Leopard Gecko Care: The Perfect Beginner Reptile Setup
Why Leopard Geckos Make Great Starter Reptiles
Ground-dwelling, mostly nocturnal, compact, and they don't require the elaborate lighting setups many other lizards demand. If you're new to reptile keeping, this is one of the best places to start.
Temperature Zones
- Warm hide floor: 88-92°F (heat mat on a thermostat)
- Cool side ambient: 70-75°F
- Always use a thermostat — never plug a heat mat directly into the wall
Current research increasingly supports low-level UVB (T5 6% or 5.0) on a 10-12 hour cycle for long-term health benefits.
Three Hides Rule
Warm hide, cool hide, and humid hide. The humid hide — a plastic container with moist sphagnum moss — is critical for healthy shedding. Without it, shed sticks to toes and causes constriction that leads to digit loss.
Substrate for Juveniles
For juveniles, avoid any loose substrate. Paper towels, reptile carpet, or tile are all safe options.
