How to Keep Heat in My Leopard Gecko's Tank

Leopard geckos are hardy lizards suitable for beginners because of their simple nutritional requirements, low susceptibility to disease and small space requirements. They require a warm area of their cage in which the temperature ranges from 86 to 90 degrees. The cool side of the cage must be room temperature, ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. Without adequate heat, geckos might stop eating and develop illnesses. Proper lighting is required for sufficient heat. Although pet stores offer a variety of heating implements, tiny gaps in a gecko's tank can allow heat to escape.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass aquarium or vivarium
  • Clamp lamp
  • Heat bulb
  • Cardboard
  • Thermometer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a glass aquarium or vivarium for your leopard gecko. Plastic terrariums and terrariums with mesh sides tend to lose heat quickly. Ensure that there are no plastic attachments at the top of the cage, because the heat light can melt these or start a fire.

    • 2

      Attach a clamp lamp with a heat bulb to the top of the gecko's cage. Point the bulb straight down into the cage. Keep the bulb as close to the top of the cage as possible without actually touching the top of the cage. High-wattage bulbs are generally the most effective at heating gecko cages. Generally speaking, you'll need a minimum of 100 watts to get the heat to the proper temperature.

    • 3

      Place pieces of cardboard in any gaps in the cage. Door hinges are common locations for heat to escape. If you cannot afford an aquarium made completely of glass, cover any mesh areas of the cage with cardboard as well.

    • 4

      Keep the cage in a warm area of your house, away from windows and doors. Geckos require cooler temperatures at night, typically around 70 to 75 degrees, so it's important that the temperature be in that range with the light off. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the cage.