🦎 Introduction

Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) are a favorite among reptile lovers for their gentle nature and easy care. But their enclosure setup matters more than most people think. A poor setup can cause stress, health issues, and even impact how well your gecko eats and moves. This guide walks you through every step to build a healthy, safe home your gecko will thrive in.

📏 Enclosure Size and Type

A single adult leopard gecko needs at least a 20-gallon long enclosure. Bigger is better, especially if you want to offer more enrichment. Avoid tall tanks — leopard geckos are ground-dwellers and need floor space, not climbing room.

Best Options:

• Glass terrariums with secure screen tops

• PVC enclosures with front-opening doors and good ventilation

• Avoid all-in-one plastic kits with bright lights or colored sand

🌡️ Temperature and Heating

Leopard geckos rely on belly heat to digest food and regulate their body temperature. They need a warm side and a cool side in their enclosure.

Temperature Zones:

• Warm side: 88 to 92°F

• Cool side: 72 to 78°F

• Night temps can drop to the low 70s, but should not fall below 68°F

Use an under-tank heater (UTH) on a thermostat for the warm side. Do not use heat rocks, as they often overheat or cause burns. Avoid overhead lights unless needed to view the enclosure.

💦 Humidity and Hides

Leopard geckos need dry air most of the time, but they also need a humid hide to support proper shedding.

Humidity Levels:

• General enclosure: 30 to 40 percent

• Inside humid hide: 70 to 80 percent

You can create a humid hide using a plastic container with a hole cut in the side. Fill it with damp sphagnum moss or paper towel. Place it near the middle of the tank so the temperature inside stays moderate.

🛏️ Substrate

The wrong substrate can cause impaction, irritation, or mold growth. Many pet stores still sell unsafe options like loose sand, which can be harmful.

Best Substrates:

• Paper towels (great for beginners and quarantine setups)

• Reptile carpet (must be cleaned often)

• Tile or slate (natural look, easy to clean)

• Packaged bioactive mixes with supervision

Avoid calcium sand, loose play sand, walnut shell, or bark chips.

🪵 Enrichment and Decor

While leopard geckos are not climbers like crested geckos, they still benefit from a varied environment. Add safe decor to create interest and offer hiding spots.

Include:

• Two to three hides (warm side, cool side, and humid)

• Shallow water dish

• Clutter like cork bark, rocks, and fake plants for cover

• Optional: food dish for mealworms, calcium cap nearby

🧽 Cleaning and Maintenance

Spot clean daily and deep clean every two to four weeks. Replace substrate as needed. Always wash hands before and after handling your gecko or cleaning the enclosure.

🧠 Extra Tips

• Leopard geckos are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk

• They may chirp, tail wag, or blink to communicate — pay attention to body language

• Always quarantine new geckos away from existing pets for at least 30 days

❤️ Final Thoughts

A well-designed enclosure does more than look nice. It gives your gecko a sense of safety, room to explore, and the right environment to grow and thrive. With good care and a smart setup, leopard geckos can live over 15 years and become a calming, delightful presence in your home.

Source:

• The Reptile Room Leopard Gecko Guide: thereptileroom.net

• Herpetological Society of America: herpsociety.org

Photo by verdian chua on Unsplash