setup........

[Ixidor]

I was wondering whether I should have a terrarium set up before I purchase the leo and what substrate you guys use. I read all you guys talking about tile/slate and eco earth or bed a beast..........................which is the best for juvies?

[Tim and Julie B]

Yes you should have your cage set up before purchasing a leo:D Good question! For juvies the best way to start them off is on paper towels. Once they mature then you can safely switch them to another substrate. I like the tile, hate the bed a beast/eco earth. Crickets and mealies breed in that stuff like crazy, and all those tiny bugs will bother your gecko a lot. Be sure to heat only one side of the cage and keep the other end cooler. Also be sure to provide a humid hide in the middle. :D

Julie

[Ixidor]

Thanks Julie

[crazyboy]

yes have the enclosure all set up and use paper towel. It is really easy to clean:-)

If you have any other questions be sure to post

[drewlowe]

If it's a juvi you could use paper towels but if your wanting that more natural look then slate tiles will work also. With slate tiles there's no chance of impactation so it's safe for babies and juvies.Oh and having the setup done before you get the leo is VERY important make sure all the temps are good and just having it setup and ready to go for him/her when they come to their new home so they don't have to sit in that deli cup or whatever is used. Plus you'll have a little more time to observe them in thier new home cause you didn't have to spend that time seting up the enclosure.

Julie i have only found bed a beast and similer product will only allow the crickets to breed if the product is kept moist all the times. Mealworms are another thing they can breed SO freaking easy!!! LOL

I've used bed a beast for my snakes, tarantula, and for my leos and have never had a bad problem with them. I have had crickets breed in them (only my leo enclosure) but i solved that by only misting the cage when one of the leos where in shed that way the crix. didn't have the oppritunity to breed also by making sure the water bowl didn't spill over or when i would poor water in make sure i hit the bowl and not the substrate. My tarantula has never had crix. breed in her enclosure (that could be cause she will eat them as fast as i can put them in).

[bob_thesnowman]

definately go with either the paper towel or slate,personally i like to use the back side of a green rubberized mat,and as everyone else suggested setting up your tank first would definatly be a good idea,get all the supplys you need set it up the way you like it,and check your temps before you get him,hope that helped?

[Ixidor]

Thanks all

Ixidor

[Tim and Julie B]

Ah yes Drewlowe:D, but just try to discourage digging leos to not tip over the water dish! Messy little buggers:D

Julie