Do leopard geckos HAVE to eat live food?

A 10- to 20-gallon aquarium houses one or two leopard geckos from hatchling to adult size. Larger tanks tend to cause the geckos to stray away from their proper heat and hide box. Although visibility is reduced, many people use plastic storage boxes as housing.

Any cage you choose should be at least 1 foot tall. Be sure to have a secure screen top on your gecko cage that will support a light fixture, provide good ventilation and keep out bothersome cats. A hide box filled with moist moss or vermiculite is needed, so your leopard gecko can shed its skin properly.

This secure setting also is needed for egg laying if you plan on breeding geckos. The best way to heat your leopard gecko is by using an undertank heating pad or tape. These are available at any pet store or online.

Heating one end of the cage is essential. This allows for a temperature variation that your lizard needs. Heat rocks tend to become too hot for leopard geckos and should be avoided due to the risk of burns.

For viewing, a simple low-wattage light can be placed overhead on the screen-cage top and left on 12 hours a day. The ideal temperature in the hide box is 86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.