Tokay
Being a larger lizard, a 20 gallon tank is the minimum size recommended to allow enough room for the gecko to grow and to be able to properly establish a temperature gradient (75-90/days, 70-80/nights).
They do not require a UVB-producing fluorescent. For night-time heating, a non-white light heat source must be used (such as a nocturnal reptile bulb, ceramic heating element, etc) should be used. Heat provided from above the tank is preferable since geckos tend to climb up.
Provide sturdy branches for climbing, and strong potted plants can be added (artificial plants could also be used). Also provide some hiding spots using cork bark, half logs, or caves.
Orchid bark or coconut husk based substrate are good choices for their moisture retaining qualities.
A woodland setting (orchid bark from a nursery) planted with small potted plants or leafy silk branches provide hiding places and help keep up the humidity.
Humidity should be kept at about 70% (do not let it drop under 50%) by misting. The proper substrate will help retain humidity.
They may rarely be seen as they are strictly nocturnal.
A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough for 2-3 geckos, but there should only be one male per tank (and only keep males and females together if prepared to deal with offspring!). Half logs provide hiding and climbing space, as can commercial reptile caves and simple cardboard boxes. A damp hide box can help with shedding (a plastic container with a hole in the lid, with moist soil or moss inside).
Young geckos shouldn't be kept on sand, as they may ingest it and get a blockage. Paper is absorbent and easy to change, and indoor outdoor carpet works well too. Avoid wood shavings. Whatever is used, make sure it is not being ingested along with the gecko's meals.
Being nocturnal, leopard geckos require no special UV lighting. A regular incandescent bulb could be used to provide a basking spot, but leopard geckos probably prefer dimmer conditions so consider using a red bulb or ceramic heating element to provide the temperature gradient. Undertank heaters can also be used. Daytime Temperature: basking spot of 90 F (32 C) with a gradient to low 80s F (around 27 C). Night Temperature: can drop as low as mid 70s F (around 25 C)
A 10 gallon aquarium is the minimum size for a single gecko. Rock, branches, live or artificial plants, and cork bark can be used to decorate the tank. Make sure a couple of hides (caves, boxes, flower pots etc) are provided, one at either end of the temperature gradient. A small dish of water should be provided.
A substrate that retains humidity is preferred: coconut fiber, orchid bark, sphagnum moss, peat moss, or a mixture work well.
A day time gradient of 85-90 F (29-30 C) should be maintained; this can drop to 74-76 F (23-24 C) at night . Heat can be provided with undertank heat tape, and this can be suppllmented with a lamp using a bulb designed for nocturnal reptiles. Humidity should be mainitained at 50-75% by regular misting of the tank. A small humidity retreat (container with damp sphagnum moss inside) should also be provided.
As a general rule, day geckos need a tank that is tall with branches to climb. Stalks of bamboo can be placed in the tank, along with branches or live plants (snake plants, bromeliads, other tropical plants). Lots of cover and hiding spots should be provided to make the geckos feel secure. A substrate peat moss, potting soil (no vermiculite) or orchid bark can be used.
Generally daytime temperatures run between 80-89 F (27-31 C), with a drop to 70-80 F (21-27 C) at night. All day geckos need fairly high humidity, ranging anywhere from 50% all the way up to 85% depending on the species. Use of live plants and a preoer substrate will help maintain humidity levels, along with misting of the tank.
Day geckos need exposure to ultraviolet light, so UVA/UVB emitting reptile bulbs will be required. An incandescent light can be used to provide a basking spot. If more heat is needed, ceramic elements or undertank heating can be used.
A 10 gallon tank is probably sufficient for a single fat tail, but larger is better. Hides, logs, cork bark pieces, rocks, and plants can be provided.
Orchid bark, cypress mulch, coconut fiber bedding, or peat moss can be used for a substrate and will help maintain humidity. Hides, logs, cork bark pieces, rocks, and plants can be provided.
The daytime temperature gradient should be around 85-90 F (29-32 C) but can drop to 75-80 F (24-27 C) at night. Undertank heating is preferred, although a heat lamp (a nocturnal bulb works well) can be used as well if needed. No UV lighting is necessary. Humidity should be quite high (over 50%) and maintained by misting several times a week and providing a shallow water dish at all times. A humidity retreat is also a good idea (e.g. a small container with damp spaghum moss inside).
