How to Set Up a Leopard Gecko Terrarium

Leopard geckos are one of the easiest pets to take care of, as they require little maintenance. Creating a leopard gecko's home requires little effort and can be done in a matter of minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • 10+ gallon terrarium
  • Substrate (sand, newspaper, artificial turf, shredded paper towels)
  • Food dish
  • Water dish
  • Decorative items (artificial vines, sticks, rocks, climbing wall)
  • Hiding box (small box, rock hut)
  • Shed box (plastic container with lid)
  • Artificial moss
  • Spray bottle with water
  • Heat lamp
  • Substrate heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the substrate heater on the bottom of the terrarium on the opposite side of where the leopard gecko's hide box will be.

    • 2

      Put the substrate in the terrarium. It should be about 2 inches thick.

    • 3

      Place the leopard gecko's hide box in the corner of the terrarium away from heat sources. This is where it will go to sleep.

    • 4

      Put water in the gecko's water dish and place it somewhere in the terrarium, away from his home. Do the same with the food dish.

    • 5

      Pour artificial moss into the plastic shed box container. Cut out a small opening in the lid of the container. Look for and fix sharp edges that may injure the gecko. Spray the moss with water using a spray bottle to create a humid shed environment. Place the lid on the container.

    • 6

      Cover the container with the substrate in order to hide it, but keep the opening visible so that the gecko can find and climb inside the shed box.

    • 7

      Place a large rock in the center of the terrarium so the gecko can bask in the heat when it feels the need.

    • 8

      Decorate the terrarium with items like vines, artificial plants or a climbing wall.

    • 9

      Place the gecko inside.