At the beginning of being a leopard gecko lover, you might get a little stiff in setting up a new home for a pet. Why don’t you take it easy with the best leopard gecko starter kit perfecting your first time?
If you are still wondering what is included in a kit and which is a suitable choice for you, get through my page with some useful information and a list of 7 top models in the starter kit.
From that, I am sure that you would find the right one for you and your gecko.
Firstly, get quick attention to several essential knowledge related to setting up a friendly environment for animals.
What do We need for a habitat setup?
The Top-Rated Leopard Gecko Starter Kit (Recommendations)
#1. EXO TERRA ALL GLASS TERRARIUM KIT– BEST REVIEW
#2. REPTI ZOO FULL GLASS 20 GALLON REPTILE TANK – RUNNER UP
#3. REPTI ZOO 10 GALLON REPTILE TANK TERRARIUM – BEST FOR TERRARIUM
#4. ZILLA REPTILE STARTER KIT 10 – BEST STARTER KIT
#5. ZILLA TROPICAL REPTILE VERTICAL STARTER KIT – BEST FOR BEGINNER
#6. EXO TERRA OUTBACK TERRARIUM
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Guide for Leopard Gecko Starter Kit
Leopard gecko is one of the most comfortable animals to take care of.
You need to set up a proper environment for them to ensure their overall health.
Some of my below tips will help you provide a healthy, relaxing, and safe home for your pet.
These supplies include:
1. Enclosure/cages
The enclosure is what you need, like a nice and suitable house for geckos. These can be tanks, terrariums, vivariums, and aquariums.
When choosing a pet’s enclosure, you should consider your aesthetic preference, how many geckos, and available space.
And the size should be more than 60cm in length for one adult gecko and tall enough for movement.
Gecko loves to explore and climb on rocks top, hides on the plants; that is why you should choose a reasonable height for all the plant and rock decorations.
Besides, the cage should be warm; make sure it is not too big since the heat can get lost or the gecko also gets lost and could not find the warm area of its cages.
If you plan to house multiple geckos in a tank, it should have more than 20 gallons of tanks.
2. Heating
Leopard geckos need to be provided heat. It is essential to have ample heating because they could not generate their body heat.
Thus, the heat mat should be an excellent solution.
You can install the heat mat inside the enclosure and control the temp by a thermostat.
Besides, you also can use the basking lamp to maintain temp.
The temp gradient inside the vivarium is also significant because your pet needs a warm spot for digestion and adjusted body temp.
3. Lighting
Natural light cycles are the most critical part of the leopard gecko’s set up.
During summertime, they require 10 hours of darkness and 14 hours of lighting.
During winter, it is equal between darkness and lighting time (12 hours).
Some automatic timers will help you to achieve your target.
The lights can use black heat lamps and red lamps.
Leopard gecko lives at night, and they do not like the light. Thus, the UV is not necessary.
Too much white light might make the pet get stressed.
The light should be installed outside the enclosure above the lid.
4. Humidity
Supporting shedding and preventing dehydration, the leopard gecko needs the necessary humidity amount.
The ideal humidity level can be 40% or less; you can adjust the hygrometer’s humidity.
The high level of humidity can lead to susceptible infections.
For fascinating shedding, the geckos need moist boxes and humidified shelters.
5. Substrate
The substrate is the terrarium’s flooring with so many types to choose from.
Leopard geckos love to lie on the substrate for transferring the heat into bodies.
It should be flat. The sand substrate was famous, and now there are many types, from wood chipping to coconut fiber.
Even these types are not safe.
I highly suggest some slight options such as the reptile-carpet, which protects pets from swallowing.
The kitchen towels are also an excellent solution because they can easily replace and cheat even if they don’t look perfect.
Tiles, vinyl, and tile are also highly recommended as they are easy to clean, durable, and similar to rock in natural habitat. It is safe for pets.
6. Feeding dishes
The dish comes with smooth surfaces, which are excellent for keeping mealworms well and do not allow them to climb over the edges.
Tealight holder, ramekin, or some smooth dish will be the best of choices.
7. Shelter
Geckos in nature, need to find the enclosed space as the shedding, hiding, or sleeping areas.
Thus, if you can provide them with a safe place to spend time, they always feel happy. They need both the more relaxed and warmer areas to hide.
8. Decoration
Some artificial plants would be used for geckos to hide and provide more security and surface against when they are shedding.
9. Cleaning
Keeping their home clean is very crucial.
For daily schedules, remove all the debris, dead insects, shed skin, and other waste objects with fecal matter.
Then clean the water bowls and replace the substrate.
For weekly, you should clean the enclosure carefully and disinfect all the items insides such as decorations, watering items. Also, don’t forget to replace the substrate.
Noticeably, because geckos live for the night; thus, cleaning should be done during the early morning.
It will prevent you from disturbing gecko’s sleeping cycles and causing some stress.
10. Water
Clean water is essential, providing the water in the shallow and flat bowl with daily changing is very lovely.
Please don’t use the deep bowls. It can limit your gecko from accessing the water.
Best Leopard Gecko Starter Kit Shortlist (Updated List)
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
The Best Leopard Gecko Starter Kit
#1. EXO TERRA ALL GLASS TERRARIUM KIT – BEST REVIEW
Exo Terra All Glass Terrarium Kit, the best leopard gecko starter kit, features many different features and sizes, but all are constructed with great features providing your gecko with a friendly, safe, and durable environment.
This version comes with the front opening doors for easy access to maintain and feed.
It also was designed as a lock for preventing escaping, and the door will be opened separately.
The screen ventilation on top will let the UVB and infrared penetration; it is also removable for easy access to decorate and clean.
There are five closable wire/tube inlets to set up the decorations inside the tank, and the thermometer also can get closed.
The terrarium’s bottom plate mounts the substrate heater for heating the expended surface.
Besides, the additional high fixed window is ideal for thick substrates’ layers.
This terrarium is 23 gallons in size, which is excellent for up to 3 geckos. Gecko will not benefit from the height; they mostly will be inground.
Pros
- Durable and easy to access
- All glass for a visible inside view
- Roomy tank for multi geckos up to 3
- Come with the waterproof at the bottom for containing liquid waste or spills.
- Wire mesh removable top for more durability.
Cons
- Too tall for geckos
- Made from heavy glass
#2. REPTI ZOO FULL GLASS 20 GALLON REPTILE TANK – RUNNER UP
Repti zoo full glass 20 gallon reptile tank is famous for adequate space and construction, which is designed for reptiles, especially geckos.
This glass terrarium features two doors that provide more easy accessibility to pets.
Firstly, it features dual front doors for accessing only from the top and a smart locking system for more safety.
It also has a removable mesh lid, which is light and easy to clean from the top.
Its full glass structure helps to keep the pets warm and heat the substrate well.
The frame constructed at the bottom will support easy mounting the heater, and it also has the full waterproof bottom part.
Pros
- Stable and robust glass materials
- Having different sizes
- Strong stainless steel frames
- Good ventilation
- Well designed dual doors
Cons
- Heavier than the plastic and wooden cages
#3. REPTI ZOO 10 GALLON REPTILE TANK TERRARIUM – BEST FOR TERRARIUM
Comes with high-quality glass materials, it is easy to assemble, and are the outstanding features of this terrarium.
Its dimensions are 20 x 12 x 10 inches and 10-gallon capacity, which is excellent for a long-lasting house for almost all multi geckos types.
This best leopard gecko starter kit is made from high quality and durable glass with a secured lock on the above tank, which is comfortable to quickly close and open, clean, and feed your pet.
It has a full-screen top, feeding holes for allowing ventilation, light, and UVB.
This one is easy to open, close, and keep clean. Besides, the PVC tray can hold the water and substrate well.
Besides, it is straightforward to mount the light fixture inside the cage. It is effortless to install and suitable for small animals such as hamsters and geckos.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and remove
- Heavy-duty glass for great strength
- Convenient and straightforward with the lift and pull
- Excellent Key lock security for safety
- Natural appearance for pet
- Easy to keep clean, roomy and allowing interactive status
- PVC waterproof at the bottom
Cons
- Hard to slide the top in
#4. ZILLA REPTILE STARTER KIT 10 – BEST STARTER KIT
Zilla leopard gecko habitat starter kit comes with the 10 gallons, USA screened glass enclosure, and the essential things to raise juvenile reptiles such as geckos, snakes, and beardies.
This kit includes two dome fixtures and a spotlight bulb for healthy heating and black incandescent light bulbs, which stay dark, so you will not disturb their sleep.
It is also very because of the odor righting carpet substrate, which is inedible and abrasive, it would be easy to clean and keep it comfortable.
Additionally, it also includes the temp and humid gauge for maintaining the ideal habitat.
The gauge in the kit allows quick and easy read on the environment.
It has a low maintenance liner, the odor-fighting substrate, which could not be non-abrasive or digested.
Pros
- Excellent size for leopard gecko
- It was well packaged.
- Provide most of the needed things
- The excellent durability of the top screen
- It is thick and includes the lamps.
- Provided both day and night time lamp
Cons
- The daylight bulb working in less than 1 hour
- The clips locking lid does not stay in place
#5. ZILLA TROPICAL REPTILE VERTICAL STARTER KIT – BEST FOR BEGINNER
Zilla is designed for small pets as geckos.
The kit includes the glass terrarium and the accessories for creating a natural and comfortable habitat for pets.
It comes with the background, food bowl, bedding, and more.
If you are looking for an easy kit, Zilla is one of the must choose.
This leopard gecko complete starter kit has the front opening door made of glass, front locking latch, hinged screen top, locking pin.
Because of glass material, it is easy to clean.
It has a bulb and a mini halogen dome, an aluminum reflector that provides focused light and heat for pets.
Besides, it comes with an excellent food dish designed especially for a terrarium, which is easy to reach and reduces the drowning risk in small pets.
The coconut husk bedding from 100% coconut fiber is absorbent and retaining moisture for a humid tropical enclosure.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Great quick set up instructions
- Safety instructions for pet
- Textured background for offering a nice place to hide
- Come with a temperature and humidity gauge.
- Being a perfect kit for small pet
Cons
- You still need to buy some more items for completing the setup
#6. EXO TERRA OUTBACK TERRARIUM
Exo Terra outback terrarium, being great in the starter kit for a leopard gecko, being a small tank with a 20-gallon capacity, perfect for leopard geckos.
The glass front window has supported ventilation, which is useful for getting fresh air and keeping the tank warm.
Besides, it has a hand-painted 3D background creating nice, completed looks and a classic style.
The mesh on top is made of stainless steel for more durability.
Moreover, it comes with a dual design of doors for keeping your pet from escaping.
It also has closeable inlets for allowing in cords as requirements.
Pros
- Easy to access and secured doors
- Provide a good look with 3D background
- Durable product for long-lasting
- Easy to mount substrate
- Good extra climbing dimension
Cons
- The plastic lid is not very effective
#7. LARGE REPTILE TANK
This Large Reptile Tank is precisely what you are looking for small pets such as geckos.
Large is made of ABS plastic material with a large opening on top with a movable mesh.
This tank is designed to be lightweight and easy to move.
With the dimension of 19 inches in length, 10 inches high, and 10 inches deep, most reptiles from turtles, frogs, geckos to small snakes are the perfect size for most reptiles.
Its large front doors are made of high-quality acrylic allowing observation of whole insides.
Besides, the doors have built-in ventilation holes and two rotating locks.
Moreover, this is one of the most important tanks in the best features a raised platform with a food tray constructed.
Thus, if you are growing turtles, they will have a dry place for eating.
It is easy draining water with the rubber plug on the floor of the terrarium.
Pros
- Ideal for a variety of small pets
- Great movable mesh for accessories
- Easy to unclog and drain water
- Easy to clean the tank
- Lightweight for easy moving
- Being durable for long-lasting
Cons
- The mesh is not very secured.
- The thin and light plastic parts might slip off the table if it is knocked hard.
What to Consider for Buying the Best Leopard Gecko Starter Kit?
1. Enclosure materials
There is a wide range of tank materials for geckos. If you want to make a safe and comfortable habitat, it is essential.
Glass is the most common closure type, offering the best visibility, and it is also easy to clean with high durability.
The plastic cage is also a popular choice because of the lightweight and durability.
They are also prone to scratch.
Plastic material is easy to clean and offers a view of the new gecko owner.
Wooden cage is an affordable type of material.
If you don’t have a huge budget, it would be a perfect choice.
Only one small problem is that you could not see all sides, only one viewing side with the mesh at the top for ample ventilation.
2. Security
The secure enclosure should not allow geckos to escape since there are thousands of risks out there. The front of the top should be opened to fit any decorations and hides.
Cre: flukerfarms
3. Accessibility
When choosing this product, you should not forget to consider the doors.
The front opening tank would be more comfortable to access water changes, feed, and clean the removable lid design.
Besides, you also need to remove the heat lamp fixtures.
4. Moving room
The reptiles need ample space for moving around to be comfortable and happy.
When there are more pets added, you should size up the tank.
It is better to buy a larger terrarium than required for a gecko if you think you want some more in the future.
5. Durability
You must expect to have the starter kit for an extended period of use without any problem, even if you need to spend a big budget.
Commonly Asked Question About Best Leopard Gecko Starter Kit
1. Can I put the live plants in my tank?
The living plant can increase the clean level of air in the tank for improving health and breathing.
The plants added should survive in a dry environment and give off no toxins. The suggested plans include aloe, snake plants, and ox tongue.
When putting the live plant, you should add the UVB light for keeping plants alive.
2. How can I clean the tank of my starter kit pets at home?
It is easy to clean the reptile tank. As daily, you should change the water and remove all spot clean and old food.
Weekly you can remove all and give a deep clean. Change the substrate when it becomes soiled.
3. Do I need UVB light for the leopard gecko starter kit setup?
Leopard gecko does not need extra UVB light.
4. What is the best size tank for geckos?
The gecko needs at least 10 gallons. It is perfect with 20 gallons because you can grow more than one pet.
5. What is needed for the gecko’s tank inside?
You need to provide a heating mat, light, substrate, and furniture such as hide and water & food dishes.
6. What lights should be provided in gecko’s set up?
They only need light to support them and realize the day and night, so this kind of simple heating light is enough.
Conclusion
If you are reaching here, you already know where to start looking for the best leopard gecko starter kit. The full kit would require more investment but less stress and inconvenience. I would like to strongly recommend EXO TERRA ALL GLASS TERRARIUM KIT and REPTI ZOO FULL GLASS 20 GALLON REPTILE TANK come from the same famous brand, they offer the greatest quality and features on the list for fully supported. Finally, don’t be in a rush. Get the support, and enjoy your time!
Key points for the best leopard gecko starter kit:
When you’re considering getting a leopard gecko as a pet, a well-equipped starter kit is essential to ensure your pet’s health and comfort. Here’s a guide with key points to help you choose the best leopard gecko starter kit:
1. Enclosure:
- Size Matters: Opt for a spacious glass or plastic enclosure. A 20-gallon long tank is an ideal starting size for one leopard gecko.
- Security: Ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent escapes.
2. Heating and Lighting:
- Heat Source: A heat mat or under-tank heater should cover one-third of the enclosure floor. This provides a warm basking area and a cooler zone for thermoregulation.
- Day-Night Cycle: Install a day-night lighting system with a timer. Leopard geckos require a consistent light schedule.
3. Substrate:
- Substrate Options: Choose safe substrates like reptile carpet, paper towels, or non-adhesive shelf liner. Avoid loose substrates like sand to prevent impaction risks.
4. Hide Boxes:
- At Least Two: Provide at least two hide boxes – one for the warm side and one for the cool side of the enclosure. Leopard geckos need hiding spots for security and thermoregulation.
5. Hydration:
- Water Bowl: Include a shallow water bowl for drinking and soaking. Ensure it’s accessible and cleaned regularly.
6. Feeding Accessories:
- Food Dish: A small, shallow dish for mealworms and other insects.
- Calcium Dish: A separate dish for calcium powder for dusting insects.
7. Thermometers and Hygrometers:
- Temperature Monitoring: Install thermometers and hygrometers to measure both the warm and cool sides of the enclosure, as well as humidity levels.
8. Substrate Cleaning Supplies:
- Spot Cleaning: Have tools for spot cleaning substrate, such as a scooper or tweezers.
- Full Cleaning: Be prepared for occasional full enclosure cleanings with appropriate cleaning supplies.
9. Starter Kit Options:
- All-Inclusive Kits: Consider buying a complete leopard gecko starter kit from reputable manufacturers. These kits often include the essential components mentioned above.
10. Feeding and Supplements:
- Food: Purchase gut-loaded insects (like crickets or mealworms) for feeding your leopard gecko. Ensure variety in their diet.
- Supplements: Invest in high-quality calcium and vitamin supplements for dusting insects.
11. Handling Equipment:
- Leopard Gecko Handling: Get a gentle approach for handling your gecko, such as a soft reptile handling glove or a small reptile tongs.
12. Reference Materials:
- Leopard Gecko Care Guide: Acquire a leopard gecko care guide or book for reference. This helps you understand their specific care requirements.
13. Regular Vet Care:
- Veterinary Contacts: Research and establish a relationship with a reptile-savvy veterinarian for routine check-ups and potential health concerns.
14. Time and Patience:
- Learning Curve: Understand that leopard gecko care requires a learning curve. Take the time to educate yourself and provide the best care for your pet.
Conclusion:
A well-equipped leopard gecko starter kit is essential to provide a comfortable and safe environment for your new pet. Ensure that the enclosure size, heating, lighting, substrate, hide boxes, and other accessories meet the needs of your leopard gecko. Whether you opt for an all-inclusive kit or assemble the components separately, thorough preparation is key to providing a happy and healthy life for your leopard gecko.
Further Reading:
