reptile cave

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March 11th, 2007 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

reptile cave
Leopard Gecko Questions?

I am going to be getting a pair or leopard gecko's in the next month or so. At the moment I am building my own tank. 20''W X 20"H X 36"L - about 65 gallons. I am making a wet hole and an extra cave using tile grout. The “half wall” that the caves are set in to will take up a good amount of space.. but they will be able to use ramps to get above the caves as well. My question is what kind of under heater (heat mat) should I use and how do I use them. The 3 sides of the tank will be treated wood as well as the bottom/ top and the doors plexi-glass (yes, I am putting vents in the wood) . Is it okay to use a heating mat in this kind of enclosure and what can I put it under so you can't see it? I want the cage to look as natural as I can get it with out sacrificing the Leo's comfort. I have never used a heat mate before so I have no idea. Plus I normally us reptile carpet is that ok to use w/ a heat mat?

One more question. What kind of lights do you suggest for a Leo?

Under tank heaters are usually placed under the tank, I'm not sure how well it would transfer heat through the wood....and they also need spacing underneath the tank to allow air circulation, you would need to have the tank raised up off from whatever it is sitting on a bit. I do not recommend placing them inside of the tank, as they really are not meant to be waterproof and may get wet/soiled inside of the tank. Calci-Sand or any particulate substrate really should NOT be used for Leos, as they can and do end up ingesting it, which can lead to impaction and death. Even that Calci-Sand is NOT as digestible as they would lead you to believe, and reptiles can and do die from it.

One thing you may consider is using Flexwatt heat tape, placed on the floor of the enclosure, and then placing ceramic tiles over the top of that, and sealing the edges. I have seen that done, and it works very well. Since Flexwatt was originally manufactured for radiant floor heating, it does not require air space, and heat very evenly and effectively. You could run the wires through the bottom, and naturally, it must be used on a thermostat (as all UTH should) to avoid overheating. The ceramic tile is an ideal substrate for Leos as well..it is easily cleaned, holds heat, and can be purchased in very natural looking colors.

Leos do not require any special lighting, as they are nocturnal critters. If you want to mount a light inside the enclosure, I would just use a small Fluorescent light, set on a timer to keep a normal day/night schedule.