Leopard geckos are a very reasonably sized lizard compared to other lizards in the hobby. An adult leopard gecko can live a comfortable life in a 36x18x16 enclosure – also called a 40 gallon breeder by a lot of enclosure manufacturers. Juvenile leopard geckos can be started off in a smaller enclosure than a 40 gallon breeder. A 20 gallon is preferred for reasons we will get to in the Temperature section of this guide, but a 10 gallon can work if set up correctly.
Because leopard geckos are terrestrial, always prioritize floor space over height. An enclosure that is taller than it is long would be more suitable for an arboreal gecko species such as a crested gecko. A bigger enclosure is never a bad thing, as long as it is set up properly!
A front opening glass enclosure works very well for leopard geckos. This species is sensitive to objects – like hands – approaching from above. Front opening enclosures allow the leopard gecko to see your hand going towards them, which is less likely to trigger a fear response.
There are two distinct schools of thought regarding substrate (ground covering) for leopard geckos – loose (such as dirt and sand) and non-loose (such as tile) substrate. Both can be done correctly and have their advantages and disadvantages, so we will cover both in this guide.
Leopard geckos are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active around dawn and dusk, but this does not mean they do not need lighting at all. They need a 12/12 light cycle – meaning 12 hours on, 12 hours off. This will not only help with their circadian rhythm, it will allow temperatures to fall during evening hours, replicating their natural environment. If using overhead heating, simply add a timer to have the lights be on for a 12/12 schedule.
Never use a red light. They are often sold in pet stores as a nighttime heating option, but red lights are known to cause damage to the leopard gecko’s eyes and disrupt their day/night cycle.
The usage of UVB for leopard geckos is a hotly debated topic. Some say it is absolutely necessary to provide UVB, and some say it is not needed. In our experience, leopard geckos do not technically need UVB but it is extremely beneficial to the animal. It is a natural way for the gecko to get vitamin D3, which allows them to process calcium. We recommend providing a low-output T5 strip UVB bulb that covers about ½ of the enclosure. Avoid the coil UVB bulbs, they provide very intense output in only one spot which can cause burns. The UVB should match the lighting schedule.
Note – albino leopard geckos have more sensitive eyes and will need more shady spots or dimmer lights in their enclosure.
Leopard geckos are a shy species that do best in an enclosure with a lot of clutter and hiding places. There should be at least one hide in each of the three temperature regions of the enclosure. The cool and hot side hides are straightforward, the hide in the middle of the enclosure will be dedicated to being the humid hide.
Humid hides have some sort of material inside that holds moisture. Popular options for this material are sphagnum moss and paper towels. These should be moist, not soaking, and left in the hide to create an isolated area of increased humidity which is needed when the leopard gecko sheds.
Leopard geckos are insectivores, meaning they eat only insects and no plant matter. They need a variety of live insects to sustain their needs. To get an idea of an appropriately sized feeder, feeders should be no wider than the distance between your gecko’s eyes. Freeze-dried insects are not appropriate for leopard geckos because they lack the necessary nutrition. Do not leave insects in your leopard gecko’s enclosure unattended, some feeders can bite your gecko!
Gutloading is the process of feeding the insects about 24 hours before feeding the insects to your gecko. This makes the insects more nutritious for your gecko. Supplementing the feeder insects with calcium powder is also necessary, and we will go into more detail on this in the next part of our guide.
It is very important to perfect the setup of your leopard gecko’s enclosure before you purchase or adopt your new pet. The first few weeks may be challenging for your gecko while they adapt to the drastic change of their environment.
Avoid handling your leopard gecko for the first week or so. Slowly start spending time near their enclosure so they can get used to you and know you are safe. Some leopard geckos may refuse food for the first few days due to stress, this is normal and not a huge concern if they are not losing weight.
If you have other reptiles, always quarantine your new pet away from your other reptiles. This will prevent the spread to your other reptiles of parasites or disease if your leopard gecko is ill. Always wash hands thoroughly between handling your new leopard gecko and your other pets.
Leopard geckos are popular pet reptiles, appreciated for their relatively small size, easy care requirements, and docile temperaments. When setting up a leopard gecko habitat, one of the most important decisions is which substrate to use. The substrate, or lining on the floor of the tank, needs to be safe for leopard geckos to walk on and should not pose any health risks if accidentally ingested. One substrate option that many leopard gecko owners have had success with is shelf liner.
What is Shelf Liner?
Shelf liner is a type of thin flexible plastic material that is commonly used to line shelves in homes, offices and other spaces. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. The most important feature of shelf liners for leopard gecko substrate is that it should be non-adhesive. Adhesive-backed shelf liners are not suitable, as the adhesive chemicals could potentially leach toxins into a leopard gecko’s tank. However, non-adhesive shelf liners simply rely on friction to stay in place, making them a safe option.
Pros of Using Shelf Liner as Leopard Gecko Substrate
There are several advantages to using non-adhesive shelf liner as a substrate in leopard gecko enclosures
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Easy to clean Shelf liner is smooth and simple to wipe down or wash to remove waste, shed skin, and other debris This helps maintain good hygiene in the tank
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Affordable: Buying shelf liner is an economical option compared to some other leopard gecko substrates. A single roll can cover the floor of multiple tanks.
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Range of options: Shelf liner comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. This allows for customization of the look and feel of the tank.
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Prevents ingestion: Smooth shelf liner prevents leopard geckos from accidentally ingesting loose substrate, which could cause impaction.
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Allows removal of feeder insects: Live insects can’t get trapped underneath shelf liner, allowing for easy removal of uneaten feeders.
Cons of Using Shelf Liner as Leopard Gecko Substrate
However, there are also some potential disadvantages to keep in mind:
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Unnatural appearance: Shelf liner lacks the naturalistic look of substrates likesoil, sand, or coconut fiber.
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Can breed bacteria: Without thorough cleaning, shelf liner can allow growth of harmful bacteria. It needs to be disinfected regularly.
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Doesn’t wear down nails: Leopard geckos need substrate they can dig in to help wear down their nails. Shelf liner does not offer this benefit.
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May be slippery: Some textures of shelf liner can be too smooth, causing slipped geckos. Options with grip can prevent this.
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Can’t burrow or dig: Leopard geckos enjoy burrowing and digging in substrate. Shelf liner does not allow this natural behavior.
Key Considerations for Using Shelf Liner as Leopard Gecko Substrate
If you want to use shelf liner in your leopard gecko tank, keep these key tips in mind:
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Only use non-adhesive shelf liner. Adhesive could leach chemicals into the tank.
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Avoid shelf liners with holes or ridges. Leopard gecko claws could get caught.
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Select textured shelf liner with grip to prevent slipping.
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Use under tank heaters properly by raising the tank off the liner.
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Disinfect and clean the liner regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
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Replace the liner every 2-3 months to prevent accumulation of waste, oils, etc.
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Consider adding dig boxes with appropriate loose substrate for burrowing and nail filing.
Using Shelf Liner With Under Tank Heaters
Many leopard gecko owners use under tank heaters (UTH) to provide a heat gradient in the tank. This involves adhering a heating pad underneath the tank. It’s important to make sure UTHs are used safely with shelf liner:
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Always raise up the tank slightly off the UTH rather than sitting it directly on top. This allows heat dissipation and airflow.
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Choose a UTH with an adhesive backing to keep it securely in place under the tank.
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Make sure to regulate the UTH properly with a thermostat to avoid overheating.
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Monitor temperatures carefully, especially the floor temperature over the UTH.
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Follow directions to ensure the UTH is mounted properly before use.
Alternative Substrates to Shelf Liner
While shelf liner can certainly be used, there are some other popular substrate options for leopard geckos as well:
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Reptile carpet: Special reptile carpeting provides traction without risk of ingestion. It also comes in naturalistic designs.
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Paper towels: An inexpensive, disposable option that is easy to replace when soiled. Best for juveniles.
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Tile or slate: A textured, solid option that retains heat and is easy to clean.Allows leopard geckos to file nails.
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Coconut fiber: Provides a naturalistic, diggable substrate, but must be prepared properly to avoid impaction.
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Bioactive setups: Contain live plants and cleanup crew insects to create a naturalistic vivarium ecosystem.
Ultimately, shelf liner can be an affordable, easy-care substrate option for leopard geckos. But proper precautions must be taken, and alternatives should be considered to allow for natural gecko behaviors like burrowing. Shelf liner is just one potential substrate choice out of many for these popular pet reptiles. Carefully weigh the pros and cons when making decisions for your leopard gecko’s tank setup. Their habitat has a major impact on overall health and quality of life as a pet.
Bad Loose Substrates
There are a few loose substrates that should be avoided at all costs.
- Calcium Sand – the bane of the reptile keepers’ existence. It is often pushed by pet stores, but can induce a devastating medical condition called impaction. Most reptiles can sense when they need more calcium in their bodies, so they will consume the calcium sand which is not digestible and often not passable. This causes clumps in their stomachs and digestive systems and will often lead to death. Even if the animal does have enough calcium, the risk of them consuming any calcium sand is high enough to emphasize the importance of never using this substrate.
- Only Sand – leopard geckos do live in desert environments, but they do not live in strictly sandy environments. Their natural environments are rocky and a blend of dirt and sand. Their bodies are not evolved to handle loose sand at all times, and it is difficult to maintain tank parameters with 100% sand substrate. The risk of impaction is also higher with exclusively sand substrates.
- Walnut Shells – this substrate has a lot of jagged pieces and can cause serious internal injuries if ingested.
- Wood Shavings or Chips – these are not appropriate for leopard geckos for similar reasons as the walnut shell substrate above, and does not mimic their natural environment or allow good husbandry.
Ideal Loose Substrates
A staple loose substrate for leopard geckos is a 70:30 mixture of organic topsoil and children’s play sand. Make sure that when purchasing these substrates that they are free of chemicals or added fertilizers. Children’s play sand is the safest option as it meets this criteria. This mixture’s consistency allows for the gecko to display natural behaviors while remaining inexpensive and easy to maintain.
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FAQ
Is shelf liner bad for leopard geckos?
Shelf liner is not recommended at all. It is unnatural and can emit VOCs when heated.
What do you line a leopard gecko tank with?
topsoil sand mix is the way to go with leopard gecko subs. You can add in lots of large rocks in the enclosure as hiding/basking spots. It simulates there natural environment much better than pure sand or a hard substrate.
What do leopard geckos use as bedding?
Pre-washed, silica-free play sand or fine-grain dune sand like Jurassic Reptile Substrate and Zoo Med ReptiSand (linked above) is perfectly safe to use with leopard geckos, although I do recommend mixing it with organic topsoil unless you have a way to pack it down.
What do leopard geckos love the most?
Leopard geckos love bugs. In fact, many are so crazy for bugs that they will eat any insect you put in front of them.
Is shelf liner necessary for leopard geckos?
Shelf liner can benefit leopard geckos as it mimics the roughness of their natural habitat, providing them with a sturdy and secure platform to tread on. However, it is not as realistic as bioactive surfaces and can help in breaking and digesting trash and organic debris, lowering odor and reducing substrate changes.
What is a good substrate for a leopard gecko tank?
One of the most popular substrates for its ease of use, reptile carpet is a safe and attractive substrate for leopard gecko tanks. I recommend Zilla Terrarium Liner. Zilla Reptile Terrarium Liner, Odor Reducing, Non-irritating, Ideal for Juvenile Reptiles and Desert LOW-MAINTENANCE AND EASY TO CLEAN, perfect for beginner pet owners.
What kind of bedding do leopard geckos require?
Leopard geckos require suitable bedding for their well-being and safety. Recommended options include reptile carpet, tile flooring, or bioactive substrates. The choice of substrate depends on factors like age, health, and personal preferences.
How do leopard geckos make their own substrate?
Leopard gecko owners create their own naturalistic substrates by mixing various materials. They use a combination of materials to personalize the enclosure and mimic the gecko’s native surroundings. The components and amounts of a DIY blended substrate can affect its absorbency, hygiene, and cleaning.
Can you use paper towels as a leopard gecko substrate?
To use paper towels as a leopard gecko substrate, you need to: Choose unscented and unbleached paper towels that do not contain any chemicals or dyes. Line the bottom of the enclosure with a layer of paper towels, ensuring they cover the entire surface. Change the paper towels regularly, at least once a week or whenever they become soiled or wet.
How do you hide a leopard gecko?
Coconut fiber, also known as coir or coco husk, is another excellent substrate option that provides hiding opportunities for your leopard gecko. Coconut fiber substrate is best used in the moist hide area of your leopard gecko’s enclosure. Be sure to keep it damp but not soggy to prevent molding.