g UTH, but the edges aren't sticking as well as the center...can I still use it?

I already have two hides - can I just use moss to make one of them a humid-hide?

[Clementine_3]

The height should be fine, you will need a screen cover (or something) though, Leo's can climb! I would make sure it locks somehow, they are strong and persistent and an escape would not be totally out of the question if it's a loose fitting top.

Get some aluminum tape (Walmart, hardware) and tape the edges down. I love aluminum tape. lol

It would be optimum to have a warm dry hide, a cool dry hide and a humid hide on the warm side. You can use a tupperware type container for the humid hide, just cut a hole in the front. I like to use paper towel in mine, it stays moist and is super easy to clean/change...I worry about moss type stuff molding and being ingested. I'm a worry wort from way back though

[Clementine_3]

Silly auto-correct, that should be "worrywart". lol

[jfreels]

I'd stay away from the moss as well. I started using it for a lay box and the stuff molded quickly. Though I didn't have much success with paper towel myself either. Though it may be the humidity in my room, but I have never needed a humid hide. Once or twice I have seen stuck shed on the toes and it came off pretty easily with a moist q-tip. Not saying that you won't need one, but I have found that I don't with the environment that they are in.

I do keep my reptile room at 80 F and it's usually 40% humidity.

Be sure to post pics!

[shootingstar26]

and the UTH? is that still usable? It functions just fine, the edges just don't stick as well as the rest.

[Clementine_3]

If the uth is in good working order then tape it on...that's what I meant by aluminum tape. All of mine are taped on, they lose their stick after a while.

[shootingstar26]

OH, gotcha! Thanks. =]

I forgot to mention that I have a sliding screen on it already, and for some reason I thought you meant to tape the screen to help with the temperature.. I'm not sure why I thought that. xP Actually, on that note, do you recommend covering the screen?

[Clementine_3]

Yeah, I wasn't clear about the tape...I knew what I meant
It depends on your room temperature really, I have all my Leo tanks covered with some plexi-glass but it gets pretty cool (and dry) in the winter, it helps keep the heat in. If it's warm enough there shouldn't be a need to cover them, see how it goes and partially cover them if you need to.